Working Title: Grants Specialist Intermediate

Job Class: Grants Specialist Intermediate

Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Job ID: 94450
Location: St. Paul
Telework Eligible: Yes
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: This vacancy is open to bidders and to all qualified job seekers. Bidders will be considered through 06/18/2026
Date Posted: 06/12/2026
Closing Date: 06/25/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Agriculture Dept / Agriculture-MAPE
Division/Unit: Agriculture-Saint Paul / International Marketing Staff
Work Shift/Work Hours: Not Applicable Shift
Days of Work: Monday - Friday
Travel Required: No
Salary Range: $27.35 - $39.93 / hourly; $57,106 - $83,373 / 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.

This position administers grant programs by coordinating activities from solicitation through closeout, ensuring all processes follow established policies, timelines, and compliance requirements. The position implements standardized review procedures, conducts quality checks on grant files, prepares accessible documents, and supports clear communication with applicants. The role also performs vendor setup, pre-award tasks, and purchasing support activities, resolving documentation or payment issues in collaboration with Finance and Budget, program, and grant administration staff. Through these responsibilities, the position helps ensure accurate, timely, and equitable grant operations across multiple programs.

This position is telework eligible.

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.

Two (2) years of related professional work which must include one or more of the following:

Administering financial assistance, such as grants, cost-shares, contracts, and loans at a grantmaking organization or financial institution.
Experience administering programs and managing projects related to agriculture, horticulture, and food systems in non-profit, for-profit, and public organizations that includes financial monitoring and analyzing, interpreting, and applying relevant policies, procedures, and administrative requirements.

A degree in one of the following areas may substitute for experience: marketing, agriculture, nutrition, public administration, political science, food systems, environmental sciences, business administration, economics or a related field. A master’s degree may substitute for 18 months of experience; a Bachelor’s degree may substitute for one year of experience; an Associate’s degree may substitute for six months of experience.

Additional required experience includes:

Project management skills sufficient to set and achieve goals, priorities, and timelines for projects and activities and collaborate and engage others in project execution with clear shared expectations.
Strong communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to write clearly and concisely with proper business English, spelling and grammar.
Critical thinking, analytical, and financial analysis skills, including Microsoft Excel, sufficient to review progress and financial reports, determine eligibility and compliance with requirements, state statutes, and grant management policies.
Must have a valid driver's license and an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.
The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated knowledge of Minnesota Office of Grants Management policies and guidelines.
Experience in compliance management and analysis.
A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in agriculture, business administration, public administration, public health, environmental science or a related field.

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.

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 Christina Connelly at Christina.Connelly@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 Megan Lichty at megan.lichty@state.mn.us.

About Minnesota Department Of Agriculture

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.

Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.

Our three general areas of responsibility include:

Protecting our food supply;
Protecting our natural resources; and,
Cultivating our agricultural economy.

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

Support to help you reach your career goals:

Training, classes, and professional development
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 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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

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Grants Specialist Intermediate