Working Title: Communication and Technology Specialist
Job Class: Communications Specialist 2 or 3
Agency: Health Department
Job ID : 91427
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes, partial
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers - bidders will be considered until 02/02/2026.
Date Posted : 01/27/2026
Closing Date : 02/09/2026
Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
Division/Unit : Environmental Health (EH) - Food, Pools, and Lodging Services (FPLS)
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, 8:00am-4:30pm
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, up to 25%
Salary Range:
Communication Specialist 2: $29.25-$42.94 / hourly; $61,074 - $89,659 / annually
Communication Specialist 3: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.
Are you passionate about public health? Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is seeking dedicated professionals to make a difference in our communities. As a C ommunication and Technology Specialist, you will serve as the primary communications and technology lead for the Minnesota Department of Health's Environmental Health Division, Food, Pools, and Lodging Services (FPLS) Section. This position plans, develops, implements, and evaluates statewide communications and training initiatives to ensure internal and external stakeholders receive accurate, accessible, and actionable information. The role translates complex technical and regulatory content into clear, plain language, provides expert guidance to staff and leadership, and ensures all communications follow MDH standards, accessibility requirements, and agency policies.
Primary work responsibilities:
Develop and deliver internal and external communications to support the work of the FPLS Section.
Create and maintain communications products, including fact sheets, newsletters, website content, and training materials, ensuring information is clear and accessible.
Assist in planning, coordinating, and facilitating trainings, meetings, and other outreach efforts for staff and external partners.
Maintain and manage communications platforms such as SharePoint, GovDelivery, and Smartsheet to support information sharing and program tracking.
Help ensure communications meet agency standards, including accessibility, plain language, and records retention.
This vacancy is being posted at both the Communication Specialist 2 and 3 levels, the level at which the positions will be filled will be based on the successful candidate's qualifications.
This position is currently eligible for up to 50% hybrid telework for applicants residing in Minnesota or a bordering state within 50 miles of the work location. The telework policy exempts employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement to help the State of Minnesota benefit from top talent in every corner of the state.
Minimum Qualifications
To be considered for this position, your application must clearly demonstrate the below minimum qualifications:
Communication Specialist 2:
Two (2) years of experience in communications, public relations, public information, or a related field. This experience must include developing, writing, editing, or distributing communications content for internal and external audiences.
Communication Specialist 3:
Three (3) years of experience in communications, public relations, public information, or a related field. This experience must include developing, writing, editing, or distributing communications content for internal and external audiences.
A Bachelor's degree in Communications, Environmental Science, Public Health, or a closely related field may substitute for one year of professional experience; a Master's degree in these fields may substitute for 18 months of experience, or a Doctorate degree may substitute for two years of experience.
Additional minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview:
Ability to plan, coordinate, and facilitate trainings, meetings, and other outreach activities for internal staff and external partners.
Ability to create communications products (fact sheets, newsletters, website and social media content) that meet agency standards, including plain language and accessibility requirements.
Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills, including the ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and implement solutions.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with communications or public relations in a government or public health setting.
Ability to translate technical or regulatory information into clear, accessible content.
Proficiency with digital communications tools and platforms, including SharePoint, GovDelivery, Smartsheet, and Microsoft Office.
Experience creating web, social media, or multimedia content for diverse audiences.
Experience planning, coordinating, or delivering trainings or presentations.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.
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 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
