About the Job
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.
Quick reference
UMD Search Jobs
Search for Job ID: 369550
Job Open Date: 08/06/2025
Job Close Date: Open until filled
Location: University of Minnesota St. Paul campus, Minnesota Sea Grant Aquaculture Lab.
Appointment: This is a six-month position from the start date. With a positive review, the incumbent may continue through May 30, 2026.
Estimated Time: 10-15 hours per week
Starting Salary: $15.25 per hour
General responsibilities
The aquaculture lab technician will focus the majority of their efforts in the Minnesota Sea Grant (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 cooperation with other MNSG and project staff including other lab technicians and project contractors. The major responsibilities for this position fall under the goal of the Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture focus area of MNSG.
The following descriptions are intended to describe the range of activities the lab research technician will be involved in. The actual time spent on each activity may vary depending on project 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 recirculating aquaculture system (see example pictured above)
- Collect and record accurate, detailed data
- Properly care for all equipment, follow safety procedures, and animal use permits
- Must be dependable, punctual and responsible
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Current status as an undergraduate student in the University of Minnesota system (any campus) and enrollment as an undergraduate student in the University of Minnesota System (any campus) in fall of 2025
- Work study 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 instruction (both written and oral), while recognizing 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 toward a project goal
- Experience with Microsoft programs - Excel, Word, Power Point, etc.
Diversity:
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.
Employment Requirements:
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About the Program:
Minnesota Sea Grant is a systemwide program of the University of Minnesota and one of 34 Sea Grant federal-university partnerships across the country that bring applied water science to communities. MNSG has staff and offices on the Duluth and St. Paul campuses. Our extension educators, researchers, and communicators work with community members, local decision-makers, policy leaders, and personnel from resource agencies, business, and industry to enhance the use and conservation of Great Lakes and Minnesota’s inland water resources to create strong and sustainable economies, healthy environments, and resilient and inclusive communities.
About the U of M:
The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue. Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.
CONTACT
Julia Grenn, Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension Educator, Minnesota Sea Grant.
Image credit: Minnesota Sea Grant