Hatchery Technician – Remer: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Working Title: Fish Hatchery Technician
Job Class: Natural Resources Technician Fisheries
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 81590
• Location: Remer
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 11/06/2024
• Closing Date: 11/26/2024
• 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: No
• Salary Range: $23.26 – $32.79 / hourly; $48,566 – $68,465 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 – Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area: Spire Valley Hatchery
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• 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.

Location: 1852 State Highway 6 NE, Remer, MN 56672

Job Summary

This position will provide technical assistance in the production of trout for statewide stocking at Spire Valley Hatchery.

This includes: participating in fish culture and fish stocking; maintaining facilities, equipment, and grounds; and providing guided tours to hatchery visitors to inform groups and visitors about hatchery operations.

The position requires wading and working in and around tanks and ponds filled with water of 45 degrees Fahrenheit, year-round, outside and in unheated buildings.

This position will be required to work weekends on a rotating schedule approximately every 4 weeks. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Associates Degree or equivalent in natural resources management or closely related study.
• Working knowledge of raising and stocking salmonids in intensive management systems.
• Basic understanding of aquaculture-based water chemistry and wastewater management.
• Experience in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, metal working applications.

  Proficient use of power tools and equipment (e.g. power saws, pressure washers, mowers, atvs, etc.).

• Experience maintaining power tools and small engine equipment (e.g. blade sharping, engines and motors, pumps, wood working equipment, etc.).
• Nuisance animal control experience (e.g. animal ID, animal behavior, and trapping).
• Experience operating heavy equipment (mid-size tractors, trucks, lawn mowers), UTV operation and trailers.
• Computer skills including knowledge of using Windows, Microsoft Office software sufficient to updating records, accessing data, and to complete administrative tasks.
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively on teams; communicate; understand and carry out oral and/or written directions; and provide customers with general information on hatchery operations, resource management policies and provide tours.
• Basic experience in facilities, buildings, grounds maintenance. Scheduling and performing basic equipment maintenance. Ensuring facility grounds and equipment are kept in good working and appealing condition.
• *Position requires a Class B Driver’s License (CDL), passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program. Otherwise qualified applicants who do not have a valid Class B will be allowed up to six (6) months to acquire one, as a condition of employment.*

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aquaculture, Fisheries Science, Natural Resources Management or equivalent field.
• One or more years experience in fish hatchery operations, fish handling and transport, and aquaculture techniques.
• One or more years of experience in fish health management, wastewater management, and fish nutrition.
• Completion of USFWS short courses or equivalent in fish health and coldwater fish culture.
• Extensive experience or two or more years in facility, building, and grounds maintenance, operating and maintaining tractors, UTVs, trailers, and small engines.
• Extensive use of power tools to fabricate and repair woodworking, plumbing, electrical and metal working projects or structures.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class B Driver’s License with a tanker and air brake endorsement. The selected applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen. Employees who are required to retain this license will be included in a random drug and alcohol testing program.

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. All job offers are contingent upon passing 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 Moses Ong at moses.ong@state.mn.us or 218-792-5164.

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 Elyse Anderson at elyse.anderson@state.mn.us.

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. 

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.

 How to Apply:

Go to: http://www.mn.gov/careers

 Select: ‘Search for Jobs’ (header at top of page)

 Select ‘Search for Jobs (green box under ‘External Applicants’)

 Type in the Job Title or Job ID number