Entry Level Forest Ecology Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Forest Ecology Research Technician
(Research Plot Technician, 4926)

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

This posting does not constitute an announcement of open positions but is used to establish a pool of applicants should openings become available. Applications will be retained for consideration should openings occur. Applications will not be individually acknowledged upon receipt. Appointments may be renewable based on need, funding availability, and satisfactory performance.
 

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.

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
Drivers license, though not required

Pay Range: $23.17/hr (Step 1) - $23.59/hour (Step 2); 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 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.

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 Americas 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).