Quick reference:
- Title: Aquaculture Lab Intern
- Position type: Undergraduate student
- Job code: 347120
- Office location: University of Minnesota, St. Paul campus
- Pay range: $15.25 per hour
- Hiring up to 40 hours/week, 1-2 openings
- Application deadline: June 12, 2026
- Please apply from the UMN Careers page, Job Opening ID: 374195
About the Job
Minnesota’s fisheries and aquaculture industries are vital to the state's culture, economy, and communities. The Aquaculture Lab Intern will support Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) staff in implementing MNSG’s Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture program and focus area.
Interns will assist with field and lab data collection, data analysis, and outreach and communication efforts for several MNSG projects, including, but not limited to:
- Increasing Production of Golden Shiner Bait in Minnesota
- Egg-to-Market Yellow Perch project that aims to raise food fish in a recirculating aquaculture system
- Aquaculture Leadership Academy, a professional development course.
- Steelhead or Salmon? Which Did You Catch?
- Analyzing angler survey data
- Aquaculture and fisheries field site visits
- Minnesota Cattail Collaborative
Primary Responsibilities
- Caring for fish species in an aquaculture lab
- Collecting data and recording detailed field or lab notes
- Measuring water quality and other physical habitat variables in the field
- Entering and checking data electronically
- Analyzing data and presenting results graphically
- Interacting professionally with partners and communities in the state
- Supporting the planning and delivery of outreach events
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 2026.
Preferred Qualifications
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team setting with staff, constituents, and partners with varying backgrounds, interests, and abilities in an atmosphere of mutual respect
- Organized, responsible, detail-oriented, and willing to work as a team member
- Able to conduct fieldwork safely under adverse outdoor conditions (rain, heat, bugs)
- Able to traverse rugged terrain, over long distances, carrying up to 40 lbs
- Valid driver’s license and good driving record
- Comfortable working in/around water and canoeing/kayaking/boating to field sites
- Willingness and ability to adhere to all University policies and procedures
- Positive attitude and eagerness to learn
- High level of organizational and planning skills
- Experience analyzing data and presenting data graphically
About the Department
Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) is a system program of the University of Minnesota and one of 34 federal-university Sea Grant partnerships across the country that bring applied water science to communities. MNSG’s mission is to engage with communities along Lake Superior and Minnesota’s inland waters to understand water science needs, support scientific research to address those needs, and provide results to communities to help them apply science-based knowledge to solve problems, support and enhance local economies, and sustain ecosystem services for future generations.
Pay and Benefits
- Pay Range: $15.25 per hour
- Time Appointment: 20 - 40 hours per week from roughly June through August
- Please visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
How to Apply
Please apply from the UMN Careers page, Job Opening ID: 374195
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
Please submit a current resume (max two pages) and a cover letter (max one page) describing how your experience meets the skills needed for the project.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-8647.
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.edu.
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.