Agreements Specialist
Metropolitan Council - St Paul, MN
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Agreements SpecialistPrint (ApplyAgreements SpecialistSalary$89,232.00 - $144,830.40 AnnuallyLocationMN 55101, MNJob TypeFull-TimeRemote EmploymentFlexible/HybridJob Number2026-00131DivisionMetro TransitDepartmentGuideway BRTOpening Date03/12/2026Closing Date3/26/2026 11:59 PM Central Description Benefits Questions WHO WE AREWe 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. (We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides ridership through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities.Metro Transit'sPlanning and Capital Programs Department is responsible for the development and construction of Metro Transit's light rail transit (LRT) and bus rapid transit (BRT) projects including fixed guideway (busway) projects like the Gold Line and Bronze Line and the Blue Line Extension.How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:TheAgreements Specialist position provides: (a) development and negotiation of third party agreements as part of developing major capital transitway projects, (b) development of products associated with third party agreements, (c) coordination with external stakeholders (i.e., corridor counties, corridor cities, utilities and watershed districts, etc.) as part of development and tracking of third party agreements, and (d) milestone tracking and prioritizing, and communication of third party agreements to project management, Procurement Department, and Office of General Counsel (OGC).NOTE: This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. The position is based out of the Metro Bronze Line Project Office in St. Paul, MN. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.What you would do in this job Implements scope of agreements program (goals, objectives, requirements). Implements the agreement development process, including initiation, negotiation, scheduling, and milestone tracking. Supports management in negotiations with private parties (i.e., freight rail, utilities) and public agencies (i.e., municipal, county, state). Prioritizes, coordinates, and facilitates agreements under development and review by OGC and other Council staff. Maintains appropriate files and documentation systems for comprehensive agreements program. Maintains and monitors Agreement Matrixes for tracking purposes and internal status and coordination including monitoring status, determining priorities, and coordinating staff input. Ensures agreements conform to funding grants and other funding requirements and include all necessary provisions. Monitor and expedite Procurement and OGC review by prioritizing agreements and coordinating with project management, Procurement, and OGC to track status and progress. Reviews documents and correspondence between diverse teams, departments, and functions. Coordinates projects and develops approaches to controversial and non-standard issues with supervisor prior to implementation. Communicates requirements and responsibilities of the Council included in third party agreements and conveys information clearly, effectively, and timely through both formal and informal methods. Performs other duties as assigned, including supporting other Planning & Capital Projects Agreement Specialists, as needed. What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)Any of the following combinations of professional work experience in related agreement or contract development, negotiation and administration including project management and agreement development and completed education in Law, Political Science, English, Public Administration, Urban & Regional Planning, Engineering, Transportation, or related field: High school diploma/GED and eight (8) years of experience. Associate's degree and six (6) years of experience. Bachelor's degree or higher and four (4) years of experience. What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications): Experience working with a diverse workforce and diverse communities. Knowledge of the Federal Capital Investment Grants Program process or Federal grant requirements and compliance. Experience in contracts and project management working for a government agency. Experience drafting amendments to contracts. What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job: Knowledge of contract law and municipal and public agency law and regulations. Knowledge of cooperation and cooperative funding agreements. Knowledge of master and subordinate funding agreements. Knowledge of grant and programmatic agreements. Skilled in oral, written and presenting presentations, and possess advanced negotiation consensus building and alternative dispute resolution skills. Ability to read, analyze,and interpret complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to organize and prioritize workload and balance multiple projects or tasks. Ability to review, redline and draft a scope of work and applicable contract exhibits including budget and milestones. Ability to ensure contract files are compliant with applicable funding requirements and properly documented. Ability to develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with internal staff, partner agencies, and external stakeholders through effective communication, collaboration, and responsiveness. What you can expect from us: We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area. We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement. We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance. More about why you should join us! (Additional informationUnion/Grade: Non-Represented/Grade HFLSA Status: ExemptSafety Sensitive: NoWhat your work environment would be:Travel to various locations in the nine-county metropolitan area will be required. You would perform your work in a standard office setting.What steps the recruitment process involves: We review your minimum qualifications. We rate your education and experience. We conduct a structured panel interview. We conduct a selection interview. Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:If you are new to the Metropolitan Council , you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical 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 , you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical 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 diversity of the region 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 .We believe our employees are a key to our agency's 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: Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80% Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free: Well@Work clinic bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year parking at many job locations fitness centers at many job locations Employee Assistance Program extensive health and wellness programs and resources 01Applicant Instructions: It is important thatyour application shows all relevant education and experienceyou 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. Yes No 02How did youfirsthear about this job opening? CareerForce Center Community Event/Organization Employee Referral Facebook Glassdoor Indeed Job Fair LinkedIn Metro Transit Bus Advertisement Twitter Website: governmentjobs.com Website: metrocouncil.org Website: metrotransit.org Website: minnesotajobnetwork.com Other 03If you selected 'Other', please describe where you first heard about this job. if you selected 'Employee Referral' please enter the employee's first and last name, ID number (if known), and job title. Type N/A if not applicable.04Which of the following best describes the level of your education and experience? Bachelor's degree or higher specializing in Law, Political Science, English, Public Administration, Urban & Regional Planning, Engineering, Transportation, or related field AND at least four (4) years of experience in related agreement or contract development, negotiation and administration including project management and agreement development. Associate degree specializing in Law, Political Science, English, Public Administration, Urban & Regional Planning, Engineering, Transportation, or related field AND at least six (6) years of experience in related agreement or contract development, negotiation and administration including project management and agreement development. High school diploma degree AND eight (8) years of experience in related agreement or contract development, negotiation and administration including project management and agreement development. None of the above. 05Please describe any experience you have in negotiating and execution of contracts or agreements, especially with local units of governments, public utilities (e.g. agreement type and scope, duties, challenges, accomplishments). Type "NA" if not applicable.06Please describe any experience you have in preparing and administering contract, cooperation agreements, funding agreements, and memorandum of understandings. Type "NA" if not applicable.07Please describe your understanding of the public administration process in working with governmental entities, private and/or public utilities, public utilities, and the general public areas of agreement negotiation and implementation. Type "NA" if not applicable.08Please describe your experience with grants and agreements with federal or state funding. Type "NA" if not applicable.09Please describe your experience working with different perspectives and cultures, and the value that they bring to an organization. Based on this experience, what did you learn? Type "NA" if not applicable.10The 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 to the following: I affirm that all information provided in my application including any uploaded documentation is true and accurate. I further affirm that I have personally reviewed, verified, and approved all content, including any content generated with the assistance of AI. I will provide all interview responses directly and in real-time without unauthorized assistance. I will not use AI avatars, external assistance in answering including computer-generated suggestions, or any recording and transcription tools during the interview process unless I have received prior approval from Human Resources for a disability-related reasonable accommodation. Required QuestionEmployerMetropolitan CouncilAddress390 Robert St. N.St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101WebsiteApplyPlease verify your email addressVerify Email
Created: 2026-03-14