Non-Exempt Temporary or Casual

Position and/or Unit Overview:
The North Central Research & Outreach Center (NCROC) in Grand Rapids, MN, is seeking a versatile and dependable individual to join our team in a dual-capacity role. This position provides essential support to both our groundbreaking agricultural research programs and our general center operations.

Whether you are assisting researchers in the field or ensuring our facilities are well-maintained, your work directly contributes to our mission of enhancing the quality of life and sustainable economic systems for North Central Minnesota.

Our ideal candidate has a multidisciplinary background who can pivot between technical research tasks and physical labor.

Major Areas of Responsibilities:

Research Support & Field Work
1. Data Collection: Measure and record plant growth; tabulate data for laboratory analysis.
2. Sample Management: Assist researchers with the collection and preparation of plant, soil, and water samples.
3. Plot Maintenance: Execute plot layout, planting, weeding, and fruit harvesting.
4. Event Support: Assist with the setup and execution of community outreach events.
Facilities & Grounds Maintenance
1. Landscaping: Perform lawn mowing, trimming, pruning, and seasonal snow shoveling.
2. General Maintenance: Assist with light building improvements (e.g., painting), furniture moving, and minor repairs.
3. Janitorial: Maintain a clean and safe environment through light cleaning and custodial duties.

Required Qualifications:
Must be 16 years of age or older.
Possess a valid driver's license.
Physical ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and perform manual labor (lifting, bending, standing).

Preferred Qualifications:
Detail-Oriented: Experience gathering or preparing agricultural samples (soil, forage, grain).
Adaptable: A willingness to switch between research tasks and facility maintenance as needed.
Collaborative: Ability to work effectively within a team and maintain a positive, professional attitude.
Reliable: Strong work ethic and appreciation for the precision required in a research setting.

Pay Range: $15.25 - $20.00, 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.

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).