Student Worker Paraprofessional - Mankato (Multiple Vacancies)

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One State, Many Paths

The Minnesota Department of Transportation employs people of all backgrounds and skill levels to connect members of our communities through a safe, equitable, and sustainable transportation system. We offer many employment opportunities in a wide variety of career fields that support our work. We are committed to giving our employees the tools and resources needed to grow and advance their careers. To help our workforce thrive, we offer our employees excellent training opportunities and recognize the benefits of cultivating a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace culture that builds on the perspectives and strengths of all employees. You will be surrounded by a diverse community of colleagues, driven by their work and motivated by the greater good. You will understand the impact of the work you do and see the benefits you provide to Minnesotans and all people using our transportation system such as state highways, railways, and airports.

We hope you will join us to find your purpose in state service!

Job Details

Working Title: Student Worker Paraprofessional - Mankato (Multiple Vacancies)

Job Class: Student Worker Para Professional

Agency: Transportation Dept

• Job ID: 97465
• Location: Mankato
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/03/2026
• Closing Date: 10/30/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Transportation Dept / Transportation-Dist 7-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: District 7 - Mankato / Project Management
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $18.15 - $21.26 / hourly
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area: Mankato Headquarter Building
• End Date: See Job Summary for Details
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work youll 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

These positions will serve several departments of the Mankato MnDOT team. The length of these appointments will be dependent upon the successful candidates availability and the departments needs.

Job Duties - Examples of work for these vacancies include but are not limited to:

Construction (1 vacancy)

Assist in inspection of contractors' work and methods so that the construction work meets the requirements of the plans, specifications and special provisions. Perform field testing of constructions materials to ensure that tests are performed accurately, timely, thoroughly, and according to specification. Document and summarize all appropriate data necessary to pay contractors promptly, to ensure data integrity and compliance with government regulations. Work hours will be Monday-Friday, with potential overtime, including some Saturdays.

Traffic (1 vacancy)

Help improve the safety and efficiency of Minnesota's highway system this summer. Successful candidates will gain valuable field experience by supporting the State's traffic count program, through deploying and retrieving traffic counting equipment, as well as assisting with the management of MnDOT traffic signal and lighting systems.

Design (1 vacancy)

Assist in the development and production of MnDOT transportation plans. This process will enhance CADD skills utilizing Microstation and Geopak software to perform critical elements necessary for plan generation. Students will also gain experience involving design decision making through team meetings, utilization of design resources, and construction site visits.

Surveys (1 vacancy)

Work on a variety of sites to prepare for future construction projects and to assist in staking current construction projects. Work with existing surveys, construction plans, survey notes, coordinate systems, horizontal and vertical control points, bridge working points and more. They would be exposed to Survey grade GPS units, precision total stations and high-definition laser scanning. This would involve physical activity, pounding stakes, digging holes, and carrying survey tools.

Project Management/Planning (1 vacancy)

Support project managers by drafting documents, keeping minutes, developing public information exhibits and other work related to the development and management of project scopes, schedules, budgets and stakeholders. Support Planning through work on District bike plan updates, ADA transition plan (including field work to inventory existing ADA needs across the District), and CHIP outreach packets.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

To qualify for Student Worker Paraprofessional applicants must meet all the following:

• Applicants must be enrolled in a college, university, trade, or technical school in the next three (3) months.
• Students must be enrolled in six (6) semester or nine (9) quarter credits; or for a non-credit granting institution, two (2) or more classes per semester/quarter.
• Applicants will be asked to complete an Education Verification form prior to appointment.
• A valid Class D driver's license.

Successful applicant resumes must also demonstrate all the following:

• Applicants must include an anticipated graduation/completion date on their resume. This information is needed to determine eligibility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Sophomores, juniors, or students who have at least one year or more left in school before completing their program.
• Candidates enrolled as a full-time student in any Engineering Discipline, including Civil Technology or Construction Management degree with a GPA of at least 3.0.

Additional Requirements

Successful candidate must pass past-employer reference checks and criminal history checks. It is our policy that all candidates submit to a background investigation prior to employment.

The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (for current and former state employees only)
• Education/License Verification
• Drivers License Check

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 Niki Nachreiner at niki.nachreiner@state.mn.us or 507-317-9655.

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 Niki Nachreiner at niki.nachreiner@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesotas 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, youll 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
• Tuition reimbursement
• 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.

Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) encourages participation in all its programs, services and activities and does not discriminate against qualified applicants with disabilities. Anyone who believes they may need a reasonable accommodation in order to fully participate in the job application, interview or selection processes may contact any agency official with whom applicant has contact in the processing of their employment application to request an accommodation. Applicants may also contact the MnDOT Affirmative Action office to request an accommodation by: E-mail: ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us; or by calling Janet Miller at 651/366-4720; or using MN Relay 711.

The MnDOT Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found at: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/policy/hr/hr009.html.