Fish Health Lab Student Worker - Student Worker Para Prof

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid vacation and sick leave

Pension plan

Employee benefits and development

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking a part-time Fish Health Lab Student Worker in the St Paul region. The role supports the Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program by processing fish tissues, maintaining the lab, and assisting in surveillance testing.

This temporary position runs Sept 2026–Dec 2027, with four days per week in summer and up to four days per week during the school year, often 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications require enrollment in an educational program and related field study.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Job description

Job Class: Student Worker Paraprofessional

• Job ID: 95564
• Location: St Paul
• 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: No

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: 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

• 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
• 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

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 [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.