Communications Fellow-Student Worker Para Prof Sr

Working Title: Communications Fellow
Job Class: Student Worker Para Professional Senior
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 91850
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 02/04/2026
• Closing Date: 02/18/2026
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
• Division/Unit: Environmental Health - Communications and Strategic Initiatives Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Flexible
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $19.85 - $23.61 / hourly
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 – American Federation of State, County, & Municipal Employees (AFSCME Technical, Council No. 5) 
• Work Area: Freeman Building, St. Paul 
• End Date: 02/04/2029
• 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.

The Communications Fellow supports the Minnesota Department of Health’s Drinking Water Protection Section by planning, developing, and evaluating clear, accurate, and accessible communications about drinking water quality and public health. This position leads and coordinates projects that translate technical drinking water data into plain-language messaging for public water systems, private well users, and other key audiences. The role provides project management support for outreach materials and collaborates with subject matter experts, program staff, and partners to promote understanding of drinking water quality, testing results, and source water protection efforts across Minnesota.

Primary Responsibilities include: 

• Develop and distribute clear, plain-language communications about drinking water quality and testing results for public water systems and private well users.
• Write, edit, and coordinate review of case studies and stories highlighting community drinking water protection efforts.
• Create and manage informational materials such as fact sheets, webpages, infographics, and social media content related to drinking water and public health.
• Coordinate content review and approval with subject matter experts and program leadership to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Organize and maintain drinking water communications resources and support documentation and file management processes.

This is a part-time position, working 15–20 hours per week during the academic year.  Work hours and days are flexible within 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The position is anticipated to last up to three years or until the selected candidate completes their educational program, whichever occurs first.

The successful candidate, under U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations, must be able to accept work in the U.S. by the day employment begins. The agency is unable to offer H-1B sponsorship. 

Minimum Qualifications

Please ensure your application/resume clearly indicate the college where you are currently enrolled as well as your intended major, starting year, and anticipated graduation date. 

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

Additional minimum qualifications that will be assessed during the interview process:

• Ability to clearly communicate technical or scientific information to non-technical audiences, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-based environment with supervisors, subject matter experts, and partners.
• Ability to organize work, manage multiple tasks, and follow established processes with attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge about natural resources and water quality
• Understanding of public health and environmental health principles
• Experience with computer software for presentations, communications products, graphics, spreadsheets, data analysis, and/or data visualization. 
• Analysis skills to evaluate program information, summarize and visualize data, and report analysis findings. 

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift as much as 40 pounds of equipment or samples.
• Must be able to frequently lift from ground to waist height, and from waist to shoulder height.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all seasons, with outside/inside exposure to weather extremes.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a background check.

This position does not require a valid driver’s license, but it demands travel, which the candidate will be responsible for meeting.

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