Researcher 1

This position is located in Crookston, MN, 300 miles northwest of the University's St. Paul Campus.

A successful candidate will have a strong interest in hands-on field-trial and greenhouse research, interpersonal talents that facilitate easy communication with project leaders, supervises, and core colleagues, and will possess the diverse skill set needed to complete tasks. The successful candidate is responsible for a portion of the on-station and on-farm field evaluations and contributes to overall success of the respective breeding projects. Flexibility to work extended hours and weekends during peak periods. Tasks change seasonally according to the development stages of the crops involved. Tasks include but are not limited to:

1. 30% Assist in design of research project. Plans and manages the preparation of field and greenhouse experiments including those activities unique to conducting research: seed preparation, plot layout, specialized tillage operations and fertilizer and pesticide applications, application of plot treatments, plot maintenance, and plot harvest.
2. 20% General plot management and coordinates experiment site maintenance activities that include, but are not restricted to tractor operations, mechanical equipment operations, and fertilizer and pesticide handling.
3. 20% Perform experiments on sample collections and processing activities that can include plant and soil selection for sampling, specific collection protocols, weighing, drying, grinding, sub sampling, packaging, and sample shipment.
4. 10% Responsible for generating, recording and analyzing data. Record information that can include, but is not all inclusive of, observation notes and data collection, activity and inventory logs, pesticide application records.
5. 10% Perform routine maintenance of research equipment and facilities maintenance, repair, and upkeep. Assist in office work as needed.
6. 5% Maintain records, monitor and maintain operating inventories and place orders as needed in supplies, fertilizer, pesticides and equipment.
7. 5% Organize and set up lab equipment, calibrate equipment necessary for the successful completion of research tasks. Equipment can include planters, sprayers, fertilizer applicators and scales.

Required Qualifications

• BS/BA degree in an agricultural related field, or a combination of education and relevant work experience with crops to equal at least four years.
• Must have experience in preparation, planting, fertilizing, spraying, and harvesting of agronomic crops as well as operation of mechanical equipment
• Ability to obtain a Commercial Driver's License and the ability to load a trailer with a tractor or combine.
• Ability to obtain a Certified Pesticide Applicator License within six (6) months of employment.
• Knowledge/ability to maintain and repair farm equipment.
• Evidence of being observant and detail-oriented, following written and verbal instructions, and being willing to participate in a team atmosphere.
• Use of computer for basic word processing and data entry/analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with small plot research equipment, management and operations.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and John Deere AMS

The Northwest Research and Outreach Center (NWROC) in Crookston is one of 10 University of Minnesota Research and Outreach Centers throughout Minnesota. Belonging to the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) on the St. Paul, MN Campus. The specific mission of the NWROC is to conduct applied agronomic research on issues important to NW Minnesota agriculture and extend results of that research through outreach/extension programs.

Pay Range: $24.98 - $25.97 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-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

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

Application review will begin the week of February 3, 2025.

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

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

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.

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 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).