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Freshwater Mussel Propagation Specialist

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Freshwater Mussel Propagation Specialist
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Ecological Services
Agency: 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: 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

 

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. 

Qualifications

 

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 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. 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

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 Kate Holcomb at kathryn.holcomb@state.mn.us or 651-314-6307. 

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. 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 Victoria Hansen at tori.hansen@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.