Civil Engineering - Student Worker Paraprofessional

Job Details

Working Title: Civil Engineering - Student Worker Para Professional
Job Class: Student Worker Para Professional / SWPP Senior
Agency: Transportation Dept

• Job ID: 92946
• Location: Hutchinson; Marshall; Willmar
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/03/2026
• Closing Date: 05/08/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Transportation Dept / Transportation-Insuff Wk Tm
• Division/Unit: District 8 - Willmar / Willmar Construction
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Student Worker Para Professional Salary Range: $17.84 - $20.89 / hourly
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 218 - Insufficient Work Time/Unrep
• End Date:09/08/2026
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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.

** The Minnesota Department of Transportation does not sponsor applicants for work visas or Optional Practical Training Extensions for STEM Students. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the US at the start of employment.

Job Summary

MnDOT District 8 has up to ten (10) student worker vacancies.

This job posting will be used to fill multiple Civil Engineering student worker positions for the summer of 2026.

Interviews will start in April 2026 and will continue until all positions are filled.

Students will gain hands-on professional work experience and work on transportation - focused projects. The following positions are available:

Construction:

Under immediate supervision, the employee provides technical assistance in the preparation of highway construction plans using a Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) system and assists inspectors to ensure projects are completed in accordance with MnDOT policy

Pre-Design:

Assist a detail design leader to ensure preparation of neat and accurate plans are prepared in accordance with MnDOT and CADD data standards to meet scheduled turn in dates. Inspect and document existing facilities along MnDOT roadways such as sidewalks, ramps, trails, and culverts. Provide hydraulic support, coordination, inspection, and documentation for permits and for grading and culvert projects. Prepare professional and accurate project documentation to meet MnDOT standards are assigned. Assist in office and file management.

Traffic:

Will assist with the data gathering by obtaining vehicle speeds and assist in preparing a report. Assist in determining the appropriate signs at locations and assist with recommendations for changes when necessary. Assist with sign changeover by verifying the accuracy of the data being gathered and assist with changes when appropriate. Observe and assist with the vehicle classification and count program. Will assist with researching and compiling data to be used in Materials Design Recommendations, transfer data from soil boring and road core logs to appropriate locations in ProjectWise. Assist in developing guidelines for permit reviews. Assist in developing a pavement management plan for district roads.

Materials Lab:
Under immediate supervision, the employee provides technical assistance in performing materials testing, construction inspection and recording results into a database in accordance with MnDOT’s policy.

Hydraulics:
Assist with TAMS HydInfra documentation/training and related tasks and archiving existing drainage design documentation. Assist with the review and refinement of materials used to set drainage standards/policy. Assist with river mapping and 3D scanning of bridge sites.

Materials Auger Crew:
Assist staff technicians and engineers by performing tasks related to project scoping, soils investigation, and program delivery. Perform support, coordination, inspection, and documentation for material testing, Record by photo, data collector, hand notes, or other method as prescribed

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Enrollment as full-time student (six semester/nine quarter credits) in a Civil Technology Program, Engineering Program, Architectural Drafting, Computer Aided Drafting and Design Program, Construction Management or related program with a GPA of at least 2.0; ability to understand technical documents and follow instructions; knowledge and application of advanced mathematics including algebra, geometry and trigonometry; and ability to use windows based operating systems.
• Working knowledge of English sufficient to read, write, speak and understand oral and written information; communicate with employees and the general public in person or via two-way radio and other electronic devices; and to maintain routine written logs and simple records.
  
• Valid Class D Driver’s License.
  
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

Physical Requirements

The employee may be required to work outside exposed to all of the weather elements. The employee will occasionally drive a motor vehicle in off-road conditions. Periodically, the employee will walk on uneven/sloping ground. The employee must frequently and continually rotate through various body positions. The employee will operate machinery and testing equipment under varying temperatures. The employee may occasionally move up to 75 pounds by pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying. Periodically, the employee will push and/or pull carts, dollies, and two-wheel trucks.

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
• Criminal History Check
• Employment Reference Check
• Education/License Verification
Driver's License Check - A revoked or suspended Driver’s License or major violation within the last five (5) years or a combination of minor violations and/or at-fault in the last three (3) years will disqualify a candidate

Please attach your resume and unofficial transcript as a single pdf document. (You will be asked to provide a copy of your transcript to verify your GPA prior to being invited to an interview).

NOTE: Students must include an anticipated graduation/completion date on their resume. This information is needed to determine eligibility to be considered.

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 Amanda Johnson at amanda.johnson1@state.mn.us or 320-894-8960.

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 Amanda Johnson at amanda.johnson1@state.mn.us.

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

Benefits

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

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• 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)

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.

MnDOT does not discriminate against qualified applicants with disabilities. Anyone who believes they may need a reasonable accommodation to fully participate in the job application, interview or selection processes may contact any agency official with whom application 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. MnDOT’s Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found at: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/policy/hr/hr009.html