Working Title: Operations Manager
Job Class: State Program Administrator Manager Senior
Agency: Transportation Dept
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Job ID: 96035
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Location: Detroit Lakes
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Telework Eligible: Yes
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Full/Part Time: Full-Time
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Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
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Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
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Date Posted: 08/05/2026
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Closing Date: 08/25/2026
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Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Transportation Dept / Transportation-Managerial
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Division/Unit: Operations Division / District 4/Maintenance Operations
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Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
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Days of Work: Monday - Friday
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Travel Required: Yes/No
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Salary Range: $44.80 - $64.46 / hourly; $93,542 - $134,592 / annually
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Classified Status: Classified
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Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
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FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
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Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Minnesota Department of Transportation does not sponsor applicants for work visas or Optional Practical Training Extensions for STEM Students. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the US at the start of employment.
The District Maintenance Operations Manager leads and oversees all maintenance operations for MnDOT District 4, including snow and ice response, pavement and drainage preservation, traffic maintenance services, fleet management, roadside and landscape maintenance, freeway operations and expanding the safety culture. The role manages approximately 180 employees and significant operational budgets while ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient transportation infrastructure across 12 counties.
This position provides strategic planning, directs 24/7 field operations, advances sustainability and innovation, ensures compliance with laws and policies, and strengthens asset management and performance outcomes. As a member of the District Management Team and statewide operations groups, the manager helps shape maintenance policies and best practices.
Please note: This position is located in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota and has the flexibility to telework up to 2 days per week or work in the office every day. The incumbent will be required to make a telework arrangement with their supervisor. The incumbent will be expected to work in the office as determined by policy, business need and discussion with their supervisor.
Two (2) years of managerial experience OR three (3) years of professional level supervisory OR four years of advanced professional experience related to transportation system construction, maintenance and operations.
If you meet the above requirements, you must provide a two-page cover letter summarizing your experience in the areas listed below. Attach your cover letter and resume to the online application. Your application will not be considered if you do not submit the required cover letter.
Leadership: Leadership and managerial skills sufficient to guide a large, multi-disciplinary operations workforce; set district-wide goals; implement strategic staffing and performance management while also fostering a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and high-quality service delivery.
Technical: Technical expertise in transportation maintenance operations, including areas such as snow and ice management, pavement and drainage preservation, traffic maintenance services, fleet lifecycle management, freeway operations, and asset management systems.
Policy Development and Budgeting: Experience developing and implementing operational policies, procedures, and long-range plans; and strong fiscal management experience overseeing a large complex budget and allocating resources.
Communications/Human Relations: Strong communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to work effectively with staff at all levels, senior leadership, external agencies/officials, and the public with a high level of negotiation and conflict management skills.
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Experience managing a complex multimillion-dollar operational budgets
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Extensive transportation maintenance operations experience
- Policy development and strategic planning experience.
REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS:
**Successful candidate must pass past-employer reference checks and criminal history check**
It is our policy that all candidates submit to a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
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SEMA4 Records Check
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Criminal History Check
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Employment Reference Check
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Education/License Verification
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
If you have questions about this position, contact Harry Fitzgerald at [email protected]
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Harry Fitzgerald at [email protected].
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
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Connection with their coworkers and communities
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Opportunities for personal and professional growth
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
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Diabetes care
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Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
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Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
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Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
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Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
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Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
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Training, classes, and professional development
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Tuition reimbursement
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
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A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
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Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
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Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and let us know the support you need.
Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) encourages participation in all its programs, services and activities and does not discriminate against qualified applicants with disabilities. Anyone who believes they may need a reasonable accommodation in order to fully participate in the job application, interview or selection processes may contact any agency official with whom applicant has contact in the processing of their employment application to request an accommodation. Applicants may also contact the MnDOT Affirmative Action office to request an accommodation by: E-mail: [email protected]; or by calling Janet Miller at 651-366-4720; or using MN Relay 711.
The MnDOT Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found at: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/policy/hr/hr009.html.
