Minnesota Department of Agriculture

To assist the Communications Director and Communications staff in the direction of external and internal communications for the department.. Completion of at least one year of post-secondary education with a major in journalism, public relations, advertising, marketing, or a related communications field.. Basic photography and videography skills (using a cell phone, digital camera, or iPad).. Understanding of journalistic principles (e.g., experience with a university newspaper, radio station, or social media platform).. SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)

communications intern

Working Title: Communications Intern Job Class: Student Worker Para Professional Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture <ul><li>Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers.</li><li>Date Posted: 03/12/2024</li><li>Closing Date: 03/25/2024</li><li>Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture</li><li>Division/Unit: Commissioner's Office / Communications Staff</li><li>Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift</li><li>Days of Work: Monday - Friday</li><li>Travel Required: No</li><li>Salary Range: $16.82 - $19.69 / hourly; $35,120 - $41,112 / annually</li><li>Classified Status: Unclassified</li><li>Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME</li><li>Work Area: Communications</li><li>End Date: 09/06/2024</li><li>FLSA Status: Nonexempt</li><li>Telework Eligible: No</li><li>Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes </li></ul>Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans. The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota. To assist the Communications Director and Communications staff in the direction of external and internal communications for the department. Minimum Qualifications Completion of at least one year of post-secondary education with a major in journalism, public relations, advertising, marketing, or a related communications field. Good written and verbal communication skills. Ability to seek out and compile information and research in support of project goals and activities. The ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities and demands while delivering accurate results. Effective time management skills to work independently and with a variety of people. 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 post­secondary 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 Strong writing experience, preferably with news articles, websites, and/or social media posts. Basic photography and videography skills (using a cell phone, digital camera, or iPad). Understanding of journalistic principles (e.g., experience with a university newspaper, radio station, or social media platform). Previous experience in planning and executing special events. Physical Requirements This position must be able to move up to 20 to 30 pounds. When attending events, the candidate must be able to be on their feet for hours at a time and work in non-air-conditioned conditions. Additional Requirements 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: <ul><li> SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)</li><li> Employment Reference Check</li><li> Driver’s License Check</li><li> Conflict of Interest Review </li></ul>The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US. How To Apply Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers. If you have questions about the position, contact Allen Sommerfeld at allen.sommerfeld@state.mn.us 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 Tracy Ohmann at tracy.ohmann@state.mn.us. 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: <ul><li> Protecting our food supply;</li><li> Protecting our natural resources; and,</li><li> Cultivating our agricultural economy. </li></ul>Why Work for Us This position is part of the Communications Team within the Commissioner’s Office. Our team is the heart of the agency, helping staff communicate effectively with each other, the media, and the public. This position will help support that work in a number of areas, including writing, editing, event coordination, social media, and more. We work in a fast-paced environment with wide variety of people to tell the story of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and our state’s agriculture and food industry. Diverse Workforce We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota. A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found: <ul><li>95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission </li><li>91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs </li><li>88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job </li><li>87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule </li></ul>Comprehensive Benefits Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include: <ul><li>Public pension plan </li><li>Training and professional development </li><li>Paid vacation and sick leave </li><li>11 paid holidays each year </li><li>Paid parental leave </li><li>Low-cost medical and dental coverage </li><li>Prescription drug coverage </li><li>Vision coverage </li><li>Wellness programs and resources </li><li>Employer paid life insurance </li><li>Short-term and long-term disability </li><li>Health care spending and savings accounts </li><li>Dependent care spending account </li><li>Tax-deferred compensation </li><li>Employee Assistance Program (EAP) </li><li>Tuition reimbursement </li><li>Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program </li></ul>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. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply. We will make reasonable accommodations 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 and indicate what assistance is needed.

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