Health Education Specialist- Student Worker Para Prof Sr

Working Title: Health Education Specialist
Job Class: Student Worker Para Professional Senior
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 92534
• 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: 03/04/2026
• Closing Date: 03/18/2026
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
• Division/Unit: Environmental Health/ Environmental Surveillance and Site Assessment Unit 
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Flexible/ 15-20 hours weekly
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• 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: 08/31/2026
• 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 Health Education Specialist is a part-time position within the Site Assessment and Consultation (SAC) unit of the Minnesota Department of Health’s Environmental Health Division. This role supports community health education and environmental exposure reduction efforts related to soil, groundwater, and private well contamination. The position coordinates and staffs community outreach events, provides technical and administrative support for well advisory communications, and assists with program data management and quality control activities. This role offers hands-on experience in environmental health practice, community engagement, and public health communication.

Primary Responsibilities include: 

• Plan, coordinate, and staff soilSHOP and other public events. Educate community members on soil and water safety, manage logistics, track participation, and help make every event a success.
• Review, reconcile, and organize electronic well advisory letters. Correct errors, ensure proper labeling, and keep the library complete and up-to-date.
• Assist with data entry, quality checks, and updating educational materials. Join team meetings, trainings, and occasional site visits to learn about environmental health work.
• Share clear, accurate information with diverse communities and contribute to outreach strategies that ensure everyone has access to environmental health resources.

This is a part-time position, working 15–20 hours per week, work hours and days are flexible within 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, around the students schedule. Work may be performed in-person with some telework based on the business need and at the unit and supervisor discretion. The position is anticipated to last until August 31, 2026, or until the selected candidate completes their educational program, whichever occurs sooner. 

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 to be assessed during the interview: 

• Ability to explain technical environmental health concepts clearly and respectfully to diverse audiences, both in person and in writing.
• Ability to accurately review, compare, and maintain electronic records, identify discrepancies, and follow established procedures for documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with staff and community partners, adapt to changing circumstances, and follow guidance while completing assigned tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in environmental science, public health, health education, or a related field.
• Experience planning, coordinating, or staffing educational events or community programs, including engagement with diverse populations.
• Ability to review, reconcile, and maintain records or data with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Experience using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and willing to learn platforms such as Microsoft Teams and SharePoint.
• Strong ability to explain technical information clearly, work collaboratively in a team environment, and interact professionally with community members and partners.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a background 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.

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.