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Position Available: Aquatic Agriculture Extension Specialist

Job role concentrates on enhancing aquaculture methods to cater to local communities and secure the longevity of fisheries in Minnesota and the Great Lakes region. Key duties involve overseeing daily tasks at the MNSG Aquaculture Lab, assisting with outreach and research initiatives alongside...

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Position entails enhancing aquaculture methods for the benefit of local communities and the...
Position entails enhancing aquaculture methods for the benefit of local communities and the preservation of fisheries in Minnesota and the Great Lakes area. Duties involve overseeing day-to-day activities at the MNSG Aquaculture Lab, collaborating on outreach and research with fish farmers, government entities, tribal groups, and communities involved in fisheries and aquaculture throughout the region.

Position Available: Aquatic Agriculture Extension Specialist

Fishin' the Future: Join us in revolutionizing aquaculture practices across Minnesota and the Great Lakes region with the University of Minnesota Sea Grant College Program!

As an Aquaculture Extension Associate (AEA), you'll dive headfirst into empowering local communities and safeguarding the sustainability of fisheries. Your primary responsibilities include:

  • Lab Life: Manage the daily operations at the MNSG Aquaculture Lab, ensuring the smooth sailing of flow-through, recirculating, and aquaponics systems. Collaborate with researchers, staff, and students to carry out outreach and research initiatives in aquaculture[1].
  • Community Connections: Build bridges with fish farmers, state, federal, and tribal partners, and various fisheries-focused communities scattered throughout our region. Help drive industry growth and innovation[2].
  • Innovation in Motion: Cultivate multiple extension and research projects related to aquaculture, focusing on food and bait-fish production[1].

The University of Minnesota Sea Grant is looking for an energetic, passionate individual to fill this exciting, full-time role (40 hours per week) in St. Paul, Minnesota. Salary ranges from $45,347 - $70,412. Take the plunge today!

To apply, follow these simple steps:

  1. Navigate to the MN Sea Grant Aquaculture Extension Associate posting.
  2. Click the "Apply for Job" button in the upper right corner of the page. New users, register; existing users, log in.
  3. Prepare a cover letter outlining how your expertise meets the job requirements and submit it along with your resume or curriculum vitae.

Key Facts:

  • Job Title: Aquaculture Extension Associate
  • Employer: The University of Minnesota Sea Grant College Program
  • Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
  • Position Type: Full-time (40 hours per week)
  • Salary Range: $45,347 - $70,412
  • Application Open Date: June 2, 2025
  • Application Close Date: Applications reviewed beginning June 25, 2025, position to remain open until filled.

Your journey with us will involve:

  1. Lab Duties (50%): Coordinate every aspect of the MNSG Aquaculture Lab[3]. Manage permits, staff, undergraduates, interns, and oversee system configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Host tours and demonstrations too!
  2. Independent Research and Collaborative Projects (40%): Drive individual research projects or collaborate with other researchers on aquaculture and fisheries projects requiring outreach[4]. Funding applications can be a team effort to address key goals in the 2024-2027 MNSG Strategic Plan.
  3. General Administrative Tasks (10%): Participate in staff meetings, maintain and report work activity, and contribute to the creation of critical documents for Sea Grant, such as strategic plans, grant proposals, and progress reports[5].

Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) is a program of the University of Minnesota and part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Sea Grant Program. Over 34 similar programs sprawl across the United States, working towards applied water research to benefit communities.

As we dive deeper into the world of aquaculture, remember that the right candidate will play a pivotal role in the University of Minnesota's Sea Grant mission to protect, enhance, and restore habitats, ecosystems, and the services they provide.

For more information about this fantastic opportunity, feel free to contact Amy Schrank, MNSG Extension Program Lead and Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension Educator at aschrank@umn.edu.

[1] Multiple extension and research projects related to aquaculture, with an emphasis on food and bait-fish production.[2] Work with aquaculture producers, state, federal, and tribal partners, and communities.[3] Coordinate project teams, permits, staff.[4] Implement research/extension projects, assist with high-priority research projects, and collaborate with researchers, industry, and agency personnel.[5] Write, edit, design, review, produce documents, participate in professional development opportunities and mandatory training as required by MNSG and the University of Minnesota, and serve on committees as requested.

  1. In the role of Aquaculture Extension Associate, you'll blend science with lifestyle by managing daily operations at the MNSG Aquaculture Lab, focusing on food and bait-fish production.
  2. As part of your career with the University of Minnesota Sea Grant, you'll engage in health-and-wellness and business initiatives by building partnerships with various fisheries-focused communities and driving industry growth.
  3. Your education-and-self-development may include writing and editing critical documents, participating in professional development opportunities, and serving on committees.
  4. To secure your future in finance, you'll be required to prepare a cover letter and submit it, along with your resume or curriculum vitae, when applying for the Aquaculture Extension Associate position with the University of Minnesota Sea Grant.

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