Aquaculture Extension Associate (Job code 9791EN)

The Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) Aquaculture Extension Associate (AEA) will oversee multiple extension and research projects that focus on aquaculture of all types with an emphasis on food and bait-fish culture. The AEA will manage daily operations at the MNSG Aquaculture Lab, which includes flow-through, recirculating, and aquaponics systems. This role includes conducting outreach, extension, and research about aquaculture and working with a variety of producers in the aquaculture industry. The AEA will work closely with a collaborative team of other MNSG staff, University of Minnesota extension educators, and Sea Grant extension educators across the Great Lakes and the nation who are involved in related issues. The AEA will also collaborate with state, federal, and tribal agencies that work closely with aquaculture producers. There may also be opportunities to work with recreational, charter, commercial, and tribal fishing communities.

Job duties

Coordinate all aspects of the MNSG Aquaculture Lab on the U of M St. Paul campus (50%)

• Coordinate project teams, partners, and working groups to ensure that teams are communicating and objectives are being met
• Manage university, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and other permit
• Oversee undergraduates, interns, and other staff working in the lab
• Construct, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot all operational systems, and lab experiments
• Provide lab tours and host/assist with other aquaculture demonstrations

Conduct individual research projects and outreach initiatives or collaborate with other researchers to implement projects that focus on aquaculture and fisheries (40%)

• Help write proposals and apply for funding that addresses aquaculture and fisheries goals in the 2024-2027 MNSG Strategic Plan and priority needs expressed by interested communities
• Implement and complete research/extension projects and reporting
• Initiate collaboration with researchers, aquaculture industry members, and fisheries agency personnel to assist with high-priority research projects
• Work with the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network and other groups to address common aquaculture and fisheries issues within the Great Lakes Basin and nationally
• Conduct and/or assist with aquaculture and fisheries outreach events

Participate in general administrative MNSG activities (10%)

• Attend staff and other required meetings
• Maintain a current calendar of events, travel, and program activity viewable to all staff
• Report work activity on a regular basis using program forms, databases, or other formats as requested
• Help write, edit, design, review, and/or produce documents critical to Sea Grant such as strategic plans, grant proposals, and progress reports
• Participate in professional development opportunities and mandatory training as required by MNSG and the University of Minnesota
• Serve on MNSG, Great Lakes Sea Grant, U of M, National Sea Grant, and other committees as requested
  
  

Required Qualifications:

• Master of Science degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution or equivalent with major emphasis on aquaculture, fish health, animal husbandry, or a similar field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two to five additional years of experience beyond BS education working in aquaculture
• Hands-on experience in conducting aquaculture projects or running an aquaculture business or hatchery including operation, design, construction, and maintenance of aquaculture facilities (ponds, RAS, flow-through, etc.) with multiple species
• Master of Science (MS) in an aquaculture- or fisheries-related field with aquaculture experience
• Five years of professional experience working with aquaculture in the aquaculture industry, a fisheries agency, academia, or other related profession
• Experience consulting directly with aquaculture producers who operate a variety of facilities that produce numerous species, with an emphasis on those found in the Great Lakes basin.
• Experience in conducting and completing aquaculture or fisheries research/management projects, with two or more examples of peer-reviewed publications, and/or agency reports
• Ability to use a variety of outreach, education, and training methods
• Experience managing multiple projects
• Ability to interpret scientific research and communicate it clearly to non-technical audiences
• High level of analytical, organizational, and planning skills
• Experience writing and administering grants
• A record of working effectively with people of different backgrounds
• Experience working with a Great Lakes Sea Grant program
• Ability to travel occasionally and possession of or ability to acquire a valid Minnesota driver's license
• Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs including items such as bags of feed, buckets of fish and water, lab equipment, various forms of sampling gear, etc.
  
  

About Minnesota Sea Grant:

Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) is a systemwide program of the University of Minnesota and one of 34 federal-university Sea Grant partnerships across the country that bring applied water science to communities. MNSG's extension educators, researchers and communicators work with community members, local decision-makers, policy leaders, and personnel from resource agencies, business and industry to protect, enhance and restore habitats, ecosystems and the services those ecosystems provide. We are what makes the University of Minnesota a Sea Grant institution.

Pay Range: $45,347 - $70,412 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online go to http://www.umn.edu/ohr/employment/ and search for job opening 368482. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Please attach a cover letter, indicating how your experience meets the job required and preferred qualifications, and a resume or curriculum vitae to your application.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).