Working Title: Construction Project Manager
Job Class: Planning Director State
Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden
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Job ID: 95966
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Location: Apple Valley
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Telework Eligible: No
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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: 08/13/2026
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Closing Date: 09/03/2026
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Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-MAPE
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Division/Unit: Operations / Planning, Construction & Exhibits
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Work Shift/Work Hours: 7:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.
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Days of Work: Monday - Friday
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Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
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Salary Range: $37.91 - $56.39 / hourly; $79,156 - $117,742 / annually
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Job Class Option: Project Management
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Classified Status: Classified
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Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
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FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
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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.
This position manages a high volume of smaller-scale facility repair, renovation, and infrastructure projects across the Minnesota Zoo campus. The role serves as the primary project manager for projects requiring outside contractors but not rising to the scale of major capital construction.
The incumbent receives project handoffs from Zoo trades supervisors when work requires specialized contractors or services not available in-house. The position is responsible for developing scopes of work, coordinating procurement processes consistent with State of Minnesota requirements, coordinating contractor access, and communicating operational disruptions across the Zoo campus.
Projects managed by this position are typically high-volume operational projects that generally do not exceed $100,000 in value.
In addition to project delivery, this position will support other campus planning initiatives.
This position supports operations across a large campus environment and requires the employee to travel between multiple buildings and work sites located throughout the campus to perform assigned duties and respond to operational needs. The incumbent must be able to travel between campus locations in a timely and reliable manner to carry out essential job functions. When job duties require the operation of a motor vehicle to access work sites, transport equipment, or respond to service needs, the employee must be able to safely operate a vehicle and possess a valid and unrestricted driver's license.
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Small Project Delivery and Contractor Coordination
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Facility Condition Assessments (FCA)
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Support Total Integrated Facilities Management (TIFM)
- Support for Large Capital Projects
The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position. To ensure accurate evaluation, your resume must clearly describe your experience in the required areas. For each job, include whether it was full-time, part-time, or intermittent/on-call; how many hours per week you worked; and the month and year you started and ended.
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Four (4) years of facility or construction project management experience. A bachelor's degree in architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management may substitute for one (1) year of experience; a PMP certification or relevant Associate's degree may substitute for six (6) months of experience.
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Experience with managing multiple simultaneous reactive facility projects from initiation through conclusion.
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Knowledge of construction methods, trades, materials, and applicable building codes and standards.
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Verbal and written communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to negotiate solutions and prepare and present complex information.
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Experience with project-related software, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and drafting or design applications.
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Current and valid driver's license.
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Professional credentials such as Architecture, Engineering, or certification (e.g., AIA, PE).
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LEED accreditation or demonstrated experience with sustainable design and construction practices.
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Seven (7) years of facility or construction project management experience, or equivalent depth of experience in related fields.
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Experience working in public-sector, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations particularly those with high-complexity or highly specialized construction projects, such as public facilities, mechanical-intensive buildings, or multi-disciplinary environments.
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Experience coordinating with regulatory agencies, permitting authorities, or inspectors on complex building projects.
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Experience developing or evaluating life-cycle cost analyses, value engineering options, and sustainability strategies.
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Experience leading diverse project teams, contractors, consultants, and stakeholders in fast-paced or politically complex environments.
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Ability to respond to emergency issues off hours when required
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Ability to climb stairs and ladders, squat, and crouch occasionally
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Ability to stand for long periods of time and walk long distances on uneven terrain
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Ability to carry and use two-way portable radios to communicate with all zoo staff
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Ability to sit at a desk and operate a computer for 6-8 hours per day
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Ability to work in an environment that includes both indoor and outdoor workspaces year-round, with moderate noise generated by office and air handling equipment
Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
It is policy of the Minnesota Zoo that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
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Conflict of Interest Review
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Criminal History Check including fingerprinting
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Education Verification
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Employment Reference / Records Check
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License / Certification 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.
Please be aware that emails from state email addresses may end up in your spam folder. To ensure these emails reach your inbox, add @state.mn.us to your safe sender list or check your spam folder.
State of Minnesota is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
Veteran’s Preference:
In order to be considered an eligible candidate for Veteran's Preference, apply online and email your valid DD-214 form along with the Job ID# and Position Title by the closing date to
[email protected], or mail to Kay Grunseth, MN Zoo, 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley, MN 55124.
For technical application assistance, please contact MMB Careers.
If you have questions, please visit the page of Frequently Asked Questions or contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email
[email protected].
If you have questions about this position, contact Kay Grunseth at [email protected] or 651-539-6624.
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 Kay Grunseth at [email protected].
Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems.
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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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.
