Working Title: Student Worker Para Professional Senior

Job Class: Student Worker Para Skilled Senior

Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

- Job ID: 96288
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Limited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 08/13/2026
- Closing Date: 08/19/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
- Division/Unit: Agriculture Marketing & Development Division / AMDD Director Staff
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: No
- Salary Range: $20.20 - $24.02 / hourly; $42,177 - $50,153 / annually
- Classified Status: Unclassified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - AFSCME Technical
- End Date: 12/31/2026
- FLSA Status: Nonexempt
- 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. 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.

Minimum Qualifications

- Completion of at least two years of post-secondary education with a major in agriculture, nutrition, food systems, public policy, or a related field.
- Ability to communicate, influence and persuade a diverse audience both orally and in writing.
- Strong interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy.




- Proficiency working with personal computers and software related to databases, spreadsheets, presentation and word processing is essential. Internet and web search skills are essential.
- 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

- 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.

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





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 (phone hidden) or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Paul Hugunin at [email protected]

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.

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

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS Minnesota state agencies are equal prospect, 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 (phone hidden) or email [email protected] and let us know the support you need.

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