BBE Researcher 2

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 29,000 - 33,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays

Professional training

Health insurance

HSA contributions

Disability insurance

Retirement plans

PSLF program

Employee assistance

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is seeking a temporary Civil Service staff member to support environmental field research in Minnesota. The 4-month, 20-hours-per-week role focuses on greenhouse gas flux measurements at peatlands, stream surveys, and data reporting.

Responsibilities include data collection, quality control outdoors, and contributing to reports. A Bachelor's in a relevant field plus two years of experience (or a six-year mix) is required; a Master's is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field plus at least two years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least six years.
• Experience with field data collection in wetland or aquatic environment.
• Ability to collect data and ensure quality control in outdoor conditions.
• Experience monitoring greenhouse gas flux with LiCor device.
• Data analysis experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting.

Responsibilities

• Assist with greenhouse gas flux measurements and related data collection at four peatlands in Minnesota for a MN BWSR study.
• Assist with stream surveys on two projects; assess stream restoration techniques in Driftless Area and peatland streams in central Minnesota.
• Prepare summaries and assist in written reports for PI to communicate results.

Skills

Field data collection

Data analysis

LiCor device

Written & verbal communication

Outdoor data collection

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Li-Cor device

Job description

About the Job

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

This is a temporary Civil Service position, 4 month duration, working 20 hours/week.

Job Duties

• 70% assist with greenhouse gas (GHG) flux measurements and related variable data collection (water quality, soil and vegetation properties) at four peatlands in Minnesota for a MN BWSR study to assess peatland restoration effects
• 25% assist with stream surveys on two projects - LCCMR SE MN and Snowchange studies. Assess stream restoration techniques in the Driftless Area and on a peatland streams in central Minnesota
• 5% Reporting - write up summaries and assist in written reports for PI to communicate results

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field of study plus at least two years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least six years
• Experience with field data collection in wetland or aquatic environment
• Ability to collect data and ensure quality control in outdoor conditions
• Experience monitoring greenhouse gas flux with LiCor device
• Data analysis experience
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred

About the Department

We discover innovative solutions to address challenges in the sustainable production and consumption of food, feed, fiber, materials, and chemicals while enhancing the environment.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $28.00 - $31.50 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 50% Appointment, Temporary

Position Type: Civil-Service

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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

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 University of Minnesota

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.