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Electronic Licensing System Business Product Owner

Electronic Licensing System (ELS) Business Product Owner
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Coordinator
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 85919
  • 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: 05/09/2025
  • Closing Date: 05/29/2025
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: Fish and Wildlife / F&W Administrative Services
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: No
  • Salary Range: $36.71 - $54.60 / hourly; $76,650 - $114,005 annually 
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MAPE / Minnesota Association of Professional Employees 
  • FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
  • 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.

Job Summary

 

The DNR is seeking to hire one (1) Electronic Licensing System (ELS) Business Product Owner at our central office in Saint Paul, MN.

The Product Owner is accountable for the development and execution of business objectives for the Electronic Licensing System (ELS) at the Department of Natural Resources. ELS supports critical functions such as hunting and fishing license sales, recreational vehicle license registration and titling, hunter and recreational safety training, and law enforcement activities. This role includes defining the vision and strategy for ELS and working closely with field teams, key customers, and strategic partners to identify and pursue opportunities that align with business goals. The Product Owner will develop and maintain multi-year roadmaps that support the strategic direction of ELS, ensuring alignment with the DNR’s mission and promoting growth in digital recreation services within a secure and modern technology environment.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

  • Own the product vision and strategy for the Electronic Licensing System, including the multi-year strategic roadmap for ongoing development. Ensure the product vision aligns with privacy and data protection standards, safeguarding private and sensitive information throughout the product lifecycle. Lead the communication and collaboration with all stakeholders, ensuring transparency and compliance with data privacy regulations as the product evolves.
  • Identify internal and external stakeholders, people who engage with or benefit from the Electronic Licensing System, prioritize their needs, and communicate with them throughout product development. Serve as the voice of the product and liaison between business and development teams. Ensure that stakeholder feedback is managed within the strategic roadmap. 
  • Drive planning, requirements, and the development of the strategic roadmap and the accompanying product backlog. Define and maintain the prioritized list of work (product backlog) for the cross-functional product development team and work with the development team to plan the schedule for new or enhanced product functionality. 
  • Partner with the MNIT development team(s) to ensure end user needs are well understood, align with the DNR strategies and goals for the product, and that the product output is aligned with requirements.
  • Lead product research with other states when needed and measure and report on product status. 
  • Collaborate with the business training staff to ensure timely and effective training is available for new and existing staff. Ensure new releases/development/configuration is appropriately communicated and develop a related training plan.

This position may be eligible to telework up to 50% of the time, which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. 

 

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Four (4) years of experience in product management, business analysis, or a related role within the business side of an organization.
    • A bachelor's degree in business, technology, or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience. 
  • Demonstrated experience in leading work teams, with the ability to motivate system users, foster collaboration, support professional development of others, and drive the successful achievement of organizational goals or objectives.
  • Experience working with data privacy laws and security of data.
  • Knowledge of technical aspects of a product, including software architecture, data systems, and integration points with demonstrated knowledge of how these components work together to deliver a cohesive and functional product.
  • Knowledge of data practice policies and regulations, sufficient to ensure compliance and monitor adherence to appropriate procedures, in handling, storing, and sharing data. (e.g. HIPPA, COPPA)
  • Skills in utilizing custom-off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions, office technology systems (e.g. MS Office Suite), data management systems, and internet applications sufficient to assemble, analyze, and synthesize information from various data sources to support decision-making and business objectives. 
  • Problem solving and analytical skills sufficient to identify issues as they arise, propose innovative and effective solutions, provide guidance to others, and evaluate implementation of those solutions to ensure desired outcomes.
  • Communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to effectively present information, collaborate, and build relationships with stakeholders, development teams, and customers to ensure alignment and successful project outcomes.
  • Human relations skills sufficient to build effective partnerships across organizations, all levels of staff, and with external stakeholders and foster collaboration, build consensus, and facilitate positive working relationships to achieve shared goals.
  • Organizational skills sufficient to manage multiple projects simultaneously, work effectively within tight deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities and challenges while maintaining high-quality results.
  • Ability to analyze, identify, and develop program requirements, as well as interpret and translate them into actionable plans. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Three (3) years of experience as a product manager, having worked on two (2) or more Agile teams.
  • A bachelor's degree in business, technology, or a related field.
  • Experience working in a matrixed/cross-functional organization with various partners in business, marketing, technology, and legal.
  • Experience with Agile methodologies sufficient to lead cross-functional teams, manage product backlogs, facilitate sprint planning, and drive iterative development processes that align with business goals and customer needs.
  • Experience conducting current state vs. future state mapping and plan development actionable plans for continuous enhancements with the ability to analyze existing processes, identify gaps, and implement strategies for ongoing enhancements that drive efficiency and align with organizational objectives.
  • Knowledge of user experience (UX) principles and design thinking sufficient to collaborate effectively with design and development trams, create user-centered solutions, and ensure the delivery of intuitive and engaging product experiences that meet user needs and business objectives.
  • Knowledge of outdoor recreational users sufficient to understand their needs, behaviors, and preferences, enabling the development of targeted programs, products, or services that enhance their outdoor experience and align with industry trends. 

Additional Requirements

No driving duties are required.


Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, 
with or without reasonable accommodations.


In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
 

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

Application Details

 

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 Linda Kelly at linda.kelly@state.mn.us or 651-259-5238.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. 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 Tava Cayo at tava.cayo@state.mn.us.

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
  • 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.