Temporary Scientific Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Department of Soil, Water and Climate and its associated labs periodically hire part-time and/or short-term employees (Temporary) 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 positions are limited to 67 workdays or fewer in a calendar year.
• 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 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 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.

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.

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 per hour; 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.

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.