Concrete Research Student Worker - Student Worker Para Professional or Student Worker Para Professional Senior

Minnesota Department of Transportation; Maplewood (MN); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays

Low-cost medical, dental, vision plans

Pension plan

Life insurance

Short-term and long-term disability

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Transportation seeks a student worker for the Materials Lab in Maplewood, MN. The position is part-time with potential hybrid scheduling and telework arrangements approved by the supervisor.

The role involves assisting in research, testing, and data analysis for statewide pavement projects, while gaining exposure to engineering materials and testing procedures. Eligibility requires being a current student in an engineering or environmental science program.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in engineering or environmental science program.
• Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience with statistical validation tools.

Responsibilities

• Assist in conducting research, including testing and analysis.
• Support statewide concrete pavement related research.
• Help other in the research and operations sections and assist the Research Operations Engineer with data analysis.

Skills

Excel

Word

Statistical validation tools

Programming basics

Education

Engineering or Environmental Science program

Job description

Job Information

• Job ID: 97472
• Location: Maplewood
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/06/2026
• Closing Date: 10/19/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Transportation Dept / DOT-Metro-Central Off-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: Materials & Road Research
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: Student Worker Para Prof: $18.15 - $21.26 / hourly Student Worker Para Prof Sr: $20.20 - $24.02 / hourly
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area: Materials/Maplewood Lab
• End Date: Anticipated to last up to three years, in accordance with eligibility requirements
• 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.

This vacancy is being announced at two different job classes. The final class and starting salary are dependent on the successful candidate’s qualifications.

This position is located at the Office of Materials Lab in Maplewood, MN and may have the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule or work in the office. The incumbent will be required to make a telework arrangement with their supervisor. The incumbent will be expected to work in the office as determined by policy and discussion with their supervisor.

The position will work up to 40 hours per week during the summer and part-time during the school year.

This position will assist in conducting research, including testing and analysis. The incumbent will provide assistance to ongoing activities related to analysis of Research and test results, as well as assistance with statewide concrete pavement related research. The position will also be expected to help others in the research and operations sections as needed and assist the Research Operations Engineer with analysis of data for various initiatives.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation does not sponsor applicants for work visas or Optional Practical Training Extensions for STEM students. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the US at the start of employment.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must be current students in a secondary, post-secondary, or graduate school. Other qualifications include:

• Enrolled in an engineering or environmental science program.
• Experience with Microsoft computer programs, especially Excel and Word.
• Experience in statistical validation tools.

Applicants must be a student in a college/university, trade, or technical school. If a student is enrolled at a credit‑granting institution the student 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, a student must be taking two or more classes per semester/quarter. Any lesser credit (class) load shall 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 required to complete an Education Verification form prior to appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in engineering materials and testing procedures.
• Experience with basic programming.

Additional Requirements

Successful candidate must pass past‑employer reference checks and criminal history check

It is our policy that all candidates submit to a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check
• Criminal History Check
• Employment Reference Check
• Education/License Verification
• Driver's License Check

Working together to improve the state we love.

• 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
• Tuition reimbursement
• MnDOT Student Loan Reimbursement Program (Visit Student Loan Reimbursement - Policies - MnDOT (state.mn.us) for more information).
• 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

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) encourages participation in all its programs, services and activities and does not discriminate against qualified applicants with disabilities. Anyone who believes they may need a reasonable accommodation in order to fully participate in the job application, interview or selection processes may contact any agency official with whom applicant has contact in the processing of their employment application to request an accommodation. Applicants may also contact the MnDOT Affirmative Action office to request an accommodation by: E-mail: [e-mail]; or by calling Janet Miller at 651/366-4720; or using MN Relay 711.

The MnDOT Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found at: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/policy/hr/hr009.html.