Senior Research Plot Technician

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Job ID

362292

Location

All Other -See Job Description

Job Family

LR-Technical

Full / Part Time

Full-Time

Regular / Temporary

Regular

Job Code

4927

Employee Class

AFSCME Unit 7 - Technical

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About the Job

The Research Plot Technician is part of the Buildings and Grounds (B&G) team and reports to Cedar Creek's B&G supervisor.

This position works a Tuesday-Saturday schedule (with a Sunday / Monday weekend) from April through October. Schedule during other months is expected to be 40hrs / week but days of the week are negotiable.

This will include at least some Saturdays for plowing and winter maintenance. This position is covered by the AFSCME Technical Union and Union / Fair share deductions may be made.

Duties include preparing, maintaining and supporting research and land management projects, often working closely with research scientists and other technicians, as well as contributing directly to the daily and seasonal work of the Buildings and Grounds (B&G) team and other Cedar Creek staff.

This role also operates and provides training on tractors, lawn mowers, chainsaws, and other power equipment and power and hand tools.

TYPICAL TASKS (These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this class.)

55% Assists in the preparation and maintenance of research plots and experimental landscapes. This includes but is not limited to mowing, tilling, fencing, maintaining roadways adjoining and leading to plots and research areas, tree and brush removal and planting, irrigation, installation and removal of heat lamps, soil and water sampling, assisting with the logistics of annual deer management hunts, and herbicide application.

Maintains and repairs equipment, tools and vehicles used by researchers. Provides equipment, vehicle and shop training as well as technical support to researchers and research or land management volunteers.

30% Contributes to the maintenance and repair of work areas, storage spaces, and buildings (labs, offices, classrooms, housing units for researchers).

Monitors physical infrastructure for issues and works collaboratively to address them in a timely manner. Conducts minor plumbing, carpentry, landcare, and painting as needed.

15% Participates in prescribed burning of experimental plots and conservation areas, ideally reaching the level of Squad Boss (training provided).

This includes preparation and maintenance of trucks, pumps, ATVs and other fire related equipment, upkeep of fire breaks, active participation in prescribed burns onsite (up to 3 days per week during the burn season), post-burn monitoring and data collection.

SUPERVISION

This position will be a non-supervisory position but may act as a lead worker over part time,

temporary or seasonal workers.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications :

High school graduation and five years of related education and / or related experience.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Ability to walk and drive on rough and uneven terrain carrying equipment
• Experience working in and around research plots
• Experience with prescribed burning.
• Experience working at a field station, nature center, park, or similar facility
• Experience with small engine repair, chainsaw use, carpentry, construction or similar
• Experience operating tractors and / or pickup trucks with various implements attached (snowplow, tiller, mower, water pump, etc)
• Operational knowledge of field sampling instruments and pesticide / herbicide application.

About the Department

This position is located at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve in East Bethel, MN, a 5500 acre field station operated by the University of Minnesota's College of Biological Sciences (CBS).

Faculty, students and staff from several CBS departments, as well as other UMN Colleges and non-UMN institutions, conduct research at Cedar Creek.

Other aspects of Cedar Creek's mission include conservation, land management, education (both undergraduate and K-12) and community engagement.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.

We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

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 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).