Minnesota Forest Resources Council Student Worker - Student Worker Para Professional

Job Details

Working Title: Minnesota Forest Resources Council Student Worker
Job Class: Student Worker Para professional
Agency: Minnesota Forest Resources Council

• Job ID: 93562
• Location: St Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, up to 50%
• Full/Part Time: Part-time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/17/2026
• Closing Date: 05/07/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Forest Resources Council
• Division/Unit: DNR Forestry / Minnesota Forest Resources Council
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $17.84-20.89 / hourly
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 – Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area: St Paul Region
• End Date: 08/28/2026
• 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.

Job Summary

The Minnesota Forest Resource Council (MFRC) is seeking one (1) student worker to assist with the advancement of critical policy, communications, outreach, programmatic, and administrative activities. The anticipated dates for this position are from approximately June 1, 2026, through August 28, 2026. Hours of work will be determined by MFRC and the selected candidate.

This position exists to provide programmatic and administrative support to the Minnesota Forest Resources Council. It provides practical work experiences for undergraduate and graduate students to enhance their academic and professional goals, including providing an opportunity to directly impact state government and natural resource management operations and initiatives. Work is primarily project-based, research, and administrative in nature.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Researching, writing, and formatting information materials to educate and engage Minnesota Forest Resources Council members and stakeholders on sustainable forest resources management and related topics.
• Advancing administrative and programmatic activities through communications with Council members, staff, and stakeholders, and through the collection and organization of data.
• Assisting staff with the planning and facilitation of meetings and events.

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

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 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.

Additional Qualifications:

• Enrolled in a post-secondary program in forestry, wildlife management, biology, natural resources, environmental studies, planning, economics, political science, or public affairs.
• Ability to research, interpret, and summarize policy or science-based information.
• Communication skills sufficient to represent the agency and division in a professional, efficient, and clear manner.
• Communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to interact effectively with different audiences.
• Organizational skills sufficient to prioritize a diverse workload and adjust to changing priorities.
• Ability to assess and use gathered assets to develop clear and informative materials.
• Ability to use word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet software such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel, including utilizing technologies in virtual meetings.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1 or more completed years (2+ semesters) of a post-secondary program related to forestry, wildlife management, biology, natural resources, environmental studies, planning, economics, political science, or public affairs.
• Experience in data visualization or graphic design.
• Experience project managing the research, summarization, or interpretation of policy or science-based information.

Additional Requirements

No driving duties required.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

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 Erik Schenck at eric.schenck@state.mn.us or 651-247-1367.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@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.