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Pilot Biologist Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Post Consumer Brands

Technician II, Pet Pilot Lab

Lakeville, MN · On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Operates pilot plant/laboratory equipment in a consistent and accurate manner according to approved ... Some post-secondary chemistry, biology, mathematics, statistics or food science or equivalent ...

New

Fluence Corp.

Process Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site +1

$125K - $140K/yr

Develops pilot plant protocols and final reports to build a successful piloting program. * Develops ... Minimum 7 years plus of biological process or drinking water process for highly engineered ...

New

All JobsPilot Biologist JobsPilot Biologist Jobs in Minnesota

Pilot Biologist information

See Minnesota salary details

$36.2K

$87.6K

$135.2K

How much do pilot biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot biologist in Minnesota is $87,563.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,300.00 and $118,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pilot biologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pilot Biologist, you need a strong background in biology or wildlife sciences, a commercial pilot’s license, and experience with field research techniques. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, data collection tools, and specialized aircraft instrumentation is commonly required. Excellent observational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for safely conducting aerial surveys, accurately gathering ecological data, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams for environmental research.

How do pilot biologists typically balance flying responsibilities with biological data collection and analysis?

Pilot Biologists often split their time between piloting aircraft for aerial surveys and conducting biological research, such as wildlife monitoring or habitat assessments. This dual responsibility requires strong time-management skills and the ability to transition between field operations and scientific work. Collaborating closely with other biologists, technicians, and sometimes government agencies is common to ensure accurate data collection and safety during flights. The role can be demanding, especially during peak fieldwork seasons, but offers unique opportunities for both scientific contribution and aviation experience.

What is the difference between Pilot Biologist vs Marine Biologist?

AspectPilot BiologistMarine Biologist
Required CredentialsBiology degree, pilot license, specialized trainingBiology degree, research experience, often a marine science certification
Work EnvironmentAircraft, remote field sites, marine environmentsLaboratories, research vessels, coastal and open ocean
Employer & IndustryEnvironmental agencies, research organizations, governmentUniversities, research institutes, conservation groups

While both Pilot Biologists and Marine Biologists work in marine environments, Pilot Biologists combine biological expertise with piloting skills to conduct surveys and research from aircraft or boats. Marine Biologists focus primarily on studying marine organisms and ecosystems. The roles overlap in fieldwork and environmental monitoring, but Pilot Biologists uniquely operate aircraft or vessels to access remote or large areas efficiently.

What is a pilot biologist?

Pilot biologists are professionals who combine aviation skills with biological expertise to conduct aerial surveys, wildlife monitoring, and environmental research. They often fly aircraft to observe, track, and collect data on animal populations, habitats, or ecological changes. Their work supports conservation efforts, wildlife management, and scientific studies, often in collaboration with government agencies or research organizations. Pilot biologists must be licensed pilots and have a background in biology or a related field to effectively perform their duties.
What are popular job titles related to Pilot Biologist jobs in Minnesota? For Pilot Biologist jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pilot Biologist jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Pilot Biologist jobs in Minnesota are:
Pilot Biologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Biologist job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $87,563 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Technician II, Pet Pilot Lab

Post Consumer Brands

Lakeville, MN • On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Post Consumer Brands rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 435 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Business Unit Overview
Headquartered in Lakeville, Minn., Post Consumer Brands, a business unit of Post Holdings, Inc., is dedicated to providing people and their pets with delicious food choices for every taste and budget. The company's portfolio includes beloved brands such as Honey Bunches of Oats™, PEBBLES™, Grape-Nuts™ and Malt-O-Meal™ cereal and Peter Pan™ peanut butter, as well as Rachael Ray® Nutrish™, Kibbles 'n Bits™ and 9Lives™ dog and cat food. Post also provides private label solutions to customers in pet food, cereal, nut butters and granola. As a company committed to high standards of quality and to our values, we are driven by one idea: To make lives better by making delicious food accessible for all. For more information about our brands, visit www.postconsumerbrands.com and follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook for the latest news.
Location Description
Post Consumer Brands corporate headquarters in Lakeville, Minnesota, is about 20 miles south of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Lakeville has all the benefits of smaller town living with access to everything a large metropolitan area has to offer. Join more than 400 team members collaborating on the two-building campus to help put breakfast on the tables of millions of consumers in North America.
Responsibilities
Overview
The purpose of this job is to assist in the development of new and improved pet food products and packages. The individual is responsible for providing technical support and project work at POLAR, the pilot plant and plant environments as needed. Support, implement, and maintain food safety practices. Will be responsible for completing job duties in a manner that supports all plant safety, food safety, quality, and environmental practices.
Responsibilities and Accountabilities
  • Responsible for the maintenance and development of assigned products; manages projects to meet timelines and cost parameters that satisfy company requirements.
  • Participates in the development, scale-up and production of new and improved pet food products or treats. Operates pilot plant/laboratory equipment in a consistent and accurate manner according to approved methods. Understands and complies with all food safety and food manufacturing policies and procedures.
  • Conducts experimental designs under direct supervision. Compile, analyze and summarize data into report form. Test summaries require an evaluation of results, generation of reports, graphs and statistical analysis including making recommendations. Obtains and handles samples from production plant/equipment locations to analysis in a safe and sanitary manner consistent with the information required and compliant with GMP's
  • Supports and/or conducts plant tests, packaging projects or production trials under direct supervision. This includes, but is not limited to, ordering ingredients, preparation of samples, preparation of test formulas, packages and participation in plant-based trials or experiments.
  • Obtains samples and technical information about products that includes but is not limited to, direct measurements of product or package attributes, processing or packaging measurements, production data or quality measures.
  • Conducts studies in laboratory and production plant/equipment locations in a safe and sanitary manner.
  • Conducts routine and non-routine laboratory evaluations of products (chemical, physical and sensory testing).
  • Be available as a technical resource to other technical functions and to corporate departments, including but not limited to Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Sales and Marketing.
  • Maintains complete records of procedures followed, as well as observations and results obtained from product or package measures.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Requirements
  • Critical Leadership Expectations: Put Safety First, Do Right, Win As One, Be Bold, Bring Joy, Act Like An
  • Ability to work safely in and around food processing laboratory, pilot plant and plant equipment.
  • Ability to work with a personal computer: word processing, spreadsheets, graphing and have demonstrated math/statistical computation skills.
  • Ability to compile, analyze and present collected data in summary form as well as being capable of performing a variety of tests.
  • Ability to effectively communicate, verbally and in writing to various stakeholders.
  • Ability to thrive in a changing and fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs
  • Job location is in Lakeville MN. Up to 25% Travel may be required.

Education:
Some post-secondary chemistry, biology, mathematics, statistics or food science or equivalent experience. Four-year degree in a technical field (e.g. chemistry, food science, engineering, biology) preferred.
Experience
  • Two years' experience in consumer products
  • Understanding and experience in manufacturing processes, GMP's, general food processing, or formulation, laboratory techniques, quality assurance
  • Strong knowledge of continuous improvement tools and techniques
  • Able to build relationships and inspire others

The pay range for this position is $26.89 to $36.57 per hour.

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