Foodborne Diseases Student Worker-Student Worker Para Prof Sr

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Saint-Paul; Hybrid; CAD 39,000 - 46,000; Part time

Job summary

State of Minnesota invites applications for a Foodborne Diseases Student Worker position within the Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention & Control Division. The role conducts surveillance of foodborne pathogens and assists in outbreak investigations, data collection and data management to describe illness and identify risk factors.

Two years of post-secondary study in Epidemiology or public health are required.

Qualifications

• To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure your resume/application clearly describe your experience in the areas listed below and indicate the beginning and ending month and year for each job held, the college where you are currently enrolled, your intended major, and anticipated graduation date.
• Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

Responsibilities

• Conduct surveillance activities for Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, E. coli O157:H7 infections and other reportable diseases.
• Assist in epidemiological investigations of outbreaks, participate in data collection via structured telephone interviews and provide data management in epidemiological studies.

Education

Two years post-secondary in Epidemiology or public health field

Job description

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Working Title: Foodborne Diseases Student Worker

Job Class: Student Worker Para Professional Senior

Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 96962


• Location: St. Paul


• Telework Eligible: Yes- hybrid


• Full/Part Time: Part-Time


• Regular/Temporary: Limited


• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers


• Date Posted: 09/17/2026


• Closing Date: 09/30/2026


• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Health Department / Health-AFSCME


• Division/Unit: Health Protection / IDEPC FWVZD Foodborne Dis Staff


• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift


• Days of Work: Monday - Friday


• Travel Required: No


• Salary Range: $20.20 - $24.02 / 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: 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 Foodborne Diseases Student Worker, you will conduct surveillance activities for Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections, other Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections, and other reportable diseases. Additionally, will assist in epidemiological investigations of outbreaks of communicable disease, participate in data collection through structured telephone interviews and provide data management in epidemiological studies to describe illness and sequelae and identify risk factors for enteric infections.

This vacancy announcement will be used to fill two (2) Student Worker Para Professional Senior positions.

These positions are part-time and will work 20 hours per week. The specific hours and days of work are flexible within 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend work. These positions are temporary and is expected to end by September 01, 2028, or until the selected candidate completes their educational program, whichever occurs sooner.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure your resume/application clearly describe your experience in the areas listed below and indicate the beginning and ending month and year for each job held, the college where you are currently enrolled, your intended major, and anticipated graduation date. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

• Completion of two years of post-secondary education in one of the following areas: Epidemiology, Environmental Health or related public health field.

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, with career goals in applied infectious disease epidemiology


• Ability to develop and maintain effective interpersonal relations with co-workers, supervisors, and health care professionals


• 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


• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time, adapt to change, collect and enter data


• Critical thinking skills and judgement

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.

MDH does not participate in the federal E-Verify program and is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions, and cannot complete Form I-9 or any other documentation requiring employer participation in E-Verify. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Dama Abuta at [e-mail] or 651-201-7387.

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 [e-mail].

About Health Department

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.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work


• Connection with their coworkers and communities


• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

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.

Your Benefits May Include

• Paid vacation and sick leave


• 12 paid holidays each year


• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  
  
  
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  
  
  • Diabetes care
  
  
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
  
  
  
  


• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children


• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)


• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death


• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury


• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care


• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support To Help You Reach Your Career Goals

• Training, classes, and professional development


• 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)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) For Work/life Support

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance


• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues


• 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 [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.