Fish Health Lab Student Worker

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.

Qualifications

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
• Experience using word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.
• Experience working in a biological or chemistry laboratory setting.
• Communication skills sufficient to represent the agency and division in a professional, efficient, and clear manner.
• Ability to work long hours in field settings under various weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in working in hatcheries, fisheries, or pollution control.

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