NRRI Administrative Associate – Human Resources, QEHST, and Administrative Support

University of Minnesota; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 53,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays

Excellent retirement plans

Job summary

University of Minnesota, Duluth NRRI Administrative Associate role supports the NRRI Central Administration team with administrative, HR, records management, communications, and QEHST duties. The position is based in Duluth and requires in-person work, with a Monday–Friday schedule.

The role covers HR processes, onboarding logistics, travel coordination, and training records, contributing to safety and compliance across NRRI operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or four years of related office experience; education and training may substitute for some years.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability to perform general office and administrative functions.
• Experience using web-based applications, word processing software, spreadsheets, and other standard office technology.

Responsibilities

• Provide Administrative and HR support for HR-related processes and workflows.
• Edit, archive, reception, and operational support to NRRI staff and leadership.
• Maintain personnel records and confidential documentation; coordinate travel and training, onboarding logistics.
• Document control, safety training records, and data management for safety programs; generate reports.

Skills

General office software

HR processes

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or 4 years related office experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Workspace

Job description

About The Job

This position is a member of the NRRI Administrative and Archiving Team and serves as an integral part of the NRRI Central Administration team. The Administrative Associate provides administrative, human resources, records management, communications, and environmental health and safety (QEHST) support to NRRI staff and leadership.

Location and Work Environment

Location: Duluth
Work Environment: in person

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm

Physical / Environmental Demands

Office environment / no specific or unusual physical or environmental demands.

Priority Deadline Note

Priority Deadline Note: The application review will begin on November 6, 2026.

Eligibility for Sponsorship

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

Job Duties

• Administrative and Human Resources Support (45%)
  • Provide administrative support for HR-related processes and workflows.
  • Prepare and distribute offer letters, appointment letters, and other employment-related correspondence.
  • Submit and monitor TDX requests related to recruitment, hiring, onboarding, position management, and employee transactions.
  • Coordinate recruitment activities, including interview scheduling, candidate visits, and onboarding logistics.
  • Maintain personnel records and confidential documentation in accordance with University and NRRI policies.
  • Provide administrative support to NRRI Central Operations Directors and Managers.
  • Maintain employee training databases and calendars; monitor required training and certification deadlines.
  • Coordinate travel arrangements and process Chrome River expense reimbursements.
  • Assist with special projects and perform other administrative duties as assigned.
• Quality, Environmental, Health, Safety, and Training (QEHST) Support (40%)
  • Documentation and Records Management
    • Maintain safety training records, certifications, and compliance documentation.
    • Maintain incident, injury, and near-miss reports.
    • Update safety bulletin boards, electronic safety resources, and shared documentation.
  • Training and Onboarding Support
    • Add new employees to the required safety training system and assign applicable training.
    • Track required safety training and certification renewals.
    • Send reminders for expiring certifications and required refresher training.
    • Monitor training attendance and completion records.
  • Safety Communication and Awareness
    • Assist with safety campaigns, events, and employee awareness initiatives.
    • Maintain safety information on intranet sites and shared drives.
  • Incident and Compliance Support
    • Track corrective actions resulting from incidents, inspections, and audits.
    • Maintain inspection, audit, and compliance logs.
    • Monitor reporting deadlines and regulatory compliance requirements.
  • Data Management and Reporting
    • Compile safety metrics, dashboards, and reports.
    • Track injury and incident trends.
    • Assist with preparation of annual safety reports.
  • Emergency Preparedness
    • Assist with evacuation drill planning, documentation, and recordkeeping.
• Editing, Archiving, Reception, and Operational Support (15%)
  • Editing
    • Edit and proofread reports, newsletters, presentations, web content, manuscripts, and other institutional communications to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with NRRI and University standards.
  • Archiving and Records Management
    • Review records and collections to determine retention requirements in accordance with University policies.
    • Collaborate with research staff to evaluate, preserve, archive, or appropriately dispose of files, collections, samples, reports, and other institutional materials.
    • Assist with organizing and maintaining electronic and physical records as needed.
  • Reception and Operational Support
    • Serve as backup support for front desk and lobby operations.
    • Welcome and assist visitors, employees, contractors, and guests while providing professional customer service.
    • Answer and route incoming telephone calls.
    • Sort and distribute mail and packages.
    • Assist with visitor parking permits, shipping, receiving, and other operational support activities.
    • Provide front desk coverage during staff absences, breaks, and periods of increased activity.
  • General Support
    • Perform additional editing, archiving, operational, and administrative duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or a combination of four (4) years of related office experience. Education and training may substitute for some years of experience.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability to perform general office and administrative functions.
• Experience using web-based applications, word processing software, spreadsheets, and other standard office technology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing and prioritizing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with minimal supervision.
• Experience identifying opportunities to improve administrative processes and workflows.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong proofreading, spelling, and grammar.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
• Experience with project management software such as Prism or Asana.

About NRRI

The Natural Resources Research Institute was established by the Minnesota legislature in 1983 as an applied science and engineering research organization to inform state citizens and decision-makers while leveraging the power of the University of Minnesota. NRRI is guided by the forward-looking charter provided by the Legislature to foster the economic development of Minnesota’s natural resources in an environmentally sound manner to promote private sector employment.

NRRI’s mission is to deliver integrated research solutions that value our resources, environment and economy for a sustainable and resilient future. We are a mission-driven, project-focused team working to create opportunities for natural resource stewardship.

About the Department

With Industrial-scale Facilities In Duluth And Coleraine, MN, NRRI Works Across Five Strategic Research Platforms. These Platforms Address Minnesota’s Soil, Forest, Water And Mineral Resources

• Applied Ecology and Resource Management
• Minerals and Metallurgy
• Materials and Bioeconomy
• Data Collection and Delivery
• Commercialization Services

Pay And Benefits

Pay Range: $53,149.20 per year - $63,779.04 per year ($25.55/hr-$30.66/hr) ; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

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 servicesEmployee 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 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

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

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.