Container Farm Research Coordinator

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 43,000 - 46,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous time off

Tuition benefits

Health, dental, and vision plans

Retirement plans

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Transit benefits

Job summary

The University of Minnesota seeks a Container Farm Coordinator at the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris, MN. The role is a 75% appointment, on-site, with 30–32 hours per week, supporting energy consumption research in a container farm system.

You will operate daily activities, execute test plans, and report outcomes to the project team. Required HS diploma plus 5 years of related education/experience, ability to lift 25 lbs, and a valid MN driver’s license; advanced degrees in

Qualifications

• HS diploma with 5 years related education and/or experience.
• Ability to work outdoors and lift 25 lbs.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Valid MN driver’s license.
• Advanced degree in horticulture, plant science, or related field is preferred.
• 1 year experience with hydroponics is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and procure container farm supplies.
• Plant seeds in hydroponic grow sponges.
• Transplant sprouted seeds to vertical growing walls.
• Monitor plant growth for diseases and pests; take corrective actions.
• Harvest crops and monitor container inputs and outputs.
• Collect data samples according to research protocols.
• Maintain infrastructure equipment and automate nutrient systems.
• Identify problems and coordinate solutions with the project team.
• Provide tours to stakeholders and deliver produce to project partners.

Skills

Independent worker

Outdoor work

Valid MN driver’s license

Education

HS diploma with 5 years related education/experience

Advanced degree in horticulture or plant science

Job description

About the Job

Bargaining unit consideration begins on Monday, September 8 and ends on Monday, September 15.

This is a short-term appointment through June 2027. Further continuation will be contingent upon performance and funding.

Location: This position is 100% on site (75% time / 30-32 hours per week), located in Morris, MN.

The purpose of this position is to assist a team of researchers studying energy consumption in a container farm system. This position will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of a hydroponic container farm. The Coordinator will run the container farm in accordance with test plans developed by a project team and provide feedback to the project team based on operational successes/issues. The Coordinator will be the sole operator of the container farm but will have help from other team members during busy times like harvest.

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

Job Duties

Container research activities and oversight - 75%

• Plan, prepare, and procure container farm cropping and operating supplies
• Plant seeds in specialized hydroponic grow sponges
• Transplant sprouted seeds to vertical growing walls
• Monitor plant growth watching for diseases and pests; implement corrective actions with project team guidance
• Harvest crops and monitor container inputs and output.
• Collect data samples and take notes according to research protocols and directives

Container operations and management - 15%

• Maintain infrastructure equipment including pumps, growing systems (light, water, structure), and automated nutrient systems.
• Identify problems and coordinate with the project team to solve them.
• Keep work areas neat and maintain container cleanliness/contamination protocols.

Public engagement and outreach - 10%

• Provide tours to internal and external stakeholders
• Deliver produce to project partners

Qualifications

Required

• HS diploma and 5 years' related education and/or related experience
• Ability to work outdoors and lift 25 lbs.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Valid MN driver's license.

Preferred

• An advanced degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, or similar field
• 1 year experience with hydroponics

About the Department

The University of Minnesota's West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) is located in Morris, MN. The WCROC is part of the University of MN College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences providing a tradition of excellence in applied agricultural research and education for farmers and rural communities in crop production, animal sciences, horticulture, water quality, organic and conventional dairy, swine production, and renewable energy.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $27.68 - $29.35 (Step 1 - Step 4) ; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75% Appointment, Temporary (through June 2027)

Position Type: Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff (AFSCME Unit 7 - Technical)

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 and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• 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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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.