Job Description

The Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve of the University of Minnesota has opportunities for students to work as plant community ecology interns and as research field supervisors. Most positions run from June through August, but some interns are needed as early as March and some are needed through October. Your educational institution may be able to approve this internship, with an appropriate independent project, for any field biology requirement of your major. As a research intern, you will contribute to ongoing field experiments, have the opportunity to initiate individual research, attend scientific seminars, and interact with professors, post-docs, and graduate students. If you are an undergraduate or a newly graduated student with a background or interest in biology, ecology, environmental science, botany, environmental education, or related field we encourage you to apply.

We have three large scale projects, along with several smaller scale experiments, that require most of our intern resources throughout the summer. BioCON is one of the large scale experiments where we explore the ways in which plant communities respond to environmental changes such as increased nitrogen deposition, increased atmospheric CO2, decreased biodiversity, altered precipitation patterns, and increased temperatures. Another large scale project is the Big Biodiversity experiment that studies how plant diversity affects the rates, dynamics, and stability of ecological processes at the population, community, and ecosystem levels. There are multiple experiments nested within the Big Biodiversity experiment as well, looking at factors such as irrigation and increased temperatures. The third large scale experiment, FAB, will be looking at tree competition under different diversity levels. This experiment includes approximately 40,000 trees within a 30 acre field that will run for over 100 years. Throughout the summer we maintain and sample these experiments.

The Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve itself is a nine square mile tract of land 35 miles north of the Twin Cities. Because of its fortunate location in mid-continent at the triple meeting point of three great biomes of North America, it carries much of the continent's biological heritage. Cedar Creek is endowed with a diverse mosaic of prairie, savanna, sedge meadows, bogs, open water, forests, and even abandoned agricultural fields. Its large size, great natural diversity, and uniform soil substrate make it ideal for ecosystem studies.


Typical work days are eight hours Monday through Friday, however some projects require weekend, early morning, and evening work. On-site dormitory housing is available to rent. Most of the work you do will be out in the field, though a few jobs have indoor laboratory or computer components.

Qualifications

Ability to work outdoors.
Effective analytical and communication skills.
Strong organizational and time management skills.

Additional qualifications for supervisor position:
Strongly considering graduate school in an environmental field.
Has completed at least Junior year in college.
At least one lab or field internship experience outside of classroom activities.
If you want to be considered for the field research supervisor position as well as the internship please indicate as such on the application form.

About the Department

Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve is a large biological research site in east-central Minnesota with natural habitats that represent the entire state. There is no place of comparable biological diversity so close to the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Cedar Creek is owned and operated by the University of Minnesota in cooperation with the Minnesota Academy of Science.

• Our mission is to increase understanding of natural systems and to investigate and share sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.
• Our strategy for achieving this mission includes research, conservation, and education in partnership with members of our local and global community.
• Our vision is a future where biodiversity and the full diversity of people thrive.
• Our commitment is to be an inclusive place for research, mutual learning, and community for people of all identities

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $15.25 to $17.50/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.


Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans .


How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:


Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

Job Tags

Temporary work, Summer work, Casual work, Internship, Local area, Weekend work, Afternoon shift, Early shift, Monday to Friday,

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