Job Details

Working Title: Bioeconomy Policy Manager
Job Class: State Program Administrator Principal
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

• Job ID: 95762
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open to all bidders and qualified job seekers. Bidders will be considered through 08/03/2026.
• Date Posted: 07/28/2026
• Closing Date: 08/11/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: MN Department of Agriculture
• Division/Unit: Agriculture Marketing and Development (AMDD) / Energy & Environment Staff
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - up to 5%
• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually
• Job Class Option: Biofuels
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes

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

Job Summary

This position exists to advance Minnesota's bioeconomy by serving as a key policy resource for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). The role provides technical expertise on complex state and federal bioenergy, bioproduct, and biofuel policies, supports the Commissioner's Office through interagency coordination and stakeholder management, identifies emerging opportunities for Minnesota's agricultural sector, advises leadership on policy impacts, and leads initiatives and programs that enhance the value and economic potential of agricultural products.

This position is telework eligible.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

Three years of professional experience working in the areas of energy, climate or agricultural policy or program administration.

*A degree in environmental science, agriculture, biosystems and bioproducts, public policy, political science, or a related degree may be substituted for years of work experience as follows: associate's degree - six months, bachelor's degree - one year, master's degree - 18 months.

Additional required experience includes:

• Demonstrated knowledge of state legislative processes sufficient to recommend and develop legislative proposals and program budget initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in program policy development, implementation and analysis.
• Demonstrated advanced oral and written communication skills sufficient to deliver presentations to MDA leadership and legislators, craft succinct and accurate briefing documents, and transfer technical/scientific concepts to plain language for dissemination.
• Interpersonal/human relation skills sufficient to establish effective ongoing relationships with the public, interest groups, MDA staff, and external agency leadership.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Minnesota statutes and federal laws that apply to MDA programs supporting bioenergy, bioproducts, and biofuels.
• Must have a valid driver's license and an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.
• Ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with the development or implementation of biofuels, bioproduct, or bioenergy related government rules, statutes, or policy.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and crafting policy solutions based on stakeholder input and collaboration.
• More than three years of experience working with the Minnesota legislature on issues related to bioenergy, bioproducts, and biofuels.
• Experience in a project management or leadership role related to the bioeconomy including direct experience with strategic planning, work plans, and budgeting.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Driver's license check
• Criminal history check

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

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 [email protected] . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Megan Lennon 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 Megan Lichty at [email protected] .