Civil Engineering - Student Worker Paraprofessional

Civil Engineering - Student Worker Para Professional

Job Class: Student Worker Para Professional / SWPP Senior

Agency: Transportation Dept

Location: Hutchinson; Marshall; Willmar

Telework Eligible: No

Full/Part Time: Part-Time

Regular/Temporary: Limited

Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers

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.

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

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. Please indicate what assistance is needed.