Working Title: Foodborne Diseases Student Worker
Job Class: Student Worker Para Professional Senior
Agency: Health Department
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Job ID: 94487
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Location: St. Paul
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Telework Eligible: No
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Full/Part Time: Part-Time
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Regular/Temporary: Limited
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Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
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Date Posted: 05/27/2026
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Closing Date: 06/09/2026
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Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Health Department / Health-AFSCME
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Division/Unit: Health Protection / IDEPC FWVZD Foodborne Dis Staf
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Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotating Shift
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Days of Work: Monday - Friday
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Travel Required: No
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Salary Range: $19.85 - $23.61 / hourly
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Classified Status: Unclassified
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Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 – American Federation of State, County, & Municipal Employees (AFSCME Technical, Council No. 5)
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Work Area: Department of Health
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End Date: 09/01/2028
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FLSA Status: Nonexempt
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Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No
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:
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Conducting foodborne disease surveillance and case investigations.
- Assisting in epidemiological investigations of outbreaks of communicable disease.
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Participating in data collection through structured telephone interviews.
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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.
The following minimum qualifications must be clearly demonstrated on the applicant's resume/application to be considered for this position.
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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.
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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.
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Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
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Career goals in applied infectious disease epidemiology.
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Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Vietnamese, Karen, Somali, or other non-English language to complete surveillance or outbreak interviews.
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.
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 Megan Baer at [email protected]
If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at [email protected].
Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction.
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.
