Operations Administrative Specialist / OAS, Principal

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The Zoo encompasses a 485-acre campus and is home to nearly 5,000 animals with about 1.5 million guests visiting annually. The Zoo is a coordinator of international conservation and breeding programs and is the State's largest environmental educator. The Zoo's conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems and its education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout our region, and around the world.

Job Details

Working Title: Operations Administrative Specialist

Job Class: Office & Administrative Specialist, Principal

Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

• Job ID: 96910
• Location: Apple Valley
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/02/2026
• Closing Date: 10/15/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: Administration / Administrative Support
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift; 8:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - up to 25%, on campus
• Salary Range: $24.54 - $33.11 / hourly; $51,239 - $69,133 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 206 - Clerical/AFSCME
• Work Area: All others
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work youll 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

Under limited supervision, provides advanced level administrative and strategic support to the Zoo's Operations Division and its leadership (which includes areas like campus planning, facilities management, construction, finance, and human resources), serving as the primary administrative coordinator for the Operations programs. The position ensures seamless coordination of division processes, organizational alignment, and program execution while independently resolving complex administrative and operational issues. The position also supports enterprise-wide administrative initiatives led by the Director of Administration, including governance, government relations, and other executive priorities.

This position supports operations across a large campus environment and requires the employee to travel between multiple buildings and work sites located throughout the campus to perform assigned duties and respond to operational needs. The incumbent must be able to travel between campus locations in a timely and reliable manner to carry out essential job functions. When job duties require the operation of a motor vehicle to access work sites, transport equipment, or respond to service needs, the employee must be able to safely operate a vehicle and possess a valid and unrestricted driver's license.

This position exists to provide advanced level administrative support to the Operations division leadership; coordinate division-wide projects and executive initiatives requiring cross-functional collaboration, organizational planning, and independent judgment; oversee division-wide administrative operations to ensure the continuity of campus planning, finance, HR, and other activities of the division; develop, implement and improve systems, procedures, and guidelines to govern the program areas; and support the Director of Administration with administrative, governance, government relations, and organizational initiatives as assigned.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Provide advanced level administrative leadership to the Operations Division leadership so that seamless, confidential and strategically aligned operations across all units are ensured.
• Support the Director of Administration in other administrative duties such as Board operations, Board governance, and Government Relations so that their requests are met effectively.
• Coordinate division wide special projects and processes on behalf of Operations division leadership, so that division leaders' interests are met.
• Facilitate and support Operations Division meetings and cross-divisional meetings, serving as the administrative lead so that agenda development, documentation, follow-up and status reporting are completed.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position. To ensure accurate evaluation, your resume must clearly describe your experience in the required areas. For each job, include whether it was full-time, part-time, or intermittent/on-call; how many hours per week you worked; and the month and year you started and ended.

• Knowledge of administrative office management principles and practices, business procedures, correspondence, records management, fiscal reporting, and business English (grammar, spelling, and document preparation).
• Skill in providing exceptional customer service and building effective working relationships with people from diverse backgrounds while exercising professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment when interacting with executive leadership, board members, donors, staff, and external partners.
• Skill in planning, organizing, and managing multiple priorities simultaneously, meeting deadlines, and producing high-quality work with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Skill in written and verbal communication sufficient to prepare, edit, and present a variety of correspondence, reports, presentations, meeting materials, and other business documents.
• Skill in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) or comparable software to analyze data, maintain records, prepare reports, and create presentations.
• Knowledge of basic budgeting, bookkeeping, expense reconciliation, and mathematical principles sufficient to maintain accurate financial records and identify discrepancies; ability to exercise independent judgment, analyze operational issues, lead projects, improve processes and procedures, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Valid current driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in communications, business administration, public administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three (3) years of experience providing executive-level administrative support, office management, or project coordination.
• Experience working with state government, public agencies, boards and commissions.
• Experience working with diverse communities and demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations.
• Experience supporting organizations in construction, facilities management, or skilled trades.
• Knowledge of construction project management, finance, or other technical terminology sufficient to prepare and maintain clear, accurate business documents and correspondence
• Fluent in a second language, such as Spanish, Hmong, ASL, etc.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to physically navigate uneven terrains, steps, and slippery surfaces
• Ability to stand, walk and sit for long periods of time
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer keyboard, collate materials, distribute materials, etc.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds

Additional Requirements

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

It is policy of the Minnesota Zoo that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review

• Criminal History Check including fingerprinting

• Education Verification

• Employment Reference / Records Check

• License / Certification 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.

Please be aware that emails from state email addresses may end up in your spam folder. To ensure these emails reach your inbox, add @state.mn.us to your safe sender list or check your spam folder.

State of Minnesota is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

Veteran's Preference:

In order to be considered an eligible candidate for Veterans Preference, apply online and email your valid DD-214 form along with the Job ID# and Position Title by the closing date to cyndee.robinson@state.mn.us, or mail to Cyndee Robinson, MN Zoo, 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley, MN 55124.

For technical application assistance, please contact MMB Careers.

If you have questions please visit the page of Frequently Asked Questions or contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Cyndee Robinson at cyndee.robinson@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 Cyndee Robinson at cyndee.robinson@state.mn.us.

About Minnesota Zoological Garden

Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesotas 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, youll 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.