Job Description

Job Details

Working Title: Human Rights Investigator

Job Class: Human Rights Investigator

Agency: Human Rights Dept

• Job ID : 91465
• Location : St. Paul
• Telework Eligible : Yes
• Full/Part Time : Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted : 01/15/2026
• Closing Date : 01/28/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Human Rights Dept / Human Rights-MAPE
• Division/Unit : Investigation Unit A
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
• Days of Work : Monday - Friday
• Travel Required : Yes (very limited within MN)
• Salary Range: $29.25 - $42.94 / hourly; $61,074 - $89,658 / annually
• Classified Status : Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status : Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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.

Job Summary

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) is the state's civil rights enforcement agency. MDHR protects the civil rights of Minnesotans through the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest civil rights laws in the country. The Investigation Division at MDHR is responsible for thoroughly and impartially analyzing and investigating claims of discrimination from members of the public, by referring individuals to mediation or external resources, and determining whether the claims constitute violations of the Minnesota Human Rights Act, current Minnesota state case law, and related federal anti-discrimination statutes and regulations.

As an Investigator, you will play an integral role in achieving the transformational goals of MDHR to ensure that the Department is creating a strong, thriving Minnesota that is free of discrimination by analyzing and investigating claims of discrimination. Investigators are also responsible for identifying and recommending appropriate cases for mediation, before and/or after a charge of discrimination is filed. Investigators will work in meaningful partnership with divisions across the Department to identify opportunities to address systemic discrimination.

Hybrid Work Environment: This position is eligible for up to a 50% hybrid telework arrangement. With a telework agreement, onsite attendance will be required for team meetings or as requested by management to meet business needs. Completion of a telework agreement will be required. Please review the Telework Policy for details.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

This posting will be used to fill multiple vacancies. To be considered applicants must submit a cover letter describing their interest in upholding the civil rights of Minnesotans as a Human Rights Investigator.

Two (2) years of experience conducting investigations or working on case development of civil, criminal, or administrative matters within a legal, civil rights, law enforcement, corrections, human resources, or labor relations setting. A Bachelor's Degree or higher may substitute for one (1) year of work experience. Experience must demonstrate:

• Skill in implementing interviewing strategies.
• Knowledge of working with individuals from diverse communities.

Applicants who meet the above requirements will be further assessed on the following:

• Knowledge of legal theories of discrimination.
• Writing skills to summarize interviews and investigative findings using appropriate terminology and proper grammar.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to manage concurrent issues and make determinations of charges and/or appropriate referrals.
• Strong interpersonal and human relations skills to interact and maintain effective relationships with all staff, customers, and the public.
• Strong multi-tasking skills to manage a dynamic caseload in varying stages of the review and investigative processes and balance competing priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in law, public policy, public administration, or related field.
• Fluency or proficiency in other languages in addition to English.
• Experience working with individuals who may not be cooperative or receptive.
• Knowledge of cultural norms and trauma of individuals or communities who have faced historical discrimination and oppression across all protected class statuses.
• Knowledge and application of conflict resolution and de-escalation strategies.
• Knowledge of state and federal civil rights statutes and regulations, as well as state and federal case law, including, but not limited to, the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Women’s Economic Security Act, Minnesota’s workers' compensation statute and rules, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Title VII, Title IX, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Equal Pay Act.
• Demonstrated interest and commitment to promoting and civil rights.

Additional Requirements

Successful applicants must pass employment reference checks prior to employment. A written assessment or work sample may be part of the interview process.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Jessica Fenlon at jessica.fenlon@state.mn.us or 651-201-2492.

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 Jessica Fenlon at jessica.fenlon@state.mn.us.

About Human Rights Dept

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency. We are charged with upholding the civil rights of Minnesotans under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest civil rights laws in the country. We are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive Minnesota, eliminating discrimination, and ending disparities and inequities. We work to breakdown policies and practices that perpetuate structural barriers, such as racism, ableism, homophobia, and ageism to build strong communities. To learn more about us, please visit

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

Benefits

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 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Work experience placement, Local area, Remote work, Monday to Friday, Shift work, Day shift,

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