Communication and Technology Specialist - Communications Specialist 2 or 3

Working Title: Communication and Technology Specialist
Job Class: Communications Specialist 2 or 3
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 91427
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, partial
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers - bidders will be considered until 02/02/2026.
• Date Posted: 01/27/2026
• Closing Date: 02/09/2026
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
• Division/Unit: Environmental Health (EH) - Food, Pools, and Lodging Services (FPLS)
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00am-4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 25%
• Salary Range:
  • Communication Specialist 2:  $29.25-$42.94 / hourly; $61,074 - $89,659 / annually
  • Communication Specialist 3: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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.

Are you passionate about public health? Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is seeking dedicated professionals to make a difference in our communities. As a Communication and Technology Specialist, you will serve as the primary communications and technology lead for the Minnesota Department of Health’s Environmental Health Division, Food, Pools, and Lodging Services (FPLS) Section. This position plans, develops, implements, and evaluates statewide communications and training initiatives to ensure internal and external stakeholders receive accurate, accessible, and actionable information. The role translates complex technical and regulatory content into clear, plain language, provides expert guidance to staff and leadership, and ensures all communications follow MDH standards, accessibility requirements, and agency policies.

Primary work responsibilities: 

• Develop and deliver internal and external communications to support the work of the FPLS Section.
• Create and maintain communications products, including fact sheets, newsletters, website content, and training materials, ensuring information is clear and accessible.
• Assist in planning, coordinating, and facilitating trainings, meetings, and other outreach efforts for staff and external partners.
• Maintain and manage communications platforms such as SharePoint, GovDelivery, and Smartsheet to support information sharing and program tracking.
• Help ensure communications meet agency standards, including accessibility, plain language, and records retention.

This vacancy is being posted at both the Communication Specialist 2 and 3 levels, the level at which the positions will be filled will be based on the successful candidate's qualifications.

This position is currently eligible for up to 50% hybrid telework for applicants residing in Minnesota or a bordering state within 50 miles of the work location. The telework policy exempts employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement to help the State of Minnesota benefit from top talent in every corner of the state. 

Minimum Qualifications

To be considered for this position, your application must clearly demonstrate the below minimum qualifications:

Communication Specialist 2:

Two (2) years of experience in communications, public relations, public information, or a related field. This experience must include developing, writing, editing, or distributing communications content for internal and external audiences.

Communication Specialist 3:

Three (3) years of experience in communications, public relations, public information, or a related field. This experience must include developing, writing, editing, or distributing communications content for internal and external audiences.

A Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Environmental Science, Public Health,  or a closely related field may substitute for one year of professional experience; a Master’s degree in these fields may substitute for 18 months of experience, or a Doctorate degree may substitute for two years of experience.

Additional minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview:

• Ability to plan, coordinate, and facilitate trainings, meetings, and other outreach activities for internal staff and external partners.
• Ability to create communications products (fact sheets, newsletters, website and social media content) that meet agency standards, including plain language and accessibility requirements.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills, including the ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and implement solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with communications or public relations in a government or public health setting.
• Ability to translate technical or regulatory information into clear, accessible content.
• Proficiency with digital communications tools and platforms, including SharePoint, GovDelivery, Smartsheet, and Microsoft Office.
• Experience creating web, social media, or multimedia content for diverse audiences.
• Experience planning, coordinating, or delivering trainings or presentations.

Additional Requirements

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

How to Apply 

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 careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Alexis Isaacson at alexis.e.isaacson@state.mn.us or 651-539-2266.

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 Alexis Isaacson at alexis.e.isaacson@state.mn.us.

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 health.hr.ada@state.mn.us

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.

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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.