State Monitor Advocate (SMA) - Workforce Development Specialist 3

Working Title: State Monitor Advocate (SMA)

Job Class: Workforce Development Specialist 3

Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Job ID : 96303

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes, may be eligible for some telework

• 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 09/29/2026.

• Date Posted : 09/23/2026

• Closing Date : 10/05/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Employment and Economic Development / MAPE

• Division/Unit : Workforce Development

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, 8:00AM - 4:30PM

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes, up to 25% of the time

• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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 Workforce Development Specialist 3 – State Monitor Advocate (SMA) monitors and evaluates the federally mandated Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker (MSFW) program for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). This position ensures MSFW services meet federal regulatory requirements, provides statewide subject matter expertise, conducts on-site reviews, evaluates complaint systems, and guides field staff on MSFW procedures and program objectives. The SMA develops and delivers training, analyzes program data for compliance and effectiveness, serves as a liaison with federal and national partners, and advocates for equitable access to employment services for migrant and seasonal farmworkers. The role also contributes to policy development, supports outreach planning, and assists agricultural employers in recruiting qualified workers.

This position requires weekly travel conduct statewide monitoring and occasional regional out of state training.

This position is telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) eligible. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

Minimum Qualifications

Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

Three (3) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization.

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:

• Experience working with migrant and seasonal farmworkers.

• Knowledge of public or business administration principles, agency programs, staff utilization, and program service objectives.

• Ability to interpret and apply federal and state legislation, policies, and procedures related to MSFW and Employment Service programs.

• Experience using PC-based software including spreadsheets, databases, email, and word processing.

• Ability to speak, read, and write Spanish at a colloquial skill level.

• Incumbent must maintain valid driver's license and insurance OR have other reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent training) in business, public administration, social services, or related fields.

• Experience working directly with agricultural employers, migrant service organizations, or diverse communities.

• Experience conducting program monitoring, compliance reviews, or evaluating service equity.

• Experience developing and delivering training or technical assistance.

• Experience mediating or resolving complaints, especially between employers and workers.

• Knowledge of federal labor laws, WIOA requirements, MSFW regulations, or complaint system protocols.

• Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Criminal Background Check

• Employment Records Check (current and former State employees only

• Employment Reference Check

• Conflict of Interest Review

• Driver’s License and Records Check

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

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 [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.