Part Time Sustainability Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

The Department of Soil, Water and Climate and its associated labs periodically hire part-time and/or short-term employees (Casual) 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

Casual positions may exceed 67 workdays, but hours worked must not exceed 14 hours per week.

Individuals not currently employed by the University of Minnesota may be hired into temporary or casual appointments within these limits.

Individuals currently employed full time (40 hours/week) by the University of Minnesota may also be appointed to a temporary or casual position as long as the appointment does not exceed 67 workdays in a calendar year; or extends beyond 67 workdays but does not exceed 14 hours per week.

University employees working part time (less than 40 hours/week) can only be appointed to a temporary or casual position if both positions fall under the same employee group and/or PELRA unit. Temp Casual appointments follow University policy and are subject to eligibility and classification requirements.

Applicant Pool Notice
This posting does not constitute an announcement of open positions. It is used to establish a pool of applicants for potential openings during fiscal

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.

Soil, Water, and Climate (SWAC) is an administrative unit within the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS). The mission of the Department is to advance the understanding of Earth system processes and the interaction among land, atmosphere, and water.

Through research, teaching, and outreach we seek to: improve and protect the quality of soil, air, and water resources in natural and managed ecosystems;
enhance agricultural and forest productivity and sustainability; predict and mitigate impacts of environmental and climate change on ecosystems and society; and provide science based knowledge for improved decision making and a better informed citizenry

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.