Dakota County, MN
Project Manager, Senior (Trails & Greenways)
Dakota County, MN, Apple Valley, Minnesota, United States
Salary :
$78,981.00 - $123,408.00 Annually Location :
Apple Valley, MN Job Type:
Full-Time Remote Employment:
Flexible/Hybrid Job Number:
81321.25.002 Department:
PARKS ADMINISTRATION - 2450001 Opening Date:
08/04/2025 Closing Date:
8/18/2025 4:30 PM Central
General Description
POSTING TYPE: Open competitive DEPARTMENT: Parks HOURS: Full-time FULL SALARY RANGE: $78,981 - $123,408/year (109 Grade Level) PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $78,981 - $98,726/year LOCATION: Apple Valley, WSC UNION: None CLOSE DATE: 4:30 pm on Monday, August 18, 2025 What You'll Do Senior Project Managers
lead and manage the successful delivery of small-scale and large-scale planning, preliminary and final design, and construction projects varying from $100,000 to $20 million plus through the entire project lifecycle. The Senior Project Manager has an expert understanding of all project management approaches to managing complex, multi-phased projects, and the flexibility to lead multi-disciplinary, diverse and dynamic teams to deliver effective project solutions. Communicate and act as the project spokesperson to internal staff, external stakeholders, partner agencies, and the County Board on issues related to the project including design, budget, right of way, environmental approvals, water resources, public engagement, and construction.
Additionally, they provide general work direction, assist in project planning, budget preparation, work plan development and project monitoring for the timely design and construction of Greenway Regional Trail and Parks Capital Improvement projects in accordance with County Greenway standards and Dakota County Parks Vision Plan guidance. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required. Who We Are Dakota County is Minnesota's third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is "Be More" and we strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation. Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.
Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Planning, Construction Management or a closely related field AND two years of transportation, trails, or recreational facilities project work experience. Experience must include at least one year of lead transportation project or trail, or multi-modal project work experience. OR • An equivalent combination of education and experience to total seven years. Experience should be directly related to transportation engineering or planning, trails, or recreational facilities project work experience and include at least one year of lead transportation project or multi-modal project work experience. AND • Valid Driver's License
PREFERRED EDUCATION BEYOND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: • Direct work experience related to: project management, regional trail design, multi-modal planning and design, or landscape design. • An advanced degree in related fields is desirable. • AICP Certification or possession of a valid professional license from AESLAGI
Duties & Responsibilities
These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.
1. Authorized County representative for planning, design and construction management activities for assigned major projects up to $30 million. 2. Maintains current knowledge of national, state, regional and County best practices for multi-modal transportation and applies them to County projects where appropriate. Seeks opportunities to improve County parks projects and processes. 3. Provides design review at regular milestones for all projects to ensure projects meet applicable multi-modal and greenway design standards, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and context sensitivity. 4. Prepares Requests for Proposal, Requests for Qualifications and other selection documents and oversees selection process for design and other consultant firms. 5. Estimates, prepares and justifies project budget requests. 6. Oversees the preparation of detailed project drawings and specifications for procurement through low bid construction projects. 7. Leads value engineering / cost control initiatives for assigned projects. 8. Works independently and in partnership with design, technical experts, and construction professionals. 9. Ensures customer satisfaction at all levels. 10. Reviews completed bid documents prepared by professional consultants for compliance with customer needs, and County design and construction standards. 11. Prepares project related internal and external tracking and cost reports, bid notices, project presentations, requests for Board action, updates and communications with press and the public. 12. Works directly with local code enforcement officials and County legal staff. 13. Researches, develops and implements innovative methods to improve project performance and delivery. 14. Participates in the development of studies and plans related to multi-modal transportation and context sensitive corridors, including greenways, park trails, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities. 15. Supports preparation of grant funding requests from local, state and federal resources related to applications that involve ADA, multi-modal and greenway emphasis. This includes working with County staff to identify Capital Improvement Program projects that align with future funding applications, assembly of supporting data to support application preparation, and assisting in screening and selection of project grant requests by the County. 16. Assists County Greenway Manager in preparation of plans, engineering plans, specifications, and construction documents. 17. Leads public engagement, presentation development, requests for Board action, and updates and communications with the public for assigned projects and applicable Parks Department programs.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: All duties are essential functions. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment
Comprehensive knowledge of design principles, techniques and laws in planning, design, operating, and maintaining County Park and greenway facilities. Knowledge and understanding in the use and application of project management control systems for estimating, scheduling, cost control, procurement and contract negotiations. Ability to develop construction estimates, schedules and project management processes. Effective interpersonal skills with emphasis on communication of complicated ideas and technical information to all levels of organization verbally and in writing. Proven ability to complete projects on budget and within schedule. Ability to lead and manage multiple large planning, design and construction projects. Strong problem-solving ability. Ability to compose, understand and review construction contracts. Ability to lead and manage multiple tasks and priorities of varying complexity ranging from preparing agendas, creating materials for formal resolutions and/or board actions, and organizing meetings to manage daily elements of project grants or contracts with consultant and other governmental entities. Knowledge of Federal and State highway preliminary design and final design standards, rules, and environmental regulations and specifications. Proficient in MS Word, Excel, OneDrive, and MS Outlook Familiarity with ArcGIS Online Familiarity with Adobe Suite (e.g., Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) Familiarity with 3D design modeling software (e.g., Revit, SketchUp, Rhino). Work Environment Work environment is primarily sedentary and is usually accomplished while comfortably seated or standing at a desk or table. Walking and standing will occur in the course of a normal workday in connection with attendance at meetings and conferences, or while attending field visits. Items carried typically are light objects such as work bag, notebooks, and laptop or tablet. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to, computer, printer, telephone, calculator, copy and fax machines, GIS software, plotters, database software, and presentation audio/visual equipment. Required travel to visit local project sites and meetings at other Dakota County facilities and with agency and city project stakeholders
Location & Schedule This is a hybrid position that offers a mix of telework and in-person work at our Western Service Center in Apple Valley, MN. Work is performed Monday through Friday during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Benefits
Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits Excellent work-life balance Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year) Eleven paid holidays each year and one floating holiday Pension with a generous employer contribution Ability to work from home or remote some of the time Selection Process
You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions We assign you a score based on your qualifications Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer. We extend an offer and conduct background checks.
Visit our Benefits site for more information. 01
*******Applicants for this recruitment will be rated based on their answers to the supplemental questions listed below and application materials. It is IMPERATIVE that information provided on the application and resume are detailed and clearly outline your work experience & skills. They must also support and/or match answers to the supplemental questions.Please initial the box below to CONFIRM that the information provided is accurate and true to the best of your knowledge. Falsification may result in disqualification from consideration for this and subsequent recruitments with Dakota County for up to three years. 02
Please initial the box below to CONFIRM that you understand that a background check including
but not limited to
criminal, employment, driving, and educational check may be conducted upon acceptance of a position. 03
Please select the highest level of education completed or Degree held. (Degree must be held by the closing date of this recruitment)
High School Diploma or G.E.D equivalent Professional/Technical Certificate equivalent to 1 year of full-time post secondary education Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree or higher
04
Do you have a completed degree directly related to Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, Planning, or Construction Management?
Yes No
05
Do you have a valid driver's license?
Yes No
06
Identify your years of full-time
transportation, trails or recreational facilities project
work experience.
Less than 1 year 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years 5 years 6 years 7 years 8+ years None of the above
07
Identify your years of
lead transportation, multi-modal project, or trail project
work experience.
Less than 1 year 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years 5+ years None of the above
08
Do you have one or more years of work experience in the following areas?
Select all that are applicable.
Project Management Regional trail planning and design Multi-modal planning and design Landscape design Trail, bikeway and sidewalk design standards and principles State agency regulations and requirements Coordinate and lead public forums Environmental regulations Analyze and interpret construction plans and specifications Coordinate and collaborate with outside agencies/entities on projects Writing Grant proposals No experience but willing to gain
09
Do you have an AICP certificate and/or AESLAGID license?
Yes No
10
Do you have formal project management training?
Yes No
11
Do you have experience presenting to a County Boards, City Councils, or public forums?
Yes No
12
Do you have experience coordinating and/or leading public forums/citizen advisory meetings?
Yes No
13
The full salary range for this position is $78,981 - $123,408 and preferred hiring range is $78,981 - $98,726 annually. The amount that is offered is depended on the candidate's overall skills, education, experience and internal equity. The offer would also include the County's benefits package.
Taking that information into consideration, what would be the minimum salary you'd accept if selected for the position? 14
Your response to this question will help Dakota County evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment sources for this specific position. Please select the
one
source that most closely describes how you
first
learned about this opportunity.
Facebook Friend, Family or Colleague InDeed Job Fair or Dakota County Event Job Interest e-mails from Dakota County JobsInMinneapolis/StPaul League of Minnesota Cities LinkedIn Minneapolis Diversity.com Minnesota Diversity.com Minnesota Works Website Minnesota Jobs Network.com Minnesota Association of Counties Monster Professional Association Website Referred by a Dakota County Employee St Paul Diversity.com College Website, Instructor, Career Services Dakota County Website Other
15
If you selected Other, please indicate where you heard about this opportunity with Dakota County. Required Question
$78,981.00 - $123,408.00 Annually Location :
Apple Valley, MN Job Type:
Full-Time Remote Employment:
Flexible/Hybrid Job Number:
81321.25.002 Department:
PARKS ADMINISTRATION - 2450001 Opening Date:
08/04/2025 Closing Date:
8/18/2025 4:30 PM Central
General Description
POSTING TYPE: Open competitive DEPARTMENT: Parks HOURS: Full-time FULL SALARY RANGE: $78,981 - $123,408/year (109 Grade Level) PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $78,981 - $98,726/year LOCATION: Apple Valley, WSC UNION: None CLOSE DATE: 4:30 pm on Monday, August 18, 2025 What You'll Do Senior Project Managers
lead and manage the successful delivery of small-scale and large-scale planning, preliminary and final design, and construction projects varying from $100,000 to $20 million plus through the entire project lifecycle. The Senior Project Manager has an expert understanding of all project management approaches to managing complex, multi-phased projects, and the flexibility to lead multi-disciplinary, diverse and dynamic teams to deliver effective project solutions. Communicate and act as the project spokesperson to internal staff, external stakeholders, partner agencies, and the County Board on issues related to the project including design, budget, right of way, environmental approvals, water resources, public engagement, and construction.
Additionally, they provide general work direction, assist in project planning, budget preparation, work plan development and project monitoring for the timely design and construction of Greenway Regional Trail and Parks Capital Improvement projects in accordance with County Greenway standards and Dakota County Parks Vision Plan guidance. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required. Who We Are Dakota County is Minnesota's third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is "Be More" and we strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation. Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.
Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Planning, Construction Management or a closely related field AND two years of transportation, trails, or recreational facilities project work experience. Experience must include at least one year of lead transportation project or trail, or multi-modal project work experience. OR • An equivalent combination of education and experience to total seven years. Experience should be directly related to transportation engineering or planning, trails, or recreational facilities project work experience and include at least one year of lead transportation project or multi-modal project work experience. AND • Valid Driver's License
PREFERRED EDUCATION BEYOND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: • Direct work experience related to: project management, regional trail design, multi-modal planning and design, or landscape design. • An advanced degree in related fields is desirable. • AICP Certification or possession of a valid professional license from AESLAGI
Duties & Responsibilities
These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.
1. Authorized County representative for planning, design and construction management activities for assigned major projects up to $30 million. 2. Maintains current knowledge of national, state, regional and County best practices for multi-modal transportation and applies them to County projects where appropriate. Seeks opportunities to improve County parks projects and processes. 3. Provides design review at regular milestones for all projects to ensure projects meet applicable multi-modal and greenway design standards, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and context sensitivity. 4. Prepares Requests for Proposal, Requests for Qualifications and other selection documents and oversees selection process for design and other consultant firms. 5. Estimates, prepares and justifies project budget requests. 6. Oversees the preparation of detailed project drawings and specifications for procurement through low bid construction projects. 7. Leads value engineering / cost control initiatives for assigned projects. 8. Works independently and in partnership with design, technical experts, and construction professionals. 9. Ensures customer satisfaction at all levels. 10. Reviews completed bid documents prepared by professional consultants for compliance with customer needs, and County design and construction standards. 11. Prepares project related internal and external tracking and cost reports, bid notices, project presentations, requests for Board action, updates and communications with press and the public. 12. Works directly with local code enforcement officials and County legal staff. 13. Researches, develops and implements innovative methods to improve project performance and delivery. 14. Participates in the development of studies and plans related to multi-modal transportation and context sensitive corridors, including greenways, park trails, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities. 15. Supports preparation of grant funding requests from local, state and federal resources related to applications that involve ADA, multi-modal and greenway emphasis. This includes working with County staff to identify Capital Improvement Program projects that align with future funding applications, assembly of supporting data to support application preparation, and assisting in screening and selection of project grant requests by the County. 16. Assists County Greenway Manager in preparation of plans, engineering plans, specifications, and construction documents. 17. Leads public engagement, presentation development, requests for Board action, and updates and communications with the public for assigned projects and applicable Parks Department programs.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: All duties are essential functions. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment
Comprehensive knowledge of design principles, techniques and laws in planning, design, operating, and maintaining County Park and greenway facilities. Knowledge and understanding in the use and application of project management control systems for estimating, scheduling, cost control, procurement and contract negotiations. Ability to develop construction estimates, schedules and project management processes. Effective interpersonal skills with emphasis on communication of complicated ideas and technical information to all levels of organization verbally and in writing. Proven ability to complete projects on budget and within schedule. Ability to lead and manage multiple large planning, design and construction projects. Strong problem-solving ability. Ability to compose, understand and review construction contracts. Ability to lead and manage multiple tasks and priorities of varying complexity ranging from preparing agendas, creating materials for formal resolutions and/or board actions, and organizing meetings to manage daily elements of project grants or contracts with consultant and other governmental entities. Knowledge of Federal and State highway preliminary design and final design standards, rules, and environmental regulations and specifications. Proficient in MS Word, Excel, OneDrive, and MS Outlook Familiarity with ArcGIS Online Familiarity with Adobe Suite (e.g., Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) Familiarity with 3D design modeling software (e.g., Revit, SketchUp, Rhino). Work Environment Work environment is primarily sedentary and is usually accomplished while comfortably seated or standing at a desk or table. Walking and standing will occur in the course of a normal workday in connection with attendance at meetings and conferences, or while attending field visits. Items carried typically are light objects such as work bag, notebooks, and laptop or tablet. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to, computer, printer, telephone, calculator, copy and fax machines, GIS software, plotters, database software, and presentation audio/visual equipment. Required travel to visit local project sites and meetings at other Dakota County facilities and with agency and city project stakeholders
Location & Schedule This is a hybrid position that offers a mix of telework and in-person work at our Western Service Center in Apple Valley, MN. Work is performed Monday through Friday during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Benefits
Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits Excellent work-life balance Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year) Eleven paid holidays each year and one floating holiday Pension with a generous employer contribution Ability to work from home or remote some of the time Selection Process
You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions We assign you a score based on your qualifications Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer. We extend an offer and conduct background checks.
Visit our Benefits site for more information. 01
*******Applicants for this recruitment will be rated based on their answers to the supplemental questions listed below and application materials. It is IMPERATIVE that information provided on the application and resume are detailed and clearly outline your work experience & skills. They must also support and/or match answers to the supplemental questions.Please initial the box below to CONFIRM that the information provided is accurate and true to the best of your knowledge. Falsification may result in disqualification from consideration for this and subsequent recruitments with Dakota County for up to three years. 02
Please initial the box below to CONFIRM that you understand that a background check including
but not limited to
criminal, employment, driving, and educational check may be conducted upon acceptance of a position. 03
Please select the highest level of education completed or Degree held. (Degree must be held by the closing date of this recruitment)
High School Diploma or G.E.D equivalent Professional/Technical Certificate equivalent to 1 year of full-time post secondary education Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree or higher
04
Do you have a completed degree directly related to Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, Planning, or Construction Management?
Yes No
05
Do you have a valid driver's license?
Yes No
06
Identify your years of full-time
transportation, trails or recreational facilities project
work experience.
Less than 1 year 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years 5 years 6 years 7 years 8+ years None of the above
07
Identify your years of
lead transportation, multi-modal project, or trail project
work experience.
Less than 1 year 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years 5+ years None of the above
08
Do you have one or more years of work experience in the following areas?
Select all that are applicable.
Project Management Regional trail planning and design Multi-modal planning and design Landscape design Trail, bikeway and sidewalk design standards and principles State agency regulations and requirements Coordinate and lead public forums Environmental regulations Analyze and interpret construction plans and specifications Coordinate and collaborate with outside agencies/entities on projects Writing Grant proposals No experience but willing to gain
09
Do you have an AICP certificate and/or AESLAGID license?
Yes No
10
Do you have formal project management training?
Yes No
11
Do you have experience presenting to a County Boards, City Councils, or public forums?
Yes No
12
Do you have experience coordinating and/or leading public forums/citizen advisory meetings?
Yes No
13
The full salary range for this position is $78,981 - $123,408 and preferred hiring range is $78,981 - $98,726 annually. The amount that is offered is depended on the candidate's overall skills, education, experience and internal equity. The offer would also include the County's benefits package.
Taking that information into consideration, what would be the minimum salary you'd accept if selected for the position? 14
Your response to this question will help Dakota County evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment sources for this specific position. Please select the
one
source that most closely describes how you
first
learned about this opportunity.
Facebook Friend, Family or Colleague InDeed Job Fair or Dakota County Event Job Interest e-mails from Dakota County JobsInMinneapolis/StPaul League of Minnesota Cities LinkedIn Minneapolis Diversity.com Minnesota Diversity.com Minnesota Works Website Minnesota Jobs Network.com Minnesota Association of Counties Monster Professional Association Website Referred by a Dakota County Employee St Paul Diversity.com College Website, Instructor, Career Services Dakota County Website Other
15
If you selected Other, please indicate where you heard about this opportunity with Dakota County. Required Question