FWVZD Student Worker

Job Details

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

• Job ID: 90259
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 11/26/2025
• Closing Date: 12/10/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Health Department
• Division/Unit: Health Protection / IDEPC FWVZD
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotating Day Shift / Evening hours
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday / Rotating weekends
• 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: Department of Health
• End Date: 09/30/2027
• 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.

Job Summary

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is seeking multiple Student Workers to support the Foodborne Waterborne, Vectorborne, Zoonotic Diseases Section (FWVZD) within the IDEPC Division. When applying, please specify which unit or units you are interested in working for.

Foodborne Diseases Unit Student Workers will conduct surveillance activities for pathogens such as Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections, other Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections, and other reportable diseases under the direction of the epidemiologists.Primary responsibilities include: Assist in epidemiological investigations of outbreaks of communicable disease, participate in data collection through structured telephone interviews, provide data management in epidemiological studies to describe illness and sequelae and identify risk factors for infections caused by the pathogens, and assist in other infectious disease areas.

Vectorborne Diseases Unit Student Workers will conduct disease surveillance activities for diseases transmitted by tick and mosquitos including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Powassan virus, West Nile virus, La Crosse encephalitis, and Jamestown Canyon virus. This work includes conducting structured telephone interviews, performing chart reviews, and working on data entry and data management tasks. In addition, students assist with various activities related to field investigations for special cases and routine vector surveillance, as well as epidemiological studies to describe illness and identify risk factors for vectorborne infections.

Zoonotic Diseases Unit Student Workers will primarily support either the Unexplained Critical Illnesses and Deaths (UNEX) program surveillance programs or the fungal diseases surveillance programs. Both will also assist with zoonotic diseases surveillance programs which include rabies, enteric pathogens from animals, toxoplasmosis, tularemia, brucellosis and other diseases. Student Workers will execute the day-to-day components of these surveillance programs, including telephone interviews of case-patients, data entry and management, specimen collection, data analysis and participating in outbreak investigations and other projects. Additionally, this position will provide rabies consultation to the public and healthcare providers.

This vacancy announcement will be used to fill multiple Student Worker Para-Professional Senior positions. These positions are part-time and will work 20 hours per week. The specific hours and days of work are flexible around the student's class schedule. A limited number of hours per week will be required on evenings and weekends. Work will primarily be conducted in-person in St. Paul. These temporary positions are expected to end by September 30, 2027, or until the selected candidate completes their educational program, whichever occurs sooner.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of two years of post-secondary education in one of the following areas: Epidemiology, Environmental Health, or a related public health field.
• Currently accepted or enrolled in a degree-seeking graduate program (MPH, MS) in Epidemiology, Environmental Health, or a related public health field.

Additional minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview:

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate in a clear, concise, effective manner.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications for All Units

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing with members of the public and health care professionals.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective interpersonal relations with co-workers, supervisors, and health care professionals.
• Critical thinking skills and judgement.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time, adapt to change, collect and enter data, and pay attention to details.
• Able to make a 1-to-2-year commitment

Additional Preferred Qualifications for Foodborne Diseases Unit

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Additional Preferred Qualifications for Vectorborne Diseases Unit

• Undergraduate degree in biology, zoology, entomology or related field.
• Experience and/or strong interest in infectious disease, especially vectorborne diseases.
• Willing to participate in outdoor field work, collecting ticks and/or mosquitoes.

Additional Preferred Qualifications for Zoonotic Diseases Unit

• Undergraduate degree in public health, biology, animal or veterinary science, zoology, or other science or medical related field.
• Knowledge of zoonotic diseases and One Health Concept.
• Career goals in applied infectious disease epidemiology.
• Previous exposure to medical terminology, diagnostic testing methods and/or medical record abstraction.
• Experience with human-animal interactions, such as agricultural background, participation in 4-H/FFA, shelter volunteer, or working directly with animals.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires successful completion of a background and employment reference check.
• Prior to appointment, candidate must complete an Education Verification Form.
• 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-B sponsorship.

Application Details

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.

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