Phoenix program opportunities
The Phoenix Student Worker Program will begin taking applications on February 9 for positions starting in the summer of 2026. Below is a brief description of positions students may request.
Starting February 9, all interested students must apply through the State of Minnesota Careers website and complete the Phoenix Supplement Application Form. Please see the side menu to the right for further details.
Fort Snelling
Facility & Grounds
Location: 6000 Minnehaha Avenue, Fort Snelling
Work type: Field and office – Year-Round
Background: PLTW/STEM
Number of positions: 1
Job summary: Help keep the Central Services Building clean and well-maintained. In this role, you will maintain the building and grounds and assist with other tasks as needed.
Key responsibilities:
- Mow, trim, prune, landscape, and remove snow and debris for the facility
- Maintain building operations through daily checks, small repairs, painting, moving furniture, and assisting with system maintenance like HVAC and boilers
- Assist with concrete work, including refinishing, sealing cracks, and painting lines
- Keep track of equipment use, making small repairs or adjustments when needed
Golden Valley
Construction Survey
Location: 2055 North Lilac Drive, Golden Valley
Work type: Field – Summer or year-round
Background: PLTW/STEM
Number of positions: 1
Job summary: Help the field survey crew with construction surveys. In this role, you will complete hands-on work and technical tasks for survey projects.
Key responsibilities:
- Prepare the survey truck and take care of the survey equipment and vehicles
- Set survey stakes and help take measurements using tools like total stations, reflectors, tape measures, electronic distance devices, and level rods
- Assist with 3D scanning of roads, walls, and sidewalks, and help find property markers
- Learn the basics of survey software like MicroStation, Trimble Business Center, and Google Earth
Maplewood
Materials & Road Research - Soil Lab Testing
Location: 1771 McMenemy Street, Maplewood
Work type: Office – Year-Round
Background: PLTW/STEM
Number of positions: 2
Job summary: Assist the Soils and Materials division with soil testing and provide support to the Materials Engineer and the Unified Soil Classification System Committee.
Key responsibilities:
- Receive and prepare soil samples for testing by labeling, organizing, weighing, and drying them
- Perform basic soil lab tests using Atterberg Limit testing and record results
- Keep the work area clean and help maintain equipment under supervision
- Attend the Unified Soil Classification System committee meetings, take notes, organize data, and prepare training materials
- Take part in job shadowing in pavement section units and complete related training
Oakdale
Bridge - Administration
Location: 3485 Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale
Work type: Office – Year-Round
Background: PLTW/STEM
Number of positions: 1
Job summary: Help manage bridge data for the whole state by sharing information, verifying data accuracy, and maintaining data quality standards. In this role, you will also communicate with MnDOT staff and other outside customers who use bridge data
Key responsibilities:
- Provide back-up reception and general office support, such as scheduling meetings and preparing materials
- Help staff with copying, scanning, printing, and assembling documents
- Check bridge data for accuracy, make corrections, and update information for local agencies, including importing and exporting data as needed
Bridge - Fabrication Methods
Location: 3485 Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale
Work type: Office – Year-Round
Background: PLTW/STEM
Number of positions: 1
Job summary: Help make sure steel bridges are built correctly. In this role, you assist the team with reviewing shop drawings, tracking drawing information, and supporting steel fabrication in the shop and during construction in the field. The team also reviews and approves design change questions and requests (called RFIs and RFDs) and converts paper files into a digital format.
Key responsibilities:
- Learn how the current paper system works for tracking shop drawing reviews, including logs, index cards, and file cabinets
- Organize documents and help build a consistent automated digital tracking system for all projects
- Maintain the digital filing system so staff and outside partners can easily find the information they need
- Assist with shop drawing reviews
Bridge - Hydraulics
Location: 3485 Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale
Work type: Office – Summer or year-round
Background: PLTW/STEM
Number of positions: 1
Job summary: Help manage bridge data for the whole state by sharing information, verifying data accuracy, and maintaining data quality standards. In this role, you will also communicate with MnDOT staff and other outside customers who use bridge data
Key responsibilities:
- Review and correct bridge/hydraulics data
- Import, export, and update agency bridge data
- Organize equipment and reference materials
- Help with investigations of hydraulic systems, both in the office and out in the field
- Create and maintain a library of special provisions
Construction Survey
Location: 3485 Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale
Work type: Field – Summer or year-round
Background: PLTW/STEM
Number of positions: 1
Job summary: Help the field survey crew with construction surveys. In this role, you will complete hands-on work and technical tasks for survey projects.
Key responsibilities:
- Prepare the survey truck and take care of the survey equipment and vehicles
- Set survey stakes and help take measurements using tools like total stations, reflectors, tape measures, electronic distance devices, and level rods
- Assist with 3D scanning of roads, walls, and sidewalks, and help find property markers
- Learn the basics of survey software like MicroStation, Trimble Business Center, and Google Earth
Roseville
Advancing Equity
Location: 1500 West County Road B2, Roseville
Work type: Field and office – Year-round
Background: PLTW/STEM
Number of positions: 2
Job summary: Help MnDOT meet its goals for equity, accessibility, and community impact. In this role, you will help with contracting and purchasing for small businesses, tracking data, creating resources, and collecting information in the field.
Key responsibilities:
- Help with small business contracting, purchasing, and equity-focused programs
- Enter, check, and organize data to keep records and resources up to date
- Help create communication materials and summaries for staff and partners
- Support outreach through research, building contact lists, and helping with events
- Collect data and inventory assets in the field using MnDOT tools
- Participate in meetings, trainings, and job shadowing to learn more about transportation equity
Traffic Counts
Location: 1500 West County Road B2, Roseville
Work type: Field and office – Year-Round
Background: PLTW/STEM
Number of positions: 1
Job summary: Help the Traffic Data Collection Unit with traffic engineering studies. In this role, you will use electronic counters, radar devices, and video cameras to collect, process, and analyze traffic data.
Key responsibilities:
- Collect traffic data by choosing, setting up, and troubleshooting counting, video, and radar equipment
- Assist with mapping sites and reviewing data
- Prepare traffic reports, spreadsheets, and maps using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to help analyze crash data and review plans and permits
- Work with technicians to plan safe and efficient data collection while learning key software, traffic engineering methods, and field data skills
Traffic Signing
Location: 1500 West County Road B2, Roseville
Work type: Office – Summer or year-round
Background: PLTW/STEM
Number of positions: 1
Job summary: This job helps keep MnDOT’s statewide sign inventory system (called TAMS) up to date. Students will make sure the latest sign designs are in the sign library.
Key responsibilities:
- Update and organize files by changing designs, using correct names, saving panels, and tracking changes in a spreadsheet
- Conduct quality checks to keep records accurate by fixing sign codes, details, and panel information
- Visit sites to check installed signs, help collect field data, and share findings with staff
Traffic Zoning
Location: 1500 West County Road B2, Roseville
Work type: Field and office – Year-Round
Background: PLTW/STEM
Number of positions: 1
Job summary: Help create reports to guide safety and traffic decisions with the Traffic Engineering Program Support unit. In this role, you will research, collect, and analyze traffic data.
Key responsibilities:
- Review and analyze crash data, prepare reports, and create maps and diagrams using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools
- Create speed zone maps, aerial photos, crash reports, and evaluation sheets from traffic video data
- Collect data, count traffic, measure speeds, check roadway features, take ball-bank readings, and report what you find
- Review highway layouts, site plans, environmental reports, and permits to provide feedback
St. Paul
Transportation System Management - Roadway
Location: 395 John Ireland Boulevard, St. Paul
Work type: Office – Year-Round
Background: PLTW/STEM
Number of positions: 1
Job summary: Help find, collect, and check maps and construction information for the Office of Transportation System Management (OTSM). In this role, you will review roadway data looking for errors, organize construction plans, and help create project materials and documents. You will also collect field data and learn how to drafting software.
Key responsibilities:
- Update construction projects in Construction Plan Lists (CPLs) using Excel
- Help with customer requests for CPLs or historical construction data
- Review roadway data and compare it to maps, videos, and street views to find errors
- Edit local road information in the roadway database
- Scan and organize parcel records, redact private details, and enter data into the computer
Bemidji
Design
Location: 3920 Highway 2, Bemidji
Work type: Field and office – Summer
Background: PLTW/STEM
Number of positions: 1
Job summary: Help design transportation projects by assisting staff with creating plan sheets and documents. In this role, you will learn design tools and help prepare plans for roads and other transportation facilities.
Key responsibilities:
- Create and update construction plans, profiles, and cross sections
- Calculate quantities, keep files organized, and include design recommendations
- Research assigned topics to make exhibits and materials for public meetings
- Assist with measuring ADA infrastructure and recording accurate data
Land Management
Location: 3920 Highway 2, Bemidji
Work type: Office – Summer or year-round
Background: PLTW/STEM
Number of positions: 1
Job summary: Support MnDOT’s Land Management operations and programs. In this role, you will assist with research and record-keeping in relation to real estate.
Key responsibilities:
- Research tax records, landowner contact information, and legal documents related to real estate purchases
- Copy, scan, and organize documents such as titles, mortgages, and easements
- Enter real estate data into state database systems and archive electronic land records
Duluth
Land Management
Location: 1123 Mesaba Avenue, Duluth
Work type: Field and Office – Summer or Year-Round
Background: PLTW/STEM
Number of positions: 1
Job summary: Support MnDOT’s Land Management operations and programs. In this role, you will assist with research and record-keeping in relation to real estate. You will also review plans, learn about MnDOT tools and resources, share ideas, and help create project materials.
Key responsibilities:
- Scan and organize paper records about land parcels, hide private information, and enter data into the computer
- Collect information in the field, learn how to use drafting software, and write technical documents
- Answer questions about property, guide people through the permit process, and give feedback on forms
- Help crews collect data in the field when needed
Mankato
Hydraulics
Location: 2151 Bassett Drive, Mankato
Work type: Field and office – Year-Round
Background: PLTW/STEM
Number of positions: 1
Job summary: Help put together transportation construction plans for MnDOT’s District 7. In this role, you will assist with field inspections, review video inspections, and use design software to work on plan sheets and project documents.
Key responsibilities:
- Use Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) software to create plans and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to prepare maps and figures
- Research and review historical plan sets to help plan current and future projects
- Follow MnDOT safety protocols, wear required protective gear, and report hazards or incidents promptly
Rochester
Materials Lab
Location: 2900 48th Street Northwest, Rochester
Work type: Field and office – Year-Round
Background: PLTW/STEM
Number of positions: 1
Job summary: Help the District Materials & Soils Program Delivery team. In this role, you will learn and assist with soil and pavement testing, record-keeping, and other tasks while gaining experience in MnDOT operations.
Key responsibilities:
- Prepare samples, run basic tests, and recording results of lab tests
- Receive, label, and organize samples to keep accurate records and maintain confidentiality
- Review roadway history and data, and summarize core and boring results
- Scan, file, and organize electronic and paper records, ensuring proper documentation
- Learn how MnDOT works through job shadowing and short-term assignments in different work groups
St. Cloud
Bridge Maintenance
Location: 3725 12th Street North, St. Cloud
Work type: Field and office – Summer
Background: PLTW/STEM
Number of positions: 1
Job summary: Support MnDOT’s District 3 Bridge Operations team during the busy summer season. In this role, you will help with bridge inspections, maintenance, documentation, and field work. You will also assist inspectors with measurements, observations, and photos in the field.
Key responsibilities:
- Prepare inspection packets, maps, and documentation
- Upload inspection photos, organize digital files, and enter condition data into MnDOT systems
- Track maintenance materials and update logs, spreadsheets, and work orders
- Assist field crews with working on bridge parts and setting up cones, signs, and barricades
- Participate in safety training, follow MnDOT safety protocols, and maintain clean, organized work areas
Willmar
Materials Lab
Location: 2505 Transportation Road, Willmar
Work type: Laboratory and office – Year-Round
Background: PLTW/STEM
Number of Positions: 1
Job summary: Help MnDOT’s District 8 Materials Lab with material testing. In this role, you will assist with testing materials used for roads and pavements and help keep accurate records.
Key responsibilities:
- Log samples and run standard tests on road bases and pavements
- Research design details and assist in creating materials design documents
- Record pavement conditions using photos, data collection tools, and software to prepare performance reports
- Keep accurate documentation and support lab tasks
