Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) Program Coordinator - Transportation Program Specialist 4

Job Details

Working Title: Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) Program Coordinator
Job Class: Transportation Program Specialist 4
Agency: Transportation Department

• Job ID: 93605
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/16/2026
• Closing Date: 04/24/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Transportation Dept / Transportation-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Engineering Services Div / LM Photogrammetry & Sensing 2
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 60% of the time
• Salary Range: $31.26 - $46.15 / hourly; $65,270 - $96,361 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

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.

Job Summary

This position is located at Central Office in St. Paul and may have the flexibility to telework, work a hybrid schedule, or work in the office. 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 and discussion with their supervisor.

This position coordinates and conducts Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) flight operations while growing and developing the flight operations team and program. The position works closely with MnDOT’s Office of Aeronautics and serves as the technical expert for the agency’s statewide Unmanned Aircraft Services program within the Office of Land Management, including software application development and systems, processes, and procedures affiliated with the collection and management of the program and data.

NOTE: In the high season (approx. April – October), statewide travel is required up to 60% of the time; this includes overnight statewide travel.

** The 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.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Possess a valid Remote Pilot Certificate (Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), A valid MN Class D driver’s license, and two years of advanced professional experience that demonstrates:

• Experience interpreting and implementing state and federal aviation rules and regulations related to UAS.
• Experience managing program/project budgets and resources.
• Experience creating and administering training materials, processes, and procedures.
• Experience operating lidar sensors and processing lidar datasets.
• Experience operating imaging sensors, processing photogrammetric datasets.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience evaluating program practices and development to recommend areas of improvement.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with Trimble Business Center.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with PosPac.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with the UAS Master.
• Experience with Trimble survey equipment.

Additional Requirements

** 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: SEMA4 Records Check, Criminal History Check, Employment Reference Check, Driver’s License Check, and/or Education/License Verification.

Application Details

How to Apply

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 careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Charity Morrow at charity.morrow@state.mn.us

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 Charity Morrow at charity.morrow@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

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.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
• Ride the new METRO "Green Line" Light Rail Train to work! The Rice/Capitol Station is located close by.

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• MnDOT Student Loan Reimbursement Program (Visit Student Loan Reimbursement - Policies - MnDOT (state.mn.us) for more information)
• 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)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• 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 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: ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us; or by calling Janet Miller at tel: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.