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Tower Fisheries Technician

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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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: 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.

Job Summary

 

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.

Qualifications

 

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

Application Details

 

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Keith Reeves at keith.reeves@state.mn.us or 218-300-7803.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Elyse Anderson at elyse.anderson@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love. 

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

  • A sense of purpose in their work
  • Connection with their coworkers and communities
  • Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits 

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 

  • Paid vacation and sick leave 
  • 12 paid holidays each year 
  • Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans 
    • Fertility care, including IVF
    • Diabetes care
    • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children 
  • 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
  • Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
  • Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
  • Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care 
  • Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

  • Training, classes, and professional development
  • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

  • A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
  • Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
  • Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

 

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.