Temporary Casual Project Field Support

Temporary Casual Project Field Support - LCCMR Project

Reporting To: Director of Operations / Project Principal Investigator Employment Type: Temporary Casual Employee - (job code 0001) Funding Source: LCCMR Project Funding (Position duties limited exclusively to this project) Hourly Range: $18.00 per hour, Appointment Duration: Seasonal; anticipated April-June, with work scheduled based on project needs

This position is a temporary, project-specific role created to support a single research project funded by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). The employee will work exclusively on LCCMR project activities and will not assume the full scope of duties associated with a permanent position. The role focuses on field equipment operation, planter operation and maintenance, basic farm management support, and data collection/documentation during the spring field season. The position is intended to provide skilled, short-term operational support during peak project activity, particularly planting and early-season fieldwork.

Major Areas of Accountability

70% Project-Specific Field Operations

• Operate and assist with farm equipment required for the LCCMR project, with primary emphasis on planter operation, setup, calibration, and adjustment.
• Monitor field conditions and make basic operational adjustments to equipment under the guidance of project or operations staff.
• Support planting and early-season field activities in alignment with project protocols and research timelines.
• Utilize basic precision agriculture tools (e.g., GPS guidance, in-cab displays, or digital documentation systems) as required for accurate field operations.
• Follow all safety procedures, equipment guidelines, and applicable agricultural regulations.

20% Equipment and Maintenance Support

• Perform basic routine maintenance on project-related equipment, including lubrication, inspection, cleaning, and replacement of standard wear parts.
• Assist with light-duty troubleshooting and minor repairs to minimize downtime during critical field operations.
• Maintain accurate records of equipment use and maintenance activities related to the project.

10% Data and Project Support

• Collect, record, and organize project-related field and operational data, including planting information, equipment settings, and field conditions.
• Assist with basic data entry and organization using spreadsheets, databases, or other documentation tools.
• Support project staff with field preparation, setup, and cleanup activities as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of agricultural equipment operation, with specific experience or familiarity with planters, including operation and routine maintenance.
• Basic farm management skills, including understanding of seasonal field operations and agricultural workflows.
• Basic data skills, including the ability to accurately collect, record, and organize field and equipment data.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including extended days during peak spring field operations.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work independently and follow detailed project-specific instructions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting agricultural research or field trials.
• Familiarity with GPS guidance systems or farm data platforms.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with research and operations staff.

Unit and Position Overview:

The Rosemount Research and Outreach Center (RROC) in Rosemount, Minnesota is one of 10 research and outreach centers in the University of Minnesota's College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS). The RROC encompasses approximately 3,400 acres and supports analytical, biological, and field laboratories to facilitate research and demonstration projects that enhance the sustainable use of agricultural and natural resources in east-central Minnesota.

Pay Range: $18.00 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.

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To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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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.

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