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. 

Job Responsibilities

• Coordinate all aspects of the MNSG Aquaculture Lab on the UMN 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 permits.
  • 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 Network, UMN, National Sea Grant, and other committees as requested.