RCP: Natural Resource Protection in Hennepin County

About the Position:

Title: RCP: Natural Resource Protection in Hennepin County (9572)

Location: UMTC West Bank

Reporting to: Michael Greco

This is a 50% (20 hour/week, 13 week) graduate research assistantship position for Summer 2025 term (5/26/25 - 08/24/25). This is a hybrid appointment, students will work from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities campus area, with periodic offsite work as needed to conduct in-person interviews and focus groups. The Resilient Communities Project (RCP) connects U of MN graduate and professional students with local government agencies in Minnesota to collaborate on research and technical assistance that help to advance community sustainability, equity, and resilience. Through the program, students collaborate with local government staff and community leaders to address a high-priority community need or opportunity, typically through course-based or independent academic projects.

RCP is currently conducting a five-year evaluation to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the program. The student hired for this position will conduct interviews and focus groups with students, faculty, and local government staff who have previously participated in the RCP program to learn more about their experiences. Project Goals: To assess how well the Resilient Communities Project meets the needs of our University and local government partners, and identify opportunities to strengthen or improve the program.

Key Activities: Collaborate with RCP staff to design interview and focus group protocols; organize, solicit participants for, and conduct interviews and focus groups with RCP stakeholders during summer 2025; perform qualitative analysis to identify key themes; prepare a final report to RCP staff with findings and recommendations.

This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Minnesota and the Graduate Labor Union-United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (GLU-UE).

Required Qualifications:

* Current University of Minnesota graduate or professional student on the Twin Cities, Duluth, or Rochester campus who has completed at least one (1) semester of study in their degree program
* Academic or professional background in program evaluation, qualitative research methods and analysis, and/or focus group and semi-structured interview facilitation
* Enrolled for fall 2025 semester with active status and in good academic standing
* Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently, given clear guidance but minimal supervision
* Ability to work with varied audiences, including university faculty and staff, students, public officials, and local government staff, with a professional demeanor and work ethic
* Ability to attend in-person meetings in various types of buildings and outdoor settings
* Valid driver's license and the ability to travel occasionally within the Twin Cities metro area

Preferred Qualifications:

* Demonstrated knowledge of service learning, community-university engagement, and/or applied learning theories and practices
* Demonstrated knowledge of local government and/or sustainability and resilience issues and practices at the community-scale
* Experience using Qualtrics, NVivo, SPSS Statistics, or other similar qualitative/quantitative research applications
About the Program and Department:

The Resilient Communities Project (RCP) connects the University of Minnesota faculty and students with Minnesota city and county government agencies to address strategic local projects that advance community sustainability, equity, and resilience. Each year, RCP partners with competitively selected local government agencies in Minnesota to collaborate on agency-defined projects, and matches these projects with graduate and professional student teams across the U of MN that provide research and technical assistance. RCP is supported with funding from the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) and its community partners.

The mission of the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs is to align University of Minnesota resources to catalyze community-driven change. We collaborate with community and local government to advance smart and equitable decision making, investments, and policies to benefit all of Minnesota's diverse communities. Faculty and students at the University of Minnesota are involved in CURA programs in a variety of ways. CURA's work ranges from community engaged research to leadership development. Our varied programs seek to develop deep partnerships with community collaborators and acknowledge the expertise and contributions of our partners in all of the work we do.

Pay Range: $27.00; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

Student workers are eligible to participate in the Student Health Benefit Plan, if they maintain 6 or more eligible course credits within a given semester. The same applies for Undergraduate Students, Graduate Assistants, Residents, Fellows and Interns.

Student positions are a form of financial support while pursuing an education at the University of Minnesota.

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 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.

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).