Phoenix Student Worker in Rochester

The Minnesota Department of Transportation employs people of all backgrounds and skill levels to connect members of our communities through a safe, equitable, and sustainable transportation system. We offer many employment opportunities in a wide variety of career fields that support our work. We are committed to giving our employees the tools and resources needed to grow and advance their careers. To help our workforce thrive, we offer our employees excellent training opportunities and recognise the benefits of cultivating a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace culture that builds on the perspectives and strengths of all employees.

You will be surrounded by a diverse community of colleagues, driven by their work and motivated by the greater good. You will understand the impact of the work you do and see the benefits you provide to Minnesotans and all people using our transportation system such as state highways, railways, and airports. We hope you will join us to find your purpose in state service!

MnDOT's Phoenix Program offers student worker opportunities for high school students interested in engineering or other STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers. Phoenix Student Workers gain hands-on experience in various functional areas by working at MnDOT offices and districts statewide. This posting will fill multiple vacancies for the Phoenix Program in locations including Duluth, Bemidji, Golden Valley, Mankato, Maplewood, Oakdale, Rochester, Roseville, St. Cloud, St. Paul, and Willmar. The position may have the flexibility to telework, work a hybrid schedule, or work in the office. The incumbent will be required to make a telework arrangement with their supervisor. The incumbent will be expected to work in the office as determined by policy and discussion with their supervisor.

Apply early! Interviews begin in April 2026 and continue until all positions are filled. Note: MnDOT does not sponsor work visas or STEM OPT extensions. Applicants must be legally authorised to work in the U.S. at the start of employment.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a Project Lead the Way (PLTW) high school, have taken PLTW or other STEM courses, or participate in Step Up Achieve Twin Cities or St. Paul’s Right Track programs.
• Completed junior year by June 2026 and entering senior year for the 2026–2027 school year.
• 3.0 or higher GPA.
• Submit the Phoenix Program supplemental form and an unofficial transcript.

**Successful candidate must pass past-employer reference checks and criminal history check** 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, Driver’s License Check, and Education/License Verification.

Important: To be considered, applicants must complete both the online application and submit the Phoenix supplemental form and unofficial transcript as instructed above.

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.)
• 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.

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 colour 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, colour, 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.

If you require a reasonable accommodation in any part of the hiring process, please contact the MnDOT affirmative action office by emailing ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us or calling Janet Miller at 651-366-4720, or use MN Relay 711.