Job Class: Student Worker Para Professional
Agency: Health Department
Job ID : 94072
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Limited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 05/08/2026
Closing Date : 05/14/2026
Hiring Agency : Minnesota Department of Health
Division/Unit : Public Health Laboratory Division/ Environmental Sample Receiving
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, flexible
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $17.84 - $20.89 / hourly
Bargaining Unit : 207 - American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME Technical, Council no. 5)
Work Area : Department of Health
End Date : 09/08/2026
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.
The Public Health Laboratory (PHL) is seeking a Student Worker Para Professional to provide administrative support within the Environmental Section, which performs environmental analytical testing for the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). This position supports the delivery of analytical testing results to the partners of MDH who are responsible for protecting, maintaining, and improving the health of Minnesotans.
Primary Responsibilities include:
Sample receiving and acceptance, sample distribution, and sample disposal.
Data entry.
Kit assembly.
This is a full-time position, working 30-40 hours per week with flexible work hours and days within 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, dependent on the student's summer class schedule. The position is anticipated to last until September 08, 2026.
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
Please ensure your application/resume clearly indicate the college where you are currently enrolled as well as your intended major, starting year, and anticipated graduation date.
Completion of one year of post-secondary education in a biology, microbiology, chemistry, environmental science, or medical lab technology program.
Student Worker Eligibility: To be eligible for appointment as a Student Worker Paraprofessional 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.
Additional Minimum Qualifications to be assessed during the interview:
Ability to understand and explain technical concepts clearly and respectfully to diverse audiences, both orally and in writing.
Ability to accurately follow established procedures.
Ability to work collaboratively with staff and community partners, adapt to changing circumstances and priorities, and follow guidance while completing assigned tasks.
Preferred Qualifications
Currently pursuing a degree in biology, microbiology, chemistry, environmental science, or medical laboratory technology.
Experience working in a laboratory setting.
Experience performing specimen receiving, distribution, and disposal tasks.
Experience performing data entry in a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.
Under the 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.
