Temp Casual: Research, Outreach & Admin Support

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; Full time

Job description

Job Responsibilities

The Department of Horticultural Science and its associated labs periodically hire part-time and/or short-term employees (Temporary/Casual) to carry out various projects and provide support in the following areas:

• Administration and general office support
• Communications and marketing (internal and external)
• Community engagement and outreach activities
• Event preparation and logistics
• Technology support and data entry
• Research support and project coordination

These positions may also contribute to strategic planning and program management, communications initiatives, and technical and non-technical projects. Depending on assignment, positions may also assist with developing communication and marketing plans for internal and external audiences, coordinating events, or supporting research-related tasks. Employees take work direction from faculty directors and program or lab coordinators and must be able to complete assignments independently.

This classification will be used when the second appointment is non-exempt work, regardless of the nature of work in the first appointment OR whenever the primary appointment is non-exempt regardless of the nature of work in the second appointment.

Appointment Structure

1. Temporary positions are limited to 67 workdays or fewer in a calendar year.
2. Casual positions may exceed 67 workdays, but hours worked must not exceed 14 hours per week.
3. Individuals not currently employed by the University of Minnesota may be hired into temporary or casual appointments within these limits.
4. Individuals currently employed full time (40 hours/week) by the University of Minnesota may also be appointed to a temporary or casual position as long as the appointment:
   • Does not exceed 67 workdays in a calendar year; or
   • Extends beyond 67 workdays but does not exceed 14 hours per week.
5. University employees working part time (less than 40 hours/week) can only be appointed to a temporary or casual position if both positions fall under the same employee group and/or PELRA unit.
6. Temp Casual appointments follow University policy and are subject to eligibility and classification requirements.

Applicant Pool Notice

This posting does not constitute an announcement of open positions. It is used to establish a pool of applicants for potential openings during:

• Spring semester 2026
• Summer 2026
• Fall 2026

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent or demonstrated relevant work experience.
• Ability to follow instructions, manage tasks independently, and meet deadlines.
• Educational, certification and work experience requirements are based on and cannot exceed the qualifications for work performed in comparable UM job classifications.
• These temporary positions are also periodically available to individuals currently in high school (as part of the StepUp program or a similar program).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior successful work experience in a research center, academic department, or program within the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) at the University of Minnesota.
• Experience working in an academic, higher education, or research setting.
• Advanced degree and/or relevant educational background in biological sciences, life sciences, communications, or related fields.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and comfort engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $15.25 - $50.00 per hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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, visit 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.