Student Worker Paraprofessional - Mankato (Multiple Vacancies)

About the role

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

Responsibilities

• 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 construction 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.

Requirements

• 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 is required.
• Successful applicant resumes must also demonstrate an anticipated graduation/completion date.
• Successful candidate must pass past‑employer reference checks and criminal history checks; background investigation may include SEMA4 Records Check (for current and former state employees only), Education/License Verification, and Driver's License Check.

Qualifications

• Preferred: Sophomores, juniors, or students who have at least one year or more left in school before completing their program.
• Preferred: 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.

Benefits

• 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
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/l