Summary

The Minnesota Sea Grant Aquatic Research Technician will be working on the enhancing habitat and diversity in invasive cattail-dominated shorelines project. Invasive, hybrid cattails have expanded into Minnesota nearshore lake zones, altering habitat for fishes and displacing native plant species. The objective of MNSG's cattail project is to understand the effects of hybrid cattail invasion on the ecological dynamics of nearshore lake communities across Minnesota. The project team will compare regional effects of cattail removal on nearshore lake ecosystems in lakes across Minnesota by measuring water quality variables, identifying plants, and sampling and identifying fishes.  

Quick Links & Instructions

Applications must be submitted online. 

1. To apply for this position, go to https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Find-Job
2. In the the "Search Jobs" field, enter "360868." This is the job ID #.
3. Or go directly to MNSG Aquatic Research Technician posting
4. Complete the online application and attach all of the following: 
   1. Cover letter 
   2. Resume or curriculum vitae 
   3. Contact information for three professional references 

Reference

1. Who’s hiring: The University of Minnesota Sea Grant College Program 
2. Job Title: Aquatic Research Technician 
3. Job ID: 360868 
4. Location: St. Paul, MN. But travel throughout Minnesota is required. 
5. Full or part time:  Approximately 40 hours per week. Work days and hours may vary and may include weekends.
6. Term of service: June 2024 through late August 2024.
7. Compensation: $15 per hour.
8. Application open date: 4/26/2024 
9. Application close date: Reviews will begin May 17, 2024.
10. Questions: If you have questions about this position contact MNSG Extension Program Leader Amy Schrank at aschrank@umn.edu.
11. To apply: 
    1. Go to https://humanresources.umn.edu/content/find-job.
    2. Select "students.”
    3. Enter 360868 (Job ID number)

About the Position

Primary Duties:

1. Travel to lakes across Minnesota throughout the summer for extensive field work. 
2. Set and retrieve minnow traps to collect and identify fishes. 
3. Help identify and enumerate nearshore plant species. 
4. Measure water quality and other physical habitat variables in the field. 
5. Collect and record accurate, detailed field data and notes. 
6. Properly care for all sampling equipment, follow safety procedures, and follow animal use permit requirements.

Skills required:

1. Must be organized, responsible, detail oriented, and willing to work as a team member. 
2. Must be able to conduct field work under all outdoor conditions (rain, heat, wind, bugs). 
3. Must be able to hike 4 miles carrying up to 40 lbs of equipment over uneven and/or steep terrain. 
4. Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record. 
5. Must be comfortable working in/around water and canoeing/kayaking to some sites. 
6. Must be comfortable camping for at least two weeks. 
7. Must have a positive attitude and eagerness to learn.  

Preferred skills and attributes:

1. Past experience with fish and/or plant identification/sampling. 
2. Past field work/research/outdoor experience. 
3. Experience using a hand-held GPS.

Who is Sea Grant?

Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) is a systemwide 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 extension educators, researchers and communicators work with community members, local decision-makers, policy leaders, and personnel from resource agencies, business and industry to protect, enhance and restore habitats, ecosystems and the services those ecosystems provide. We are what makes the University of Minnesota a Sea Grant institution.

Contact

If you have questions about this position contact Minnesota Sea Grant Extension Program Leader Amy Schrank.

Image credit: Amy Schrank/MNSG