Working Title: Foodborne Diseases Student Worker
Job Class: Student Worker Para Professional Senior
Agency: Health Department
Job ID : 94487
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Part-Time
Regular/Temporary : Limited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 05/27/2026
Closing Date : 06/09/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Health Department / Health-AFSCME
Division/Unit : Health Protection / IDEPC FWVZD Foodborne Dis Staf
Work Shift/Work Hours : Rotating Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
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 : 09/01/2028
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 the Minnesota Department of Health's mission: protecting, maintaining, and improving the health of all Minnesotans. As a Foodborne Diseases Student Worker, you will conduct surveillance activities for pathogens such as Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections, other Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections, and other reportable diseases under the direction of the epidemiologists.
Primary responsibilities include:
Conducting foodborne disease surveillance and case investigations.
Assisting in epidemiological investigations of outbreaks of communicable disease.
Participating in data collection through structured telephone interviews.
Providing data management in surveillance and epidemiological studies.
This posting will be used to fill two (2) vacancies. These are temporary positions with anticipated end dates of 09/01/2028.
These positions are part-time, 20 hours per week. The specific hours and days of work are variable within 8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Monday - Friday and some Sunday hours. These positions are anticipated to last through September 1, 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 to be considered for this position.
Completion of two 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
Currently accepted or enrolled in a degree-seeking graduate program (MPH, MS or PhD) in epidemiology, environmental health, or related public health field.
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing with members of the public and health care professionals.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
Career goals in applied infectious disease epidemiology.
Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Vietnamese, Karen, Somali, or other non-English language to complete surveillance or outbreak interviews.
Additional Requirements
The selected candidate will be required to successfully pass an employment reference check and background check.
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.
