Conservation Program Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

The Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology and its associated labs periodically hire part-time and/or short-term employees (Temporary nonexempt, job code 0006) to carry out various projects and provide support in the following areas:
Perform duties of a specialized nature connected with research studies assigned by the faculty supervisor. Such duties may include collecting research material, recording data, performing statistical analyses, preparing bibliographies, abstracting, writing reports, editing, etc.
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
Appointment Structure
Temporary nonexempt positions are limited to 67 workdays or fewer in a calendar year.
Individuals not currently employed by the University of Minnesota may be hired into temporary nonexempt appointments within these limits.
Individuals currently employed full time (40 hours/week) by the University of Minnesota may also be appointed to a temporary position as long as the appointment:
Does not exceed 67 workdays in a calendar year
University employees working part time (less than 40 hours/week) can only be appointed to a temporary nonexempt position if both positions fall under the same employee group and/or PELRA unit.
Temporary nonexempt appointments follow University policy and are subject to eligibility and classification requirements.

Required Qualifications
-High school diploma or equivalent or demonstrated relevant work experience.
-Ability to follow instructions, manage tasks independently, and meet deadlines.
-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.
-Strong written and verbal communication skills and comfort engaging with diverse stakeholders.

The Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology (FWCB) comprises a multidisciplinary group of scholars working on applied and fundamental problems related to the ecology of free-ranging wild animals, management of harvested and invasive species, and documentation and conservation of biodiversity.

Our Mission
To inspire and create solutions for biological conservation and management in a diverse and changing world.

Our Vision
A department that is an inclusive community creating, discovering, and sharing conservation knowledge.  A diverse natural world based on evolving knowledge, sustainable use, and equitable practices

Our Values
Teaching and mentoring to build desired future capacity and outcomes. Conserving biodiversity for people and nature. Instilling diversity, equity, justice, inclusion, and access through conservation action. Developing meaningful solutions for contemporary problems. Advancing scientific knowledge through rigorous research.

Pay Range: $15.25 - $50.00; 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.

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.

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.