Response Plan Project Manager

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 74,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan options

Job summary

The University of Minnesota, St. Paul MAISRC seeks a Community Response and Action Plan Project Manager as part of its externship program.

The role coordinates two action plans for rusty crayfish and mystery snails, guiding outreach, collaboration with tribal governments, and workshops to prepare end users for 2027 AIS management season. This temporary, casual appointment runs from November 2, 2026 to April 30, 2027, with an anticipated effort of 5-10 hours per week and a pay rate of $46 per

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Biology or similar field.
• Minimum of 5 years experience managing mystery snails and rusty crayfish.
• Minimum of 5 years working with tribal governments and tribal natural resources staff from tribal Bands across Minnesota.
• Experience working with private industry and/or consulting firms working on AIS issues.
• Minimum of 5 years experience organizing AIS management efforts in Minnesota waters, including experience working with Bands in Minnesota on AIS management in tribally protected wild rice waters.
• Experience writing aquatic invasive species management plans, including species such as rusty crayfish and mystery snails.
• Experience organizing community events involving diverse audiences and presenting scientific and management information to a variety of audiences.
• Familiarity with Minnesota aquatic invasive species laws and regulations and knowledge of best management practices for AIS management.
• Experience engaging diverse potential end users of the plans such as lake associations, watershed management associations, natural resource managers, consultants, tribal Bands in Minnesota, tribal organizations, and interested individuals.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate two community response and action plans for rusty crayfish and mystery snails.
• Lead workshops to help end users adopt the plans in AIS management for the 2027 season.
• Engage with stakeholders including MAISRC researchers, tribal staff and governments, consulting firms, and MN DNR.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Project coordination

Workshop facilitation

AIS knowledge

Regulatory awareness

Education

Bachelor of Science in Biology or similar field

Job description

Position Overview

University of Minnesota, St. Paul MAISRC Associate Director Casual Nonexempt $46/hour, 5-10 hours/week MAISRC works to develop science-based solutions to address the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) issues facing Minnesota's lakes, rivers, and wetlands and to inspire action by others. Our research is focused on developing tools and methods for taking action on AIS by preventing spread, controlling populations, supporting AIS management, and advancing AIS knowledge among natural resource managers and the public. The Community Response and Action Plan Project Manager position is a part of the MAISRC Externship Program, which seeks to address applied AIS research needs and support the professional development of early-career AIS professionals in Minnesota.

Responsibilities

The Community Response and Action Plan Project Manager will be responsible for the coordination and completion of two community response and action plans, one for rusty crayfish and one for mystery snails. The community response and action plans are meant to be able to be adopted by any individual, community group, organization, or combination thereof. Each should encapsulate all information required for rusty crayfish or mystery snail management, as well as how to organize, lead, and execute community management of aquatic invasive species. The Project Manager is expected to engage with multiple stakeholders including, but not limited to, MIASRC researchers and staff, tribal staff and governments, consulting companies and industry leaders, MN Department of Natural Resources, and others. After the plans are drafted and approved by project partners, the Project Manager will organize and lead workshops to help the plans be adopted by end users in the 2027 summer AIS management season.

Appointment Information

This is a temporary/casual appointment running from November 2, 2026 - April 30, 2027 with an anticipated effort of 5-10 hours/week. Compensation rate will be $46.00/hour.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Biology or similar field
• Minimum of 5 years experience managing mystery snails and rusty crayfish
• Minimum of 5 years working with tribal governments and tribal natural resources staff from tribal Bands across Minnesota
• Experience working with private industry and/or consulting firms working on AIS issues
• Minimum of 5 years experience organizing AIS management efforts in Minnesota waters, including experience working with Bands in Minnesota on AIS management in tribally protected wild rice waters
• Experience writing aquatic invasive species management plans, including species such as rusty crayfish and mystery snails
• Experience organizing community events involving diverse audiences and presenting scientific and management information to a variety of audiences
• Familiarity with Minnesota aquatic invasive species laws and regulations and knowledge of best management practices for AIS management
• Experience engaging diverse potential end users of the plans such as lake associations, watershed management associations, natural resource managers, consultants, tribal Bands in Minnesota, tribal organizations, and interested individuals

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $46.00 per 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.

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.