Description

The Principal Planner provides expert planning leadership to advance MnDOT’s sustainability and public health priorities through statewide transportation plans, programs, and projects. This role develops goals, strategies, and implementation approaches for emerging policy areas with little precedent, primarily through engagement in long-range planning. As a lead planner and subject matter expert, the position integrates innovative methods and tools into MnDOT’s planning framework, applying advanced planning skills to reduce emissions, enhance mobility options, and promote public health throughout Minnesota’s transportation system.

Why MnDOT?

We offer excellent employee benefits, such as low-cost health and dental insurance, and affordable dependent coverage. Other benefits include:

• 12 paid holidays per year
• Earn up to 29 paid vacation days a year
• Earn 13 days paid sick time
• Defined pension plan
• Paid life insurance
• Paid parental leave available
• Some telework may be available
• And more!

How to Apply:

Please Apply Online by 1/06/2026:

Go to www.mn.gov/careers
Click “Search open positions”
Enter the Job Opening ID “91028” in the Keywords search box and click “>>”
Click on the Job Title to view the job posting
Click “Apply for Job”
When prompted for your Referral Source, please list: Professional Organization/Association - COMTO
Only applicants received on mn.gov/careers will be considered.

Contact for Additional Information:

Laura Saari, MnDOT Recruitment Specialist

Laura.Saari@state.mn.us

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Two years of advanced professional planning experience that demonstrates:

• Experience interpreting and applying planning policy and regulations at the Federal, State, and/or local levels
• Experience developing statewide and/or complex plans
• Experience conducting research and/or analyzing technical information
• Experience engaging with and making presentations to staff, the public, and internal and external stakeholders

*NOTE: A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Planning, Public Policy, Environmental Studies, or a related field substitutes for six months of advanced professional experience