Program Evaluator, Research Scientist 2

Working Title: Program Evaluator Job Class: Research Scientist 2 Agency: Health Department Job ID : 94391 Location : St. Paul Full/Part Time : Full-Time Regular/Temporary : Unlimited Who May Apply : This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 05/28/2026. Date Posted : 05/22/2026 Closing Date : 06/04/2026 Division/Unit : Health Improvement / Injury Prevention and Mental Health - Injury & Violence Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. Days of Work : Monday - Friday Travel Required : Yes - Up to 25% of the time Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually Classified Status : Classified Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees 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 This vacancy announcement will be used to fill up to two (2) Research Scientist 2 positions to serve as evaluators supporting the Overdose Prevention Unit and the Substance Use Prevention, Education, and Recovery Unit. While both positions are currently assigned to the Freeman district office located in St.Paul, MN, alternative district office locations may be considered based on business needs and supervisor approval. These positions exist to plan and direct evaluation for the activities led by the Substance Use Prevention Education and Recovery (SUPER) or Overdose Prevention (OP) Units. The incumbents will develop, implement, analyze, interpret, and report on assessment and evaluation activities related to the SUPER or OP Unit strategies including the SUPER or COMPA focused grants, Communities that Care grant, communications initiatives, and funding to Tribal Nations. Primary responsibilities include: Co‑designing evaluation plans for multiple grant programs with grantee, Tribal Nation, and IPMH staff input. Creating and updating evaluation tools. Conducting process and impact evaluations to help document learnings and program outcomes. Reporting on findings per grantee needs and legislative mandates. In accordance with HR/LR Policy #1422 Telework, this position is eligible for up to 50% telework for applicants who live in Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location. Candidates residing outside of Minnesota further than 50 miles of the assigned work location at the time of application must be able to relocate to Minnesota within 30 days of their start date. The telework policy may exempt employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in‑office requirement, depending on job requirements, helping the State of Minnesota access top talent across the state. MDH relies heavily on grant funding, in addition to state appropriated dollars. As an agency, we continually monitor funding levels and navigate some degree of uncertainty related to grant cycles and the impact of the grant funding on program priorities. This position is currently funded and approved to be filled. While the position is funded at this time, future funding is dependent on the continuation of our funding sources. The Minnesota Department of Health works proactively to sustain programs and maintain our workforce, to avoid reductions in force to the very best of our ability. Minimum Qualifications Three (3) years of experience planning, designing, implementing, and evaluating public health, behavioral health, substance misuse prevention, overdose prevention, and/or community‑based evaluation or research projects. Experience must include each of the following: Experience developing and implementing qualitative and quantitative data collection tools, evaluation methodologies, and data management systems. Experience analyzing and interpreting evaluation, research, or public health data and presenting findings through reports, presentations, dashboards, or other dissemination methods for leadership, interested parties, or community audiences. Experience collaborating with multiple interested parties, such as grantees, community organizations, Tribal Nations, public health agencies, healthcare organizations, or cross‑sector partners, to support evaluation, research, program improvement, or community engagement activities. Minimum qualifications to be assessed at interview: Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with diverse interested parties, including grantees, community organizations, Tribal Nations, public health partners, and individuals with lived experience. Demonstrated ability to communicate complex evaluation or technical information clearly and effectively to a variety of audiences, including leadership, community partners, and non‑technical interested parties. Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity, competing priorities, and organizational change while independently managing complex projects and maintaining a collaborative, solutions‑focused approach. A degree in public health, epidemiology, evaluation studies, community health, social work, or related field may substitute as follows: master’s degree may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience; bachelor’s degree may substitute for twelve (12) months of experience; and associate’s degree may substitute for six (6) months of experience. Preferred Qualifications Experience conducting evaluation, research, or community engagement work related to substance misuse prevention, overdose prevention, behavioral health, recovery services, and/or health equity initiatives. Experience partnering with Tribal Nations, communities disproportionately impacted by substance misuse and overdose, and/or individuals with lived experience using culturally responsive and community‑centered evaluation approaches. Experience developing and presenting legislative reports, strategic evaluation plans, dashboards, data visualizations, or other products used to inform statewide policy, funding, or programmatic decision‑making. Master’s degree or higher in Public Health, Epidemiology, Evaluation Studies, Community Health, Social Work, Behavioral Health, Sociology, Psychology, Biostatistics, or another closely related field. Additional Requirements This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check. Under U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services regulations, the successful candidate must be able to accept work in the U.S. by the day employment begins. This agency is unable to offer H‑1B sponsorship. About Health Department Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission‑driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction. 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 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io and let us know the support you need. #J-18808-Ljbffr