What are the responsibilities and job description for the Student Worker Paraprofessional position at Minnesota Department of Agriculture?
Working Title: Student Worker Paraprofessional
Job Class: Student Worker Paraprofessional
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
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 Student Worker supports the work of MDA Fertilizer Non-Point Section staff by 1) entering fertilizer tonnage report data; 2) assisting with nitrate testing clinics and maintenance of equipment; and 3) developing graphics and reports summarizing the adoption of best management practices.
Minimum Qualifications
To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.
Completion of at least one year of post-secondary education in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Science, Hydrogeology, Plant Science, Soil Science, Water Resources, or a closely related field.
Basic knowledge and understanding of soils, surface geology, or the water cycle.
Ability to use the scientific method for data and sample collection.
Basic laboratory skills in terms of safety, sample handling, measuring, and data recording.
Basic computer skills, including e-mail, word processing, spreadsheets and databases.
Possess and maintain an active/valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.
The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
Student Worker eligibility status:
To be eligible for appointment as a Student Worker you must be a student enrolled in an educational program or planning to enroll within three months. Students may be "off" for the summer or for one semester/quarter and remain employed as student workers, but such absences cannot exceed one semester/quarter in a year. As a student you must be enrolled in high school or in a post-secondary or graduate program. If a student is enrolled at a credit-granting institution he/she 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, a student must be taking two or more classes per semester/quarter. Any lesser credit (class) load shall 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
Experience with data management or data entry.
An understanding of Minnesota agricultural production systems.
Experience in collecting and analyzing water samples.
Advanced computer skills in the area of spreadsheets, databases, and GIS
Physical Requirements
This position requires the ability to travel, at times, long workdays and driving to remote locations and lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds of equipment.
Additional Requirements
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:
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 Larry Gunderson at larry.gunderson@state.mn.us
About Minnesota Department Of Agriculture
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.
Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.
Our three general areas of responsibility include:
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
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:
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.
Job Class: Student Worker Paraprofessional
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
- Job ID: 85056
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: No
- Full/Part Time: Part-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Limited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 03/21/2025
- Closing Date: 04/03/2025
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Agriculture Dept / Agriculture-AFSCME
- Division/Unit: Agriculture-Saint Paul / Fertilizer Technical Unit
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: No
- Salary Range: $17.58 - $20.58 / hourly
- Classified Status: Unclassified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 AFSCME Technical
- Work Area: Fertilizer Technical Unit
- End Date: 12/31/2025
- FLSA Status: Nonexempt
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No
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 Student Worker supports the work of MDA Fertilizer Non-Point Section staff by 1) entering fertilizer tonnage report data; 2) assisting with nitrate testing clinics and maintenance of equipment; and 3) developing graphics and reports summarizing the adoption of best management practices.
Minimum Qualifications
To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.
Completion of at least one year of post-secondary education in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Science, Hydrogeology, Plant Science, Soil Science, Water Resources, or a closely related field.
Basic knowledge and understanding of soils, surface geology, or the water cycle.
Ability to use the scientific method for data and sample collection.
Basic laboratory skills in terms of safety, sample handling, measuring, and data recording.
Basic computer skills, including e-mail, word processing, spreadsheets and databases.
Possess and maintain an active/valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.
The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
Student Worker eligibility status:
To be eligible for appointment as a Student Worker you must be a student enrolled in an educational program or planning to enroll within three months. Students may be "off" for the summer or for one semester/quarter and remain employed as student workers, but such absences cannot exceed one semester/quarter in a year. As a student you must be enrolled in high school or in a post-secondary or graduate program. If a student is enrolled at a credit-granting institution he/she 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, a student must be taking two or more classes per semester/quarter. Any lesser credit (class) load shall 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
Experience with data management or data entry.
An understanding of Minnesota agricultural production systems.
Experience in collecting and analyzing water samples.
Advanced computer skills in the area of spreadsheets, databases, and GIS
Physical Requirements
This position requires the ability to travel, at times, long workdays and driving to remote locations and lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds of equipment.
Additional Requirements
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:
- SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
- Employment Reference Check
- Driver’s License Check
- Conflict of Interest Review
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 Larry Gunderson at larry.gunderson@state.mn.us
About Minnesota Department Of Agriculture
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.
Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.
Our three general areas of responsibility include:
- Protecting our food supply;
- Protecting our natural resources; and,
- Cultivating our agricultural economy.
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
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
- 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)
- 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
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.
Salary : $18 - $21
