Working Title: Tower Fisheries Technician
Job Class: Natural Resources Technician Fisheries
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 90685
Location : Tower
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 12/10/2025
Closing Date : 12/30/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Fish and Wildlife
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes
Salary Range: $23.61 - $33.28 / hourly; $49,297 - $69,488 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 207 - Technical/AFSCME
Work Area : Tower
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.
This position performs para-professional field, office, and laboratory work accurately, efficiently, and effectively. The goal of these duties is implementation of management plans and completion of field operations in the Tower Fisheries Management Area. The Tower Fisheries Management Area encompasses 2,900 square miles of northeast St. Louis and northern Lake counties in northeast Minnesota.
Additional responsibilities include:
Complete inventories of aquatic resources, assess aquatic habitat, resource exploitation, and complete stream and lake surveys as described in annual stream and lake survey proposals and the Section of Fisheries survey protocol manuals; so that accurate data is collected and available for development of sound management plans by the area management team.
Conduct various phases of egg take, hatchery and production, and stocking operations for multiple species, according to the area and statewide management plans; so that the optimum quality and quantity of eggs and fry are available from appropriate genetic conservation units, to fulfill area, regional and statewide management plan goals and objectives and so that stocked fish provide maximum benefit to the resource in an efficient and effective manner.
To initiate and maintain good public relations and effectively communicate and apprise clientele of current operations, management practices, Division and Department policies, and general information, with the goal of a well-educated and informed public.
To collaborate in the proper operation, maintenance and repair of field equipment, shop tools and equipment, fleet vehicles, area headquarters building and grounds and Fisheries owned/operated structures and properties; so that management objectives can be carried out with optimum safety, efficiency and effectiveness.
To assist in various phases of Fisheries lake and stream habitat development and habitat maintenance projects according to area and statewide management plans.
Minimum Qualifications
Associates degree or equivalent in natural resources management or closely related study.
Working knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques relating to aquatic biology, ecology, fish propagation, creel survey, fish collection and transportation, limnology, and fish and plant taxonomy and identification.
Basic understanding of water chemistry.
Experience with and ability to use standard laboratory and field water quality equipment.
Working knowledge of fish propagation, fish collection and transportation, fish identification, and identification of native and invasive plant species (aquatic and terrestrial).
Basic computer proficiency including experience using Windows and Microsoft Office software sufficient to enter field data.
Interpersonal skills to work effectively on teams; listen; understand and carry out oral and written directions; and provide customers with general information on fishing seasons, regulations, and resource management policies.
Communication skills sufficient to effectively communicate with supervisors and staff.
Ability to operate and perform routine maintenance on boats, outboard motors, marine electronics, trailers, snowmobiles etc.
Ability to perform routine plumbing, net repair, and minor construction.
Ability to wade in difficult conditions including extreme wet/cold conditions and strong currents and to work outdoors in all seasons and during inclement weather conditions.
Ability to read basic maps and use Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Fisheries Sciences, Natural Resources Management or equivalent field with an emphasis in fisheries coursework.
One year of experience in fish management, monitoring, research or hatchery culture operations.
Working knowledge of aquatic plant management rules and plant control methods.
Ability to repair trap nets, net leads, gillnets, dip nets, cribs, and fish collection traps.
Working knowledge of Fisheries Management laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Working knowledge and experience with fish sampling gear and standardized survey methodologies.
Ability to read topographic maps, to record and retrieve spatial data, and a working knowledge of using section, township, and range and portable GPS equipment.
Ability and experience operating and maintaining equipment and tools including but not limited to: outboard motors, boats, vehicles, trailers, fish distribution equipment, pumping equipment, oxygen and pH meters, conductivity meters, chainsaws, hand tools and power tools, electrofishing equipment, plumbing and basic electrical skills and knowledge.
Additional Requirements
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's License with a clear driving record.
Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).
It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components:
Conflict of Interest Review
Criminal History Check
Education Verification
Employment Reference / Records Check
License / Certification Verification
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
