2025 Spring Field Technician

Position Overview

The Cedar Creek LTER (Long Term Ecological Research Network) has several opportunities for students and recent graduates to work as spring field techs. These positions could start as early as the end of March or beginning of April. As a spring field tech, you will contribute to ongoing field experiments, assist in spring start up and maintenance of field experiments, as well as help with setting up new experiments. Pay is $15.50 per hour. On-site dormitory housing is available to rent.

Site and Research Overview

CCESR is an eight square mile tract of land 35 miles north of the Twin Cities. Cedar Creek is endowed with a diverse mosaic of prairie, savanna, sedge meadows, bogs, open water, forests, and even abandoned agricultural fields. Cedar Creek LTER research examines ecological processes occurring from the individual physiological level to the ecosystem level in response to (1) a variety of climate change scenarios including elevated CO2, increased temperature, increased nitrogen deposition, biodiversity loss, and altered precipitation patterns; (2) land management practices including prescribed burning and agricultural production; and (3) varied land use histories. Some of these projects include the Big Biodiversity experiment, BioCON (Biodiveristy, Carbon dioxide, and Nitrogen), and FAB (Forests And Biodiversity). Research is headed by a number of faculty from research institutions across the United States. These LTER projects are funded by the National Science Foundation and other sources. For more information about LTER please visit https://lternet.edu/.

Duties

  • Assist with various field research tasks, including experimental maintenance, mowing, etc. 
  • Prescribed burning of experimental areas, including mop up and monitoring. This may include some weekend and evening work.

Qualifications

  • Ability to work outdoors.
  • Driver’s license is preferred but not required.
  • Must be willing to have a flexible schedule.

To Apply

The deadline for application submission is February 10th, 2025.

  1. Visit  https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Find-Job  
    1. Click on the tab in the center of the page “external candidates” (even if you are a student).
    2. Search Job ID# 365607 then click on that description.
    3. Use the green “Apply for Job” button and follow the directions to apply for the job.
    4. We only require a resume, cover letter, and contact information for two references for the application package to be counted as complete. 
  2. ALSO, email a completed application form (download here) to [email protected].

If you have any questions regarding the application process or the internship, please email the above address or call 612-301-2616.

We will continue to accept applications turned in after February 10th, but priority will be given to those applications that come in by the deadline. 

You will be considered for this internship if (a) you are a US citizen or (b) a foreign citizen attending a US college or university full-time.


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: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Background Check Information

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.