Fish Health Lab Student Worker - Student Worker Para Prof

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources | Location: St Paul | Telework Eligible: No | Part-time, temporary position (September 2026 – December 2027)

About the role

The DNR Fish Health Lab in St Paul is seeking a Student Worker Paraprofessional to prepare fish tissue samples for the Minnesota Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program. This position works four days per week during the summer (Tuesday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) and up to four days per week during the school year, depending on the student’s class schedule.

Responsibilities

• Process fish tissues in preparation for contaminants analysis.
• Maintain the fish contaminants processing lab.
• Process fish tissues and assist in statewide viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus surveillance testing.
• Assist Fish Operations staff in data entry and clerical work.
• Collect samples in a field setting (travel required in spring and summer).

Requirements

• Must be a student enrolled in a post-secondary or graduate program (or planning to enroll within three months). Undergraduate students must carry at least six semester (nine quarter) credits; graduate students must be enrolled in at least two courses or making progress on a dissertation.
• Completion of one year (two 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 a closely related field.
• Unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record (must be at least 18 years old to operate agency vehicles).
• Ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Skills

• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong communication skills to represent the agency professionally.
• Organizational skills to prioritize 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a laboratory setting.
• Knowledge of various species of fish.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays each year.
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• Fertility care, including IVF, and diabetes care.
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children.
• Pension plan (after three years of service).
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, including mental health, relationship challenges, grief, finances, and legal issues.
• Daily living/convenience services (e.g., chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care).
• Training, classes, and professional development opportunities.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility (for qualifying positions).

Pay

$18.15–21.26 per hour.

Schedule

• Summer: Tuesday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (four days per week).
• School year: Up to four days per week, depending on class schedule.