Researcher 4

Position Description
Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering
College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS)

Overview of position:
The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) Researcher 4 position is part of a team consisting of research professors, scientist support staff, and student employees. This position, along with partners within assigned units, across the college and University, fosters an engaging and professional environment committed to respect, inclusivity, continuous improvement, and teamwork. The position is funded by research grants that study hydrology, flora, soils, and water quality of Minnesota. Duties within this position include drafting grant applications, writing literature reviews, preparing remote sensing equipment, utilizing GIS software, managing and analyzing data, modeling, and technical writing. CFANS and 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.

Duties/Responsibilities
Writing (25%):

• Drafting and editing grant proposals
• Reporting findings in technical reports
• Writing literature reviews
• Communicating with team, project partners, and clients

Remote Monitoring Equipment (10%):

• Repairing, calibrating, programming, and deploying remote monitoring equipment
• Maintaining and repairing equipment throughout the field season
• Collecting field data

Field Work (20%):

• Preparing and reserving equipment
• Observing proper safety protocols when collecting soil, water, and flora samples
• Following standard operating procedures when collecting samples
• Delivering samples to laboratory for analysis

Lab Work (5%):

• Observing proper safety protocols when analyzing water and soil samples
• Recording test results

Modeling and Analysis (25%):

• Developing models for surface and groundwater movement
• Prepping and analyzing data using R Studio and Excel
• Preparing charts and sharing findings with team and clients

Geospatial Analysis (15%):

• Preparing maps, cross sections, and figures using ArcPro
• Creating maps for site use utilizing FieldMaps
• Collecting points and features and uploading data

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least 5 years of relevant experience or a combination of education and relevant experience in the area of Natural Resources Science and Management or a related field to equal at least 9 years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters Degree
• Experience working in a higher education research environment.
• Experience in grant writing, budget management, and preparation of contract deliverables.
• Familiarity with probes, sondes, and remote sensing equipment.
• Experience in environmental data management, statistics, and analysis.
• Knowledge of software such as R Studio, Hydrus, FieldMaps, ArcPro, etc.
• Knowledge of Minnesota flora, geology, soils, and hydrology.
• Experience in technical writing.
• Experience managing and prioritizing multiple tasks and working both independently and as part of a team.
  

Pay Range: $30.00 - $34.00 per hour depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 50%

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

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

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• 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

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. A resume and cover letter are required for consideration.

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 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).