NRRI Temporary Hybrid Poplar Research Field Technician

NRRI Organizational Job Title: NRRI Temporary Hybrid Poplar Research Field Technician Job Code 0006 - 8351EC - $20.50/hr

About the Job summary:

Researchers in the Forest and Land Research Group at the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI), University of Minnesota, are hiring two summer field technicians with an engagement of 24-40 hours per week per person. The primary role of these positions is to provide summer field support for several projects. These positions will provide field support for multiple projects, including management of hybrid poplar collections and plant material production facilities, establishment and maintenance of field trials, investigation of biomass production techniques, and associated data collection.

Technicians will work with a team of 2-4 individuals conducting field research at sites across Minnesota, including Duluth and Grand Rapids, with additional travel to Rosemount and Crookston. Overnight travel (3-5 days per trip) will be required from mid-June through September. Local work in the Duluth area will also be taking place from June to September. Transportation, lodging, and meal allowance are provided during travel to Rosemount and Crookston. Travel to Grand Rapids will involve daily departures from NRRI facilities in Duluth. During standard work periods in Duluth and Grand Rapids, as well as on days off, technicians are responsible for their own housing, transportation, and meals. This appointment will last until crew members need to return to classes or until the work is completed (typically into September), but will not extend past November 15, 2026.

Technicians will receive extensive safety and project training prior to fieldwork. Required in-person and online orientation sessions through UMD, NRRI, and project teams will begin in late May. Additional training will include trailering, field safety, plant propagation and cultivation, basic forest inventory, and data and sample collection. Opportunities to practice trailering and safety skills at NRRI will be provided before initial field deployments. NRRI will supply personal protective equipment (PPE), including eye and hand protection, sunscreen, insect repellent, and hand sanitizer. Technicians are responsible for providing their own field-appropriate clothing, day pack, water bottles, insulated lunch container, and other personal items needed for extended field days.

All applicants must be able to participate in 3-5-day overnight field trips. Strong candidates may have experience in plant science, crop production, first aid, or outdoor fieldwork, and demonstrate the ability to learn new skills and work effectively as part of a team. However, prior experience in these areas is not required. The primary qualification is a willingness to work long days outdoors in variable weather conditions.

Job Duties:

• Establish and maintain field experiments and hybrid poplar collections, including travel to research sites. Technicians will document activities related to the establishment and upkeep of field trials and collections. Candidates must be able to work in open field conditions, operate small mechanized equipment, safely tow equipment using a trailer, and collaborate effectively in small teams during extended overnight travel. (75%)
• Organize field equipment, preparing/packing for field trips, reporting, and sample collection activities. (10%)
• Processing data and samples in the laboratory. (10%)
• Use computers and GPS to navigate to sampling sites and manage field data. (5%)

Physical/Environmental Demands:

This position involves frequent to continuous outdoor fieldwork under variable and sometimes challenging environmental conditions. Technicians should expect to work long days (often 8-12 hours) in exposed settings such as open fields, with regular exposure to heat, cold, rain, wind, insects, and uneven or muddy terrain.

The role requires moderate to heavy physical activity on a daily basis, including walking long distances, standing for extended periods, bending, kneeling, and lifting or carrying equipment (typically up to 40-50 lbs). Work also involves operating small mechanized equipment, handling field tools, and loading/unloading gear and trailers.

Travel is a regular component of the position, including frequent driving and participation in 3-5 day overnight field trips throughout the summer. Technicians must be comfortable working in small teams in remote locations for extended periods. Laboratory and computer-based work occurs less frequently and involves sitting, data entry, and sample processing in an indoor setting.

Required Qualifications:

• BS/BA degree natural sciences with the courses in either forestry, agriculture, natural resources, biology, or ecology or related fields or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and able to pass a required background check and motor vehicle moving violation check (no moving violations in the past 2 years)
• When assigned to work in the Duluth area, must have daily transportation to and from NRRI facility and have or obtain housing in the Duluth, MN area.
• Ability to communicate and work closely with team members in both a laboratory and outdoor setting.
• Physical ability to work long hours outdoors, sometimes in inclement weather, and carry heavy equipment over uneven terrain.
• Must be able to travel away from the Duluth, MN area for fieldwork throughout the summer on 3-5 day field trips.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference for spending time outdoors.
• Experience in plant cultivation, measurements, and sampling.
• Experience working in the field.
• Classwork in biology, ecology, plant science, crop sciences, or similar.
• Trailering experience.
• Strong communication skills, positive attitude, experience working on a team.
• Computer skills performing data entry and Excel spreadsheet management.
• Familiarity with using handheld GPS and compass.
• Mechanical aptitude: e.g., changing vehicle and trailer tires, troubleshooting field equipment, performing routine maintenance of vehicles and small mechanized equipment.

We encourage applications from those who do not have all the preferred qualifications.

The Natural Resources Research Institute was established by the Minnesota legislature in 1983 as an applied science and engineering research organization to inform state citizens and decision-makers while leveraging the power of the University of Minnesota. NRRI is guided by the forward-looking charter provided by the Legislature to foster the economic development of Minnesota's natural resources in an environmentally sound manner to promote private sector employment.

NRRI's mission is to deliver integrated research solutions that value our resources, environment and economy for a sustainable and resilient future. We are a mission-driven, project-focused team working to create opportunities for natural resource stewardship.

With industrial-scale facilities in Duluth and Coleraine, MN, NRRI works across five strategic research platforms. These platforms address Minnesota's soil, forest, water and mineral resources:

Applied Ecology and Resource Management
Minerals and Metallurgy
Materials and Bioeconomy
Data Collection and Delivery
Commercialization Services

Pay Range: $20.50 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.

You are required to attach a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.

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.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

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.