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Fish Contaminants Specialist

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Fish Contaminants Specialist
 Job Class: Laboratory Scientist 1
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 92022
  • Location: St Paul
  • Telework Eligible: No
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 02/07/2026
  • Closing Date: 03/02/2026
  • 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 – occasionally
  • Salary Range: $25.67 - $37.26 / hourly; $53,599- $77,799 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit: 214 - MAPE (MN Association of Professional Employees)
  • 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.

Job Summary

 

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking to hire one (1) full-time Laboratory Scientist 1 to work in in St Paul. This position exists to provide services to the State of Minnesota in the areas of water quality and fish health and contaminants analysis and provides technical and logistical support for the DNR Fish Health Laboratory (FHL) and interagency Fish Contaminants Monitoring workgroups. This position operates primarily at the FHL in the MNDNR central office in St. Paul but also travels to partner laboratories, area offices, and remote field sites to work with state agency staff to collect and analyze biological samples.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

  • Provide logistical, technical and data services for the Minnesota Fish Contaminant Monitoring Project.
  • Provide technical services in the Fish Health Lab, assisting in all aspects of routine diagnostic procedures and water quality monitoring at state fish hatcheries and natural waterbodies.
  • Support the development and growth of the interagency Fish Contaminants Monitoring Program to enhance the health of Minnesota’s fisheries.
  • Assist in development of fish and aquatic contaminant standard operating procedures, research and data management.

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in fisheries and wildlife, biology, chemistry, environmental biology or comparable fields.
  • 1 year of experience, including internships, in scientific laboratories performing microbiological, chemical, or environmental analysis, analyzing samples or conducting testing in accordance with established methodologies and standard operating procedures.
  • Experience working under field conditions collecting environmental samples such as biological samples of aquatic organisms or water samples.
  • Experience with laboratory equipment maintenance, supply ordering, and inventory management.
  • Experience using data management software (such as Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, and laboratory information management systems) and database management.
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of chemistry, limnology, microbiology, environmental monitoring and general laboratory practices and methods and laboratory safety.
  • Ability to think critically and solve analytical problems
  • Ability to work independently and carry out analytical work, assemble materials, and present data with scientific accuracy and thoroughness.
  • Ability to conduct field work under adverse weather conditions and learn to navigate in remote areas using a compass, maps and GPS.
  • Ability to manage data, samples, and logistics of long-term projects such as state/basin wide fish, water or environmental monitoring.

Preferred Qualifications

  • 2 years of professional experience in scientific laboratories performing microbiological, chemical, or environmental analysis, analyzing samples or conducting testing in accordance with established methodologies and standard operating procedures.
  • A master’s degree in in fisheries and wildlife, biology, chemistry, environmental biology or comparable field.
  • Professional experience and/or coursework in analytical chemistry techniques, liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry.
  • Professional experience or coursework in fish or water quality contaminants analysis or environmental toxicology.
  • Strong familiarity with natural resource management principles as they pertain to fisheries management, aquaculture and fish health management.

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

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 Isaiah Tolo at isaiah.tolo@state.mn.us or 651-356-4236.

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 Layla Daleiden at layla.daleiden@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.