Working Title: Fish Health Lab Student Worker
Job Class: Student Worker Paraprofessional
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID: 95564
Location: St Paul
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Part-time
Regular/Temporary: Limited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 08/12/2026
Closing Date: 09/02/2026
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 - field work in spring and summer
Salary Range: $18.15-21.26 / hourly
Classified Status: Unclassified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
Work Area: St Paul Region
End Date: 12/31/2027
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : No
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 DNR is seeking one (1) Student Worker Paraprofessional for the Fish Health Lab in St Paul. The anticipated dates for this temporary, part-time Student Worker position are from approximately September 2026 through December 2027. This position will work four days per week during the summer, Tuesday- Friday from 8:00a.m. - 4:30p.m. During the school year, these positions may work up to four days per week, depending on the student's class schedule. The Student Worker positions will prepare fish tissue samples for the Minnesota Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Processing fish tissues in preparation for contaminants analysis.
Maintaining the fish contaminants processing lab.
Processing fish tissues and assisting in statewide viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus surveillance testing.
Assisting Fish Operations staff in data entry/clerical work.
Collecting samples in a field setting.
Minimum Qualifications
To be eligible for appointment as a Student Worker you must be a student enrolled in an educational program or planning to enroll within three months. Students may be "off" for the summer or for one semester/quarter and remain employed as student workers, but such absences cannot exceed one semester/quarter in a year. As a student you must be enrolled in a post-secondary or graduate program. If a student is enrolled at a credit-granting institution he/she must carry at least six semester (nine quarter) credits. If enrolled at a non-credit granting institution or one that only offers one credit per class, a student must be taking two or more classes per semester/quarter. Any lesser credit (class) load shall be treated as a semester/quarter off. Graduate students must be enrolled in at least two courses or making progress on a dissertation. You will be asked to complete an Educational Verification form prior to appointment.
Additional Qualifications:
Completion of 1 year (2 semesters) of post-secondary education in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Environmental or Agricultural Engineering, Forest Hydrology, Geography, Geology, Geophysics, Hydrogeology, Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Soil Science, Water Resources Management, or closely related field
Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.
Communication skills sufficient to represent the agency and division in a professional, efficient, and clear manner.
Organizational skills sufficient to prioritize a diverse workload and adjust to changing priorities.
Ability to research, interpret, and summarize policy or science-based information.
Ability to accurately record, transcribe, and transfer data electronically.
Ability to use word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet software such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in a laboratory setting.
Knowledge of various species of fish.
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.
