Aquaculture Extension Associate

Job Details

The Aquaculture Extension Associate (AEA) at Minnesota Sea Grant oversees multiple extension and research projects related to aquaculture, with an emphasis on food and bait-fish production. The AEA manages daily operations at the MNSG Aquaculture Lab, which includes flow-through, recirculating, and aquaponics systems. Responsibilities include conducting outreach, extension, and research activities in collaboration with aquaculture producers. The AEA works closely with Minnesota Sea Grant extension educators, communicators, and administrative staff, as well as University of Minnesota Extension staff and Sea Grant colleagues from across the national network. The position also involves coordination with state, federal, and tribal staff engaged in aquaculture, and may include work with recreational, charter, commercial, and tribal fishing communities.

Requirements

• 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.  

Contact Information