Technical Product Owner

Saint Paul, Minnesota

State of Minnesota
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Working Title: Technical Product Owner

Job Class: Information Technology Specialist 4

Agency: Minnesota IT Services
  • Job ID : 85894
  • 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 : 04/29/2025
  • Closing Date : 05/05/2025
  • Hiring Agency/Sen iority Unit : Minnesota IT Services
  • Division/Unit : Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
  • Work Shift/Work Hours : Day
  • Days of Work : Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required : No
  • Salary Range: $36.52 - $60.24 / hourly; $76,253 - $125,781 / annually
  • Job Class Option : Project Management
  • Classified Status : Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/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.

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 a Technical Product Owner (TPO) with Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), you will lead product development efforts and oversee the delivery of key Division of Fish and Wildlife (FAW) products, including the Fisheries Information Systems (FIS) and the Wildlife and Aquatic Habitat Management Application (WAHMA). Additional products may be identified in the future to meet FAW's evolving needs.

In this role, you will manage the technical implementation of the product backlog, lead Agile processes, and ensure alignment between business strategy and technical execution. You will define the product's technical vision, strategy, and purpose, monitor the product roadmap and lifecycle, manage technical requirements, and ensure the delivery of high-quality, scalable, accessible, and secure solutions that meet both business objectives and technical feasibility.

As the TPO, you will collaborate closely with the FAW MNIT Business Services Teams, Business Product Owner (BPO), development teams, and stakeholders to prioritize technical work, manage the product backlog, and deliver modern, secure technical features and functionality that efficiently address the needs of internal and external end users.

This position requires an employee to be onsite in St. Paul, Minnesota at least 50% of the time, with some opportunity to perform work from a telework location.
  • Telework for Minnesota IT Services is available on a limited basis.
  • Only candidates residing in Minnesota and its bordering counties are eligible for telework.
Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must clearly demonstrate all of the following qualifications in their resume. Resume tips here. :

This position requires a minimum of four (4) years of experience in product management, 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.
  • Ability to deliver effective verbal or written messages that facilitate a mutual understanding on both parties.
  • Customer service skills that include active listening, empathy, and problem-solving.
A master's degree in Information Technology or an IT related field substitutes for three (3) years of experience, OR an IT related bachelor's degree substitutes for two (2) years, OR an IT related associate's degree substitutes for one (1) year.

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, and quality assurance.
  • Degree in, or relevant work experience related to, Wildlife Management, Biology, Forestry, Ecology, Environmental Science or related field
  • 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 E-Verify. Minnesota IT Services will not sponsor applicant for work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States .

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at or email . Please indicate what assistance is needed.

Date Posted: 05 May 2025
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