Zoonotic Diseases Student Worker - Student Worker Para Professional Senior

Working Title: Zoonotic Diseases Student Worker - Student Worker Para Professional Senior
Job Class: Student Worker Para Professional Senior
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 93705
• 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: 04/22/2026
• Closing Date: 05/07/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Health Department / Health-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: Health Protection / IDEPC FWVZD Zoonotic Dis Staff
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotating Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Up to 25%
• Salary Range: $19.85 - $23.61 / hourly
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area: Department of Health
• End Date: 09/15/2028
• 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.

The Minnesota Department of Health is seeking to fill two Student Worker Paraprofessional Senior positions within Zoonotic Disease Unit (ZDU) of the Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention & Control (IDEPC) Division. As a Zoonotic Diseases Unit (ZDU) Student Worker, you will assist the State Public Health Veterinarian and other ZDU epidemiologists with a wide variety of surveillance programs for zoonotic diseases. These include rabies, enteric pathogens from animals, toxoplasmosis, tularemia, brucellosis and other diseases, as well as the fungal pathogens blastomycosis and histoplasmosis. These positions will execute the day-to-day components of various surveillance programs, including telephone interviews of case-patients, data entry and management, specimen collection, data analysis and participating in outbreak investigations and other projects. Student workers will participate in the Unexplained Critical Illnesses and Deaths (UNEX) surveillance program, assisting with sample tracking, data entry and data management. Additionally, these positions will provide rabies consultation to the public and healthcare providers.

These positions are located in the Zoonotic Diseases Unit (ZDU) of the Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division (IDEPC) at MDH and report to the State Public Health Veterinarian, the Zoonotic Diseases Unit supervisor and epidemiologists. Join a mission-driven team at MDH and contribute to protecting, maintaining, and improving the health of all Minnesotans.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Conduct surveillance activities for infectious diseases including rabies, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, toxoplasmosis, tularemia, brucellosis, and enteric zoonotic diseases (e.g. Salmonella, Campylobacter, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and other Shiga toxin-producing E. coli). 
• To conduct surveillance activities the Unexplained Critical Illnesses and Deaths (UNEX) surveillance program
• Assist in outbreak investigations within ZDU, FWVZ, and IDEPC Division 
• Assist ZDU staff in education and outreach efforts.

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

These positions are part-time and will work up to 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 anticipated to last through September 15, 2028, or until the selected candidate completes their educational program, whichever occurs first.

These positions are hybrid in nature, which will require a majority of the work to be completed in the St. Paul office, with limited opportunities to telework. These positions will also require occasional travel within the metropolitan area, with use of a state vehicle.

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.

MDH relies heavily on grant funding, in addition to state appropriated dollars. As an agency, we continually monitor funding levels and navigate some degree of uncertainty related to grant cycles and the impact of the grant funding on program priorities. This position is currently funded and approved to be filled. While the position is funded at this time, future funding is dependent on the continuation of our funding sources. The Minnesota Department of Health works proactively to sustain programs and maintain our workforce, to avoid reductions in force to the very best of our ability. In the event of a loss of funding resulting in a necessary workforce reduction, that process is governed by our collective bargaining agreements and compensation plans.

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: health, public health or a related field.

Student Worker Eligibility: To be eligible for appointment as a Student Worker Paraprofessional Senior you must be enrolled in a post­secondary 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

• Undergraduate degree in biology, animal science, agriculture, zoology, veterinary science, public health or other science/medical related field.
• Career goals in infectious disease epidemiology, including knowledge of epidemiology of infectious diseases, zoonotic diseases and the One Health Concept. 
• Experience providing professional, polite customer service, including ability to communicate effectively, prioritize tasks, and adapt to change.
• Strong ability to explain technical information clearly, work collaboratively in a team environment, and interact professionally with community members and partners.
• Experience with human-animal interactions, such as agricultural background, participation in 4-H/FFA, veterinary clinic employee, shelter volunteer, or working directly with animals

Additional Requirements

• This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.
• This employment does not require a valid driver’s license, but it does demand travel, which the candidate will be responsible for meeting. These position are hybrid in nature, which will require a majority of the work to be completed in the St. Paul office, with limited opportunities to telework. These positions will also require occasional travel within the metropolitan area, with use of a state vehicle.
• Under U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services regulations, the successful candidate must be able to accept work in the U.S. by the day employment begins. This agency is unable to offer H-1B sponsorship.  

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 Megan Baer at megan.baer@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.