Technical Product Owner - ITS4

Working Title: Technical Product Owner Job Class: Information Technology Specialist 4 Agency: Minnesota IT Services • Job ID: 94534 • Location: St. Paul • Telework Eligible: Yes • Full/Part Time: Full-Time • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers • Date Posted: 06/05/2026 • Closing Date: 06/18/2026 • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota IT Services • Division/Unit: Department of Natural Resources • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift • Days of Work: Monday - Friday • Travel Required: Yes, 2% • Salary Range: $37.07 - $61.14 / hourly; $77,402 - $127,660 / annually • Job Class Option: Project Management • Classified Status: Classified • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE • FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional • 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. Join the 2,800+ professionals of Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) who connect Minnesotans to services that will improve their lives. This position serves our partners at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). MNIT DNR provides comprehensive IT operations and support services, custom application development, and dedicated support functions to an organization that manages and conserves the state’s natural resources in a way that creates a sustainable quality of life for all Minnesotans. As the Technical Product Owner (TPO), you will be responsible for leading product development efforts and the delivery of the DNR Electronic License System and other DNR Enforcement and License Bureau products as assigned. This position is responsible for managing the technical implementation of the product backlog, leading Agile processes, and ensuring alignment between business strategy and technical execution. The TPO is responsible for defining the product's technical vision, strategy, purpose, monitoring the product roadmap and lifecycle, managing technical requirements, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, scalable, accessible, and secure solutions that meet both business objectives and technical feasibility. The TPO collaborates closely with the Business Product Owner (BPO), development teams, and stakeholders to prioritize technical work, manage the product backlog, and deliver quality, modern, and secure technical features and functionality efficiently that address the needs of internal and external end users. This position is¿telework¿eligible for applicants who reside in Minnesota¿or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework. Telework arrangements and policy updates may be adjusted based on business needs. Minimum Qualifications To qualify, candidates must clearly show all of the following qualifications in their resume. Resume tips available here: This position requires a minimum of four (4) years of experience in performing IT project management functions, business analysis, or a related technical role. Experience must include: • Agile methodologies, including backlog management, sprint planning, and release management. • Software architecture, data systems, and integration points (e.g., APIs, cloud-based solutions). • Understanding of UX principles and design thinking to create intuitive user experiences focused on customer-centric designs. • Implementing change management strategies within product teams and leading cross-functional teams in a collaborative environment. • Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a manner that facilitates mutual understanding. • Customer-focused approach grounded in active listening, empathy, and solution-oriented problem-solving to deliver positive user experiences. Education in Information Technology (IT) or an IT related field may substitute for experience as follows: a master’s degree for eighteen (18) months of experience; a bachelor’s degree for one (1) year; and an associate’s degree for six (6) months. Preferred Qualifications • 3+ years as a technical software administrator for a product or a product manager on 2 or more Agile teams. • Product Owner or Product Management certification. • Bachelor’s degree in business, technology, or a related field. • Demonstrated focus on the customer experience and willingness to embrace innovation. • Familiarity with and experience in one or more of the following methodologies: project management, business analysis, agile, communication and quality assurance. • Proven ability to manage change and implement change management strategies within product teams. Additional Requirements It is the policy of Minnesota IT Services that a successful candidate must pass all legally required checks prior to employment which may consist of the following: • SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and past state employees only) • Criminal History Check • Reference Check • Social Security and Address Verification • Education Verification • Other legally required checks Minnesota IT Services does not participate in the federal E-Verify program. Minnesota IT Services is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions, and cannot complete Form I-9 or any other documentation requiring employer participation in E-Verify. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. 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 Human Resources at workwithmnit@state.mn.us. Connect 700 Program 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 Human Resources at workwithmnit@state.mn.us. Veterans To be considered for any Veteran's Status, you MUST indicate this on your application. RECENTLY SEPARATED VETERANS (RSV): Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview. You must: • Meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting. • Meet all of the RSV criteria. • Submit a copy of your DD-214 form by the closing date to: workwithmnit@state.mn.us CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a noncompetitive basis if you: • Meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%. • Provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability. • Meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting. • You must submit all documentation by the closing date to: workwithmnit@state.mn.us Current State Employees • Bidders: This vacancy is open for bids and all qualified applicants simultaneously. This vacancy will be filled in accordance with applicable union contract provisions. Current employees of Minnesota IT Services who are currently in an Information Technology Specialist 4 / Project Management position and who are eligible to bid and apply within the seven (7) day bidding period will be considered prior to filling the position via other means. • Current State Employees: Please note that employment provisions (including but not limited to seniority and leave accrual) vary among the three branches of Minnesota State government. When considering a job with another branch of state government, you are highly encouraged to explore these differences. For assistance, please direct questions to your current or anticipated Human Resources office. About Minnesota IT Services Minnesota IT Services is the information technology agency for the State of Minnesota. MNIT partners with agencies, boards, councils, and commissions to deliver secure, reliable technology solutions as we set IT strategy, direction, policies, and standards statewide. Work for MNIT and be part of a nation-leading IT organization that helps to create an innovative government that works for everyone. Our culture promotes collaboration, demands agility, and encourages us to embrace change. Be a part of something bigger than yourself, something to be inspired by; come to work for MNIT. 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 • Tuition reimbursement • 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.