Working Title: Freshwater Mussel Propagation SpecialistJob Class: Natural Resources Specialist Ecological ServicesAgency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 85098
Location : Lake City
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 03/22/2025
Closing Date : 04/14/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Ecological and Water Resources
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday, Willingness to work holiday or weekend when coverage needed.
Travel Required : Yes - Limited overnights required.
Salary Range: $24.42 - $35.43 / hourly; $50,988 - $73,977 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
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 Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire one (1) full-time permanent Freshwater Mussel Propagation Specialist, located in Lake City. This position exists to assist the Mussel Propagation Team with care of native freshwater mussels and fish, aquarium system and pond maintenance, and mussel propagation activities in laboratory and pond settings. This position will also assist the Mussel Propagation Team in reintroduction of juvenile mussels in several watersheds, monitoring the success of past mussel reintroduction efforts, and supporting the growth of the mussel propagation program.Responsibilities:
Assist with care of brood mussels and host-fishes, including set up and maintenance of laboratory aquarium systems and ponds, water quality monitoring, feeding, glochidia extraction, and inoculation of fish hosts.
Assist with care of juvenile mussels in the laboratory and ponds, including maintaining water quality; feeding; collecting and enumerating newly metamorphosed juvenile mussels under a microscope for extended periods of time; maintaining juvenile culture systems; monitoring juvenile mussel health, survival, and growth.
Assist with placing juveniles in secondary grow-out locations, mussel reintroductions, evaluating the success of past mussel reintroduction efforts, and identifying future mussel reintroduction locations.
Assist in preparing and summarizing mussel propagation and survey data so that the results of mussel propagation and survey efforts are organized and available to use in planning future efforts and in dissemination to others.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, conservation biology, fisheries, or related field.
Experience with: A) aquaculture or propagation systems relating to fishes or freshwater or marine mollusks or B) conducting field surveys for freshwater mussels, fish, freshwater snails, crayfish, or marine mollusks.
Knowledge and understanding of the biology and ecology of aquatic ecosystems, including a working knowledge of native freshwater mussel natural history.
Knowledge of standard field survey and monitoring techniques for aquatic organisms.
Ability to acquire Open Water Diver certification in SCUBA within 6 months of hire.
Communication skills sufficient to communicate technical and non-technical information.
Ability to interact comfortably with individuals from diverse backgrounds and under a variety of situations.
Preferred Qualifications
One year experience with techniques for propagating and rearing of freshwater mussels or freshwater fishes.
One year of experience with conducting field surveys for freshwater mussels, fish, or other aquatic invertebrates.
Experience enumerating and identifying small organisms (such as juvenile mussels, algae, phytoplankton, zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, bacteria) with the use of a microscope and using image software to document growth and survival.
Experience maintaining fish aquaria, fish health, and growing large quantities of native fishes.
Knowledge of geographic information systems, ArcMap 10 in particular.
Current Open Water Diver certification in SCUBA.
Ability to operate and maintain equipment used for aquaculture (pumps manual and power tools).
Experience with operating and trailering motorized watercraft. Basic knowledge of data collection including statistical analysis, summarization, and report preparation.
Additional RequirementsThis 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. 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 EMPLOYERMinnesota 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 [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.