Aquatic Research Fellow, Minnesota Sea Grant

Saint Paul, MN

Position Title: Aquatic Research Fellow

Organization: Minnesota Sea Grant

Location: Saint Paul, MN

Position Overview: The Minnesota Sea Grant invasive cattail research fellow position is a two-year, full-time position for a highly motivated individual with experience in fisheries field research and data analysis. The initial focus of the position will be to coordinate efforts to investigate whether small-scale mechanical harvesting of invasive hybrid cattail (Typha X glauca) can be a successful nearshore lake habitat restoration method to benefit water quality, native plants, and fish communities. This position has a substantial outreach component and includes engagement with external partners such as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, National Park Service, state watershed districts, city parks, local lake groups, and other communities.

Duties: The research fellow will contribute to all components of research, including sampling design, project coordination, communication with partners, field data collection, laboratory analyses, data management, reporting to funders and external partners, and preparation of manuscripts. This individual will also support undergraduate student researchers and research infrastructure (e.g., field vehicle, boat, physical lab space).

  • During the June to September growing season the position will include substantial field research responsibilities including coordinating with internal and external researchers and partners, managing logistics and permits, and leading field sampling of fishes, plants and water quality in lakes.
  • Fieldwork will include multiday trips of up to two weeks outside of the Twin-Cities Metro in sometimes remote locations with lodging modes to include hotel/camping/airbnb.
  • For most of the year, the research fellow will perform campus- and computer-based research, including managing and analyzing data, preparing reports and manuscripts, and performing related research responsibilities.
  • This individual will be part of multiple teams, and their ability to work effectively with external partners, perform outreach to interested communities and partners, and help support students, interns, and other early-career individuals will be highly valued.

Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in ecology, biology, environmental science, or a related field or a relevant
  • Bachelor’s degree and equivalent professional experience
  • Prior aquatic/wetland/fisheries fieldwork experience
  • Experience with data management and analysis (including spreadsheets, data visualization, and statistical software such as R)
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment
  • Enthusiasm for engaging with diverse communities
  • Care and attention to detail in field, laboratory, and computer-based research
  • Valid U.S. state driver’s license
  • Ability to work long hours outside and in inclement weather conditions
  • Willingness to travel for work and camp for several days at a time
  • Ability to safely work in aquatic environments, including boating, canoeing, and wading

Start/End Dates: March 1, 2024 – Dec. 31, 2025

Salary/Pay: $50,000 – $62,000 per year

Application Deadline: Reviews begin Feb. 15th

How to Apply: Applications must be submitted online. To apply to this position got to: https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Find-Job Search for job opening: 359528Link to job opening: https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/359528.Complete the online application and attach all of the following: Cover letter, Resume or curriculum vitae, Contact information for three professional referencesContact: Amy Schrank