Principal Contract Administrator
Salary
$95,804.80 - $155,396.80 Annually
Location
Metro Plant CFO, MN
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
2026-00258
Division
Environmental Services
Department
WW P&CD Construction Srvcs
Opening Date
07/17/2026
Closing Date
8/16/2026 11:59 PM Central
WHO WE ARE
We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.
Join an award-winning wastewater industry leader in protecting our environment! Metropolitan Council Environmental Services operates and maintains the wastewater collection and treatment system in the Twin Cities metropolitan region. It also provides coordinated long-range water supply planning and air and water quality monitoring to meet future needs. Met Council water resource recovery facilities consistently earn state and national awards for complete compliance with their environmental permits. Met Council received a Governor's Award as a Great Place to Work.
To find out more about the Environmental Services division, please click on the link for more information: https://metrocouncil.org/Wastewater-Water.aspx.
We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
The Construction Department in the Metropolitan Councils Environmental Services Department has one (1) vacancy for a Principal Contract Administrator.
How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
The Principal Contract Administrator serves as the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) Councils Authorized Representative (CAR) and administers construction contracts for capital improvement projects. This position oversees construction quality assurance services and coordinates work with Operations staff and external parties affected by that construction. The "home base" for these positions will be based at one of three water resource recovery facilities located in either St. Paul, Shakopee or Eagan, from which you may be assigned to construction field offices located throughout the seven-county metro areas and is subject to change, as needed.
Notes: This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. Candidates permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin. This posting will create a six-month eligibility list for current and future openings.
What you would do in this job
What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)
Any of the following combinations of completed education (degree field of study in Construction Management, Engineering, or a closely related field) and experience (progressively responsible experience in construction management for heavy industrial construction, preferably in wastewater collection and treatment projects):
License Requirements:
You must have a valid drivers license with an acceptable driving record.
What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
What you can expect from us:
More about why you should join us!
Additional information
Union/Grade: AFSCME, Grade I
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No
Work Environment:
The work environment changes depending on the project assignment. Work may be performed in an office environment or on a construction site with exposure to outdoor weather conditions. In the field, you would perform your work in an industrial wastewater treatment plant or a collection system. This position involves working near moving equipment parts and frequent exposure to fumes or airborne particles. Work may occasionally be performed in high, precarious places or in confined spaces. Local travel by car is required to visit construction sites. The position is exposed to loud noise.
Physical Requirements:
Physical requirements change depending on project assignments. The position requires standing and walking for long periods, occasional sitting, and frequent climbing or balancing. May be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, turn, twist, and bend at the waist. The position requires the use of hands and fingers to grasp, handle, or feel, and to reach with hands and arms. Must have the strength and dexterity to operate a variety of construction testing equipment. Must be able to lift/carry/push/pull up to 25 pounds. Must be able to speak, hear, read, and write, and have adequate close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. The position requires the ability to smell.
What steps the recruitment process involves:
Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:
If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a background check that verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor, and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.
If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, a driving record check may be conducted if applicable to the position.
IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.
The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the regions diversity and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.
If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.
We believe our employees are a key to our agencys success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:
The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free:
01
Applicant Instructions: It is important that your application shows all relevant education and experience you possess. The supplemental questions listed below are to further evaluate your education and experience and to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely, and please do not type "see resume." Otherwise, your application will be considered incomplete, and you will not receive further consideration for this position. The experience you indicate in your responses should also be consistent with the Work History section of this application. If you attach a resume and/or cover letter to your application, it will be reviewed at the education and experience review step. I have read and understand the above instructions regarding my application and supplemental questions.
02
How did you first hear about this job opening?
03
If you selected Other, please describe where you first heard about this job. if you selected Employee Referral please enter the employees first and last name, ID number (if known), and job title. Type N/A if not applicable.
04
The Metropolitan Council recognizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and generative tools are increasingly used in application processes. While the Council permits the use of AI to assist in the preparation of application materials, all applicants must certify the following statement:
05
Select the option below that reflects your education and experience level.
06
Please indicate the type of degree (i.e., Associates, Bachelors, etc.) that you possess and the field of study. If you dont have a degree, please indicate "N/A."
07
How many years of experience do you have in project and construction management?
08
Please describe your experience in project and construction management. If you do not have this experience, write N/A.
09
How many years of experience do you have in wastewater collection and/or treatment projects?
10
Please describe your experience in wastewater collection and/or treatment projects. If you do not have this experience, write N/A.
11
Do you have a valid drivers license?
12
Which of the following are you proficient in? (Select as many as apply).
13
Do you have knowledge of contract documents, including terms and conditions?
14
If you answered yes to the above question, describe your experience. Be as specific as possible. If you answered no to the above question, write N/A.
15
Do you have knowledge of construction management methods and/or techniques?
16
If you answered yes to the question above, describe your knowledge or experience. Be as specific as possible. If you answered no to the question above, write N/A.
17
This position requires analyzing and managing complex problems independently; please describe your experience analyzing and managing such problems. Be as specific as possible. If you do not have this experience, write N/A.
18
This position requires the ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations, as well as being able to effectively prepare and present information and respond to questions from diverse groups of customers or clients. Describe your related experience and be as specific as possible. If you do not have this experience, write N/A.
19
This position requires the ability to communicate well in writing as well as orally. Please describe your experience in preparing estimates, modifications, and associated documentation for change orders. Describe your experience negotiating or assisting in the negotiation of change orders, contract conflicts or claims, maintaining files and documentation, coordinating, routing, and approval of drawings and material submissions. Be as specific as possible. If you do not have this experience, write N/A.
20
Do you have knowledge of construction codes and/or standards?
21
If you answered yes to the question above, describe your knowledge or experience. Be as specific as possible. If you answered no to the question above, write N/A.
22
List any certifications and/or licenses you have.
23
Employees in this position may, by mutual consent, choose to be 'available for call,' meaning they make their best effort to respond to occasional after-hours inquiries and may carry an electronic device for that purpose. This is not a mandatory requirement, and employees who are unavailable are not subject to disciplinary or adverse action. Please describe your experience, if any, working in roles where you occasionally made yourself available outside of standard work hours on a voluntary basis, and share how you approach balancing responsiveness with personal commitments. If you do not have this experience, write N/A.
24
This position will need to work effectively with others who have different perspectives, backgrounds, and/ or styles. How would you work with diverse teams?
Required Question
Employer Metropolitan Council
Address 390 Robert St. N.
St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101
Website https://metrocouncil.org