Logistics Operations Specialist Lead - Central Services Administrative Specialist Principal

About the role

This position exists to coordinate and lead multi-facility logistics operations for the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), including the Orvill L. Freeman (OLF) and Public Health Laboratory (PHL), to ensure continuity of critical logistics services, laboratory specimen transportation, chain-of-custody accountability, receiving operations, inventory control, accountable delivery functions, and operational support services. The position provides leadwork direction for logistics staff engaged in laboratory specimen transportation, receiving operations, shipping and distribution activities, dock operations, inventory coordination, courier services, accountable deliveries, and mail distribution. The position independently establishes daily operational priorities, assigns and coordinates work activities, resolves complex transportation and delivery issues, maintains chain-of-custody accountability for sensitive and regulated materials, and collaborates with laboratory personnel, agency programs, vendors, and delivery carriers to ensure uninterrupted logistics operations across multiple facilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadwork coordination and operational oversight for multi-facility logistics and laboratory transportation operations so that essential agency logistics services, laboratory specimen movement, and chain-of-custody requirements are maintained in a timely, secure, accurate, and uninterrupted manner.
• Coordinate laboratory logistics, chain-of-custody accountability, receiving operations, and inventory control so that laboratory specimens, regulated materials, accountable assets, and agency deliveries are securely received, documented, transported, tracked, and delivered in accordance with operational and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate mail, courier, package distribution, and accountable delivery operations so that agency communications, sensitive materials, laboratory shipments, and operational deliveries are processed securely, accurately, and within established service levels.
• Provide limited meeting space and facility support services during operational surges, special events, staffing shortages, or other business continuity needs so that agency operations remain functional and operationally ready.
• Provide operational continuity support and backup coverage for essential logistics-related functions during staffing shortages, emergency situations, or operational disruptions so that critical agency services remain available.

Minimum qualifications

One (1) year of experience providing logistics operations support. This experience must include 3 of the following:

• Experience coordinating integrated mail, courier or logistics distribution operations.
• Experience coordinating receiving, dock, inventory, or delivery operations.
• Experience providing operational and logistics support in a laboratory setting.
• Experience providing facility support services such as setting up conference rooms, arranging furniture or equipment.
• Experience using software applications such as Microsoft Office.

A related bachelor's degree may substitute for twelve (12) months of experience; an associate's degree may substitute for six (6) months of experience.

Qualifications to be further assessed during the interview process

• Ability to oversee, lead, train, and evaluate the work activities of employees in a work area.
• Skill in coordinating multiple competing priorities with limited supervision.
• Ability to apply appropriate judgment when making decisions under conditions that are uncertain or ambiguous.
• Communication skills sufficient to communicate information clearly and human relations skills sufficient to effectively create and maintain working relationships within the agency and with external partners.
• Ability to maintain professionalism during routine stress or change with quick recovery from minor setbacks.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience using PRISM, SWIFT, or other shipment tracing systems.
• Experience maintaining chain-of-custody documentation and accountability.
• Experience with laboratory specimen handling, transportation, and delivery procedures.
• Experience with shipping, packaging, postal regulations, and carrier requirements.
• Experience analyzing operational problems and determining corrective actions.

Pay

$24.54 - $33.11 / hourly; $51,239 - $69,133 / annually

Schedule

Day Shift / 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Monday - Friday

Benefits

• 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
• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support addressing mental health, relationship challenges, grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily living/convenience services: chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care