Student Worker Para Professional Senior

Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Location: St. Paul • Telework eligible • Full-time • Limited (temporary) position ending 12/31/2026

About the role

This position will research food procurement within state and federal facilities in Minnesota—including hospitals, correctional facilities, and cafeterias—with a focus on understanding current practices, vendor relationships, and opportunities to increase the use of Minnesota-grown and -raised foods. The incumbent will gather information through surveys, interviews, and secondary research, and will synthesize these findings into a summary report with recommendations. This work will help shape the next phase of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Farm to Institution efforts, which aim to expand markets for Minnesota farmers by increasing the amount of Minnesota-grown and -raised foods sold to and served in institutional settings.

During the initial training period, this position will report full-time to the St. Paul office. Upon completion of initial training, the position may be eligible for telework.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on food procurement practices in Minnesota institutions (hospitals, correctional facilities, cafeterias).
• Gather data through surveys, interviews, and secondary research.
• Analyze vendor relationships and identify opportunities to increase the use of Minnesota-grown and -raised foods.
• Synthesize findings into a comprehensive summary report with actionable recommendations.

Requirements

• Completion of at least two years of post-secondary education with a major in agriculture, nutrition, food systems, public policy, or a related field.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with personal computers and software related to databases, spreadsheets, presentation, and word processing; internet and web search skills.
• Ability to communicate, influence, and persuade a diverse audience both orally and in writing.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment and celebration of diversity.
• Student Worker eligibility: Must be enrolled in high school or a post-secondary/graduate program (or planning to enroll within three months). Minimum credit requirements:
  • Six semester (nine quarter) credits at credit-granting institutions.
  • Two or more classes per semester/quarter at non-credit or single-credit institutions.
  • Graduate students: Enrolled in at least two courses or making progress on a dissertation.
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S.; the Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor work visas.
• Job offer contingent upon successfully passing a background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of at least one year of graduate school.
• Experience planning and conducting research projects.
• Experience or academic coursework related to local/regional food systems, supply chains, institutional food procurement, and/or food service management.

Pay

$20.20 - $24.02 / hourly • $42,177 - $50,153 / annually

Schedule

• Day shift: Monday - Friday
• No travel required