Forest Ecology Research Technician

About the Job

Forest Ecology Research Technician

(Research Plot Technician, 4926)

Bargaining unit consideration begins on 05/06/2026 and ends on 05/13/2026

Hourly position with a variable schedule based on operational needs. Typical work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend shifts as required. Overtime and consecutive Sunday work are not conditions of employment.

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

65% Field Work

20% Flexible

15% St. Paul Campus

Job Duties

The Forest Ecology and Tree Biology lab in the Department of Forest Resources at the University of Minnesota seeks interested applicants with a background or interest in field biology, ecology, plant ecophysiology, environmental science, forestry, or a related field to take vital roles in several large scale experiments that address restoration of Mississippi River floodplains, understanding oak wilt disease impacts on oak woodlands, interactions between fire and disease, using native plants to control buckthorn, forest responses to climate change and novel disturbances, and more. Duties vary by season and project and may include (90%) establishing new experiments (site delineation and planting); Re-locating experimental units; monitoring the growth of experimental plants, both buckthorn and planted species; vegetation and tree disease surveys, collecting environmental data with sensor networks, measuring plant species composition; weeding experimental plots; maintaining deer fences; removing fallen trees; and generally assisting with experimental needs. There may also be lab sample processing and data entry (10%). Employees will work as a team (or occasionally solo, for example with data entry), supervised by Dr. Rebecca Montgomery or Dr. Mike Schuster, depending on the project. This job can have non-standard hours due to the nature of field research so people should be comfortable with a sometimes unpredictable work schedule and possess a positive attitude for long field days.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

High school graduation and two (2) years of related education and/or related experience.

Interest in field biology, ecology, forestry, restoration, plant propagation or environmental science

Dependable, motivated, with integrity and a strong work ethic

Strong skills in communicating and working with other team members across differences

Flexible team structure: work alone (rarely) or as a pair or trio for different tasks

Attention to detail in repetitive work, and diligent adherence to standardized protocols

Flexible work hours: adapt daily plans to weather; early starts in summer to avoid the heat; some post-sunset light measurements will likely be needed during late summer

Willing to work in a wide range of field conditions, including varied weather, steep terrain, and biting insects

Preferred Qualifications

Experience identifying woody and herbaceous plants in the Great Lakes region

Strong organizational skills, and proficiency in Google Drive for data management

Driver's license, though not required

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $22.39 - $22.79; 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 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.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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 the U of M

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 nations 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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).