Research Professional 1-Interdisciplinary Sustainability Research

One to two positions are available for a Research Professional 1 within the Department of Forest Resources at 50% time. These are hourly, Civil Service positions working 20 hours per week.

Location

• (65%) St. Paul Campus
• (35%) Remote work at field/research sites

Job Duties

This position is an environmental social science research position that focuses projects on urban forest sustainability and integrating datasets about urban tree measurements, health, and geographic site locations with human subjects panel surveys. This research is grounded in cross-disciplinary reasoning and requires the interpretation and synthesis of separate bodies of literature related to urban tree mensuration, urban design and planning, and stewardship behavior. Specifically, the position will include (1) coordinating and engaging with communities and community partners in relationship building, (2) coordinating and conducting environmental social science research including data collection, management and analysis, and (3) reporting on research findings orally and in writing.

• 50% Conducting social science data collection, management and analysis
• 30% Engaging with communities and community partners
• 20% Reporting on data gathered in presentations and report writing
  

Required Qualifications

• B.S. degree in environmental sciences/management or related degree or a combination of related education and formal empirical research work experience to equal four years.
• A cover letter is required to be considered for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting environmental social science research
• Experience managing data, including data entry, transcription, maintaining databases
• Experience engaging diverse communities, especially socially marginalized communities and residents of color
• Strong communication skills, including for technical and non-scientific audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work in the field
• Multi-lingual, including English

Pay Range: $24.00 - $25.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 50% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

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 and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• 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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Applications must include the following: (1) resume that details how the applicant meets each of the required and preferred qualifications of the position; (2) cover letter that describes the applicant's interest in the position (1 page).

Documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Please apply by the end of day on Friday, November 14, 2025.

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Alicia Coleman (aliciac@umn.edu). If you need assistance with the application process, please contact Amber Grupe (argrupe@umn.edu).

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (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).