Working Title: Human Rights Investigator
Job Class: Investigation Specialist 2
Agency: Human Rights Dept
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Job ID: 95666
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Location: St. Paul
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Telework Eligible: Yes
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Full/Part Time: Full-Time
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Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
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Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
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Date Posted: 07/21/2026
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Closing Date: 08/03/2026
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Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Rights Dept / Human Rights-MAPE
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Division/Unit: Investigation Unit
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Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
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Days of Work: Monday - Friday
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Travel Required: No
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Salary Range: $31.81 - $46.96 / hourly; $66,419 - $98,052 / annually
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Classified Status: Classified
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Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
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FLSA Status: Nonexempt
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Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
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 Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) is the state's civil rights enforcement agency. MDHR protects the civil rights of Minnesotans through the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest civil rights laws in the country. The Investigation Division is responsible for conducting impartial investigations of discrimination complaints, referring individuals to mediation or external resources when appropriate, and determining whether reported conduct violates the Minnesota Human Rights Act, current Minnesota case law, or related federal anti-discrimination statutes and regulations.
As a Human Rights Investigator, you will play a critical role in advancing MDHR’s mission to build a strong, thriving Minnesota free from discrimination. This position supports the Department’s statutory responsibilities by issuing determinations of probable cause or no probable cause, issuing jurisdictional dismissals, and ensuring investigations are responsive, accurate, and legally sound. The Investigator applies comprehensive knowledge of civil rights law, the Minnesota Human Rights Act, relevant case law, and federal anti-discrimination statutes throughout the investigative process.
Hybrid Work Environment: This position is eligible for up to a 50% hybrid telework arrangement. With a telework agreement, onsite attendance will be required for team meetings or as requested by management to meet business needs. Completion of a telework agreement will be required. Please review the Telework Policy for details.
This posting will be used to fill multiple vacancies. To be considered applicants must submit a cover letter describing their interest in upholding the civil rights of Minnesotans as a Human Rights Investigator.
Three (3) years of experience conducting investigations or working on case development of civil, criminal, or administrative matters within a legal, civil rights, law enforcement, human resources, or labor relations setting. Experience must demonstrate:
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Skill in implementing interviewing strategies.
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Knowledge of working with individuals from diverse communities.
Applicants who meet the above requirements will be further assessed on the following:
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Knowledge of legal theories of discrimination.
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Writing skills to summarize interviews and investigative findings using appropriate terminology and proper grammar.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills to manage concurrent issues and make determinations of charges and/or appropriate referrals.
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Interpersonal and human relations skills to interact and maintain effective relationships with all staff, customers, and the public.
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Multi-tasking skills to manage a dynamic caseload in varying stages of the review and investigative processes and balance competing priorities.
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Alignment with the Department’s mission and values and commitment to promoting civil rights.
Education Experience Equivalents: A Doctorate degree may substitute for 2 years of experience; Master’s degree may substitute for 18 months of experience; Bachelor’s degree may substitute for 1 year of experience.
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Advanced degree in law, public policy, public administration, or related field.
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Fluency or proficiency in other languages in addition to English.
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Experience working with individuals who may not be cooperative or receptive.
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Knowledge of cultural norms and trauma of individuals or communities who have faced historical discrimination and oppression across all protected class statuses.
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Knowledge and application of conflict resolution and de-escalation strategies.
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Knowledge of state and federal civil rights statutes and regulations, as well as state and federal case law, including, but not limited to, the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Women’s Economic Security Act, Minnesota’s workers' compensation statute and rules, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Title VII, Title IX, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Equal Pay Act.
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Demonstrated interest and commitment to promoting and civil rights.
Successful applicants must pass employment reference checks prior to employment. A written assessment or work sample may be part of the interview process.
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
If you have questions about this position, contact Jessica Fenlon at [email protected] or 651-201-2492.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Jessica Fenlon at [email protected].
The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency. We are charged with upholding the civil rights of Minnesotans under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest civil rights laws in the country. We are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive Minnesota, eliminating discrimination, and ending disparities and inequities. We work to breakdown policies and practices that perpetuate structural barriers, such as racism, ableism, homophobia, and ageism to build strong communities. To learn more about us, please visit www.mn.gov/mdhr.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
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Connection with their coworkers and communities
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Opportunities for personal and professional growth
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
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Diabetes care
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Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
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Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
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Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
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Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
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Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
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Training, classes, and professional development
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Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
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A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
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Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
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Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and let us know the support you need.
