Working Title: Vectorborne Diseases Student Worker - Student Worker Para Professional Senior
Job Class: Student Worker Para Professional Senior
Agency: Health Department
Job ID : 93864
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Part-Time
Regular/Temporary : Limited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 05/04/2026
Closing Date : 05/11/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Health Department / Health-AFSCME
Division/Unit : Health Protection / IDEPC FWVZD Vectorbone Dis Stf
Work Shift/Work Hours : Not Applicable Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - Up to 25% of the time
Salary Range: $19.85 - $23.61 / hourly
Classified Status : Unclassified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 207 - American Federation of State, County, & Municipal Employees (AFSCME Technical, Council No. 5)
Work Area : Department of Health
End Date : 08/31/2028
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : No
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 our team of Student Workers within the Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention & Control (IDEPC) Division as a key part of the statewide public health system, dedicated to MDH's mission: protecting, maintaining and improving the health of all Minnesotans. As a student worker with the Vectorborne Disease Unit, in collaboration with program epidemiologists, you will conduct disease surveillance activities for diseases transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Powassan virus, West Nile virus, La Crosse encephalitis, and Jamestown Canyon virus. This work includes conducting structured telephone interviews, performing chart reviews, and working on data entry and data management tasks. In addition, students assist with various activities related to field investigations for special cases and routine vector surveillance, as well as epidemiological studies to describe illness and identify risk factors for vectorborne infections.
This vacancy announcement will be used to fill two (2) Student Worker Para Professional positions.
This position will have the option of teleworking; however, it will be based on the business needs of the unit and is at supervisory discretion. In accordance with HR/LR Policy #1422 Telework, this position is eligible for up to 50% telework for applicants who live in Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location. Candidates residing outside of Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location at the time of application must be able to relocate to Minnesota within 30 days of their start date. The telework policy may exempt employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement, depending on job requirements, helping the State of Minnesota access top talent across the state.
This position is part-time and will work 20 hours per week. The specific hours and days of work will vary, Monday through Sunday. This position is anticipated to last until August 31, 2028, or until the selected candidate completes their educational program, whichever occurs sooner.
MDH relies heavily on grant funding, in addition to state appropriated dollars. As an agency, we continually monitor funding levels and navigate some degree of uncertainty related to grant cycles and the impact of the grant funding on program priorities.
This position is currently funded and approved to be filled. While the position is funded at this time, future funding is dependent on the continuation of our funding sources. The Minnesota Department of Health works proactively to sustain programs and maintain our workforce, to avoid reductions in force to the very best of our ability. In the event of a loss of funding resulting in a necessary workforce reduction, that process is governed by our collective bargaining agreements and compensation plans.
Minimum Qualifications
The following minimum qualifications must be clearly demonstrated on the applicant's resume/application:
Completion of two (2) years of post-secondary education.
Student Worker Eligibility: To be eligible for appointment as a Student Worker Paraprofessional Senior you must be enrolled in a post-secondary or graduate program or plan to enroll within three months. Students may be "off" for the summer or for one semester/quarter and remain employed as a student worker, but such absences cannot exceed one semester/quarter in a year. If you are enrolled at a credit-granting institution, you must carry at least six semester/nine quarter credits. If enrolled at a non-credit granting institution or one that only offers one credit per class, you must be taking two or more classes per semester/quarter. Any lesser credit (class) load will be treated as a semester/quarter off. Graduate students must be enrolled in at least two courses or making progress on a dissertation. You will be asked to complete an Educational Verification form prior to appointment.
Preferred Qualifications
Able to make a 1-to-2-year commitment.
Currently accepted or enrolled in a degree-seeking graduate program in epidemiology, environmental health or related public health field.
Experience and/or strong interest in infectious disease, especially vectorborne diseases.
Undergraduate degree in biology, zoology, entomology or related field.
Experience and/or willingness to participate in outdoor field collection activities.
Ability to develop and maintain effective interpersonal relations with co-workers, supervisors, and health care professionals.
Physical Requirements
(Refer to Physical Requirements Guide)
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.
This employment does not require a valid driver's license, but it does demand travel, which the candidate will be responsible for meeting.
Under U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services regulations, the successful candidate must be able to accept work in the U.S. by the day employment begins. This agency is unable to offer H-1B sponsorship.
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.
