Technical Product Owner

Working Title: Technical Product Owner
Job Class: Information Technology Specialist 4
Agency: Minnesota IT Services

• Job ID: 94534
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes #LI-Hybrid
• 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.

Job Summary

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.

Qualifications

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.