Quick Reference:
Number of positions: Two
Position type: Undergraduate student
Location: University of Minnesota, St. Paul campus, Minnesota Sea Grant Aquaculture Lab
Job open date: November 2025.
Job close date: Open until filled.
Compensation: $15.25 per hour.
Job code: 2221
Job ID: 371105
Job link: Minnesota Sea Grant Aquaculture Lab Technician
Position Summary:
The aquaculture lab technician will be responsible for assisting in the rearing of Yellow Perch and Golden Shiner using indoor aquaculture systems at the Minnesota Sea Grant Aquaculture Lab located on the University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus. The technician will work closely with University of Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) fisheries and aquaculture extension educators and other project staff. The technician must be reliable, organized, exhibit good attention to detail, and demonstrate basic math and data-entry skills. The technician will be supervised by MNSG Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension Educator Julia Grenn, with day-to-day oversight provided by the MNSG Aquaculture Extension Associate
General Responsibilities:
The aquaculture lab technician will focus the majority of their efforts in the MNSG Aquaculture Lab raising fish. This may include: measuring feed, monitoring water quality parameters, feeding fish, cleaning tanks, maintaining aquaculture systems, observing and recording fish behavioral data, maintaining and cleaning lab space, assisting with fish measurement, and entering data electronically, among other tasks. The technician will work in close cooperation with other MNSG staff, lab technicians, and project contractors. The major responsibilities for this position fall under MNSG’s Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture focus area.
Appointment Appointment:
This position lasts six months from the start date, with the option to extend through fall 2026 pending a positive review. The position is with the University of Minnesota Sea Grant College Program. The title for this position is Student Academic Support (2221), with the working title of aquaculture lab technician.
Specific Responsibilities:
These descriptions outline the range of activities the lab technician may perform. Actual time spent on each task will vary based on project needs and progress.
- Feed fish and clean tanks daily.
- Collect accurate data about the amount and timing of feeding.
- Monitor fish health and water quality daily.
- Maintain a flow-through and a recirculating aquaculture system.
- Collect and record accurate, detailed data.
- Properly care for all equipment.
- Follow safety procedures and animal-use permits.
- Be dependable, punctual and responsible.
Required Qualifications:
Current status as an undergraduate student from any campus in the University of Minnesota system and enrollment as an undergraduate student at any campus in the University of Minnesota System in winter and spring of 2026.
Work Study:
Work study is preferred but not required. To check if you are eligible for work study please visit: http://www.d.umn.edu/onestop/. Students must maintain half- time enrollment to receive work- study funds. Students enrolled for a minimum of 6 credits during fall and spring semester, may be employed under miscellaneous employment during the summer term without summer enrollment.
Preferred Qualifications:
Ability to comply with all training requirements and certifications in a timely manner. Organized, highly responsible, detail oriented, and willing to work as a team member. Positive attitude and commitment to staying on schedule with fish feeding and tank cleaning. Ability to work independently, follow detailed written and oral instructions (both written and oral), and while recognizeing and ask for help when assistance is required. Understand and demonstrate use of basic math skills. Ability to enter data on a computer in electronic format. Ability to follow a rigorous schedule and have access to dependable transportation. Experience assisting with lab research and data collection. Experience working with fish. Experience working in a hatchery or aquaculture facility. High level of organizational and planning skills. Experience in working in a team towards a project goal. Experience with Microsoft programs such as- Excel, Word, Power Point, etc.
About Minnesota Sea Grant
Minnesota Sea Grant is a program of the University of Minnesota and one of 34 federal-university Sea Grant partnerships across the country supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Great Lakes and coastal states that encourage the wise stewardship of our marine resources through research, outreach, communication, education and technology transfer.
Code of Conduct
Contribute to a respectful workplace and contribute as a Minnesota Sea Grant team member. Follow the University code of conduct regarding authorship, research, financial transactions, expense reimbursement, vacation and sick leave reporting, use of supplies and office equipment, supervisory duties, use of controlled substances, outside consulting, and use of University and Minnesota Sea Grant name. Ensure diverse and inclusive programming and employment with attention to affirmative action. Make every effort to uphold the MNSG guiding principles.
How To Apply
Please submit a current resume and a cover letter describing how your experience meets the skills needed for the project and the preferred qualifications. Please apply through the University of Minnesota jobs website: https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Find-Job
Questions? Contact Julia Grenn: [email protected]
Image credit: Minnesota Sea Grant