Working Title: Fish Contaminants Specialist
Job Class: Laboratory Scientist 1
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID: 92022
Location: St Paul
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 02/07/2026
Closing Date: 03/02/2026
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 - occasionally
Salary Range: $25.67 - $37.26 / hourly; $53,599- $77,799 / annually
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit: 214 - MAPE (MN Association of Professional Employees)
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.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking to hire one (1) full-time Laboratory Scientist 1 to work in in St Paul. This position exists to provide services to the State of Minnesota in the areas of water quality and fish health and contaminants analysis and provides technical and logistical support for the DNR Fish Health Laboratory (FHL) and interagency Fish Contaminants Monitoring workgroups. This position operates primarily at the FHL in the MNDNR central office in St. Paul but also travels to partner laboratories, area offices, and remote field sites to work with state agency staff to collect and analyze biological samples.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Provide logistical, technical and data services for the Minnesota Fish Contaminant Monitoring Project.
Provide technical services in the Fish Health Lab, assisting in all aspects of routine diagnostic procedures and water quality monitoring at state fish hatcheries and natural waterbodies.
Support the development and growth of the interagency Fish Contaminants Monitoring Program to enhance the health of Minnesota's fisheries.
Assist in development of fish and aquatic contaminant standard operating procedures, research and data management.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in fisheries and wildlife, biology, chemistry, environmental biology or comparable fields.
1 year of experience, including internships, in scientific laboratories performing microbiological, chemical, or environmental analysis, analyzing samples or conducting testing in accordance with established methodologies and standard operating procedures.
Experience working under field conditions collecting environmental samples such as biological samples of aquatic organisms or water samples.
Experience with laboratory equipment maintenance, supply ordering, and inventory management.
Experience using data management software (such as Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, and laboratory information management systems) and database management.
Knowledge of principles and practices of chemistry, limnology, microbiology, environmental monitoring and general laboratory practices and methods and laboratory safety.
Ability to think critically and solve analytical problems
Ability to work independently and carry out analytical work, assemble materials, and present data with scientific accuracy and thoroughness.
Ability to conduct field work under adverse weather conditions and learn to navigate in remote areas using a compass, maps and GPS.
Ability to manage data, samples, and logistics of long-term projects such as state/basin wide fish, water or environmental monitoring.
Preferred Qualifications
2 years of professional experience in scientific laboratories performing microbiological, chemical, or environmental analysis, analyzing samples or conducting testing in accordance with established methodologies and standard operating procedures.
A master's degree in in fisheries and wildlife, biology, chemistry, environmental biology or comparable field.
Professional experience and/or coursework in analytical chemistry techniques, liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry.
Professional experience or coursework in fish or water quality contaminants analysis or environmental toxicology.
Strong familiarity with natural resource management principles as they pertain to fisheries management, aquaculture and fish health management.
Additional Requirements
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record. Per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver's license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.
Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
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. The background check may consist of 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.
