Job Description

About the Job

This is a 10 week position (start date: March 15, 2026), with possibility of extension dependent on availability of additional funding and performance. The position will be located at the Forestry Sciences Laboratory in Grand Rapids, MN. Grand Rapids is a city of about 11,000 located in north?central Minnesota. There are more than a million acres of forests and over a thousand lakes in the Grand Rapids area offering year?round recreation. The city is a regional center for education, recreation, commerce, and culture. The Duluth, Hibbing, and Bemidji airports serve the community with connections to Minneapolis. Grand Rapids is a full?service community with ample medical, dental, and legal services. Short?term housing for rent is available near the Grand Rapids Forestry Science Laboratory.

Summary of Position

We seek a broadly trained researcher with required entomological knowledge and skills to participate in studies examining disturbance and climate change effects on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems (e.g. streams, lakes, peatlands, seasonal ponds, forests, and grasslands). The successful applicant will be expected to independently conduct field work in rugged terrain of the Great Lakes region and lab work in Grand Rapids, MN including identification of larval and adult insects and other invertebrates to the genus level and plants to the species level. The individual must have excellent verbal and written communications skills and be able to work with co?workers, collaborators, and equipment in a respectful and safe manner. We are looking for a detail?minded individual who can follow protocols for the collection and analysis of samples and complex data sets and problem solve as necessary. Assisting with entry and analysis of data for presentations and publications will be expected.

Essential Functions

Fieldwork (70%):

• Independently conduct habitat surveys in aquatic and terrestrial habitats including substrate analyses and measures of water and sediment depth, temperature, canopy cover, and vegetation species.
• Independently conduct sampling and field identification of aquatic and terrestrial insects.
• Conduct in?situ water chemistry measurements including pH, temperature, conductivity, turbidity.
• Set?up and maintain field data loggers.

Laboratory (15%):

• Independently identify larval and adult insects and other invertebrates of the eastern U.S. to the genus level using microscopy and taxonomic keys.
• Process organic matter samples.
• Run water chemistry analyses.

Data Analysis and Presentations (10%):

• Enter data into spreadsheets accurately, maintain large data sets, and analyze complex data.

Lab Management (5%):

• Conduct routine lab maintenance and safety inspections.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Entomology including coursework in aquatic entomology, insect taxonomy, wetland ecology, limnology, statistics, advanced chemistry and mathematics, and field and laboratory experience.
• B.S. degree and 4 years of documented research experience related to entomological field and laboratory work a combination of education and experience to equal 8 years.
• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in identifying larval and adult aquatic insects and other invertebrates of the eastern U.S. to genus level using microscopy and dichotomous keys.
• Demonstrated experience in independently conducting fieldwork in aquatic and terrestrial habitats in rugged landscapes, and processing water chemistry, animal, and vegetation samples in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to multi?task, follow established protocols to collect and process samples in a precise manner, problem solve, and follow all safety protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to respectfully communicate and work cooperatively with co?workers and collaborators.
• Demonstrated experience in safely operating and maintaining 4x4 vehicles, small research boats, power tools, field and lab equipment.
• Ability to use a computer, spreadsheets, word processing, and presentation software.
• Valid state?issued driver's license and safe driving record.
• Ability to routinely make overnight trips up to 4 days for fieldwork or travel to the UM Twin Cities campus.
• Ability to work in remote areas with biting insects under a variety of weather conditions, hike long distances carrying equipment over uneven terrain, routinely lift/carry 50 pounds, and quickly adapt to changing surroundings and research priorities. Indoor tasks will require experience using stereo and compound microscopes, excellent hand?eye coordination, and the ability to conduct repetitive procedures with accuracy.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $28 $30 / hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Applications accepted until 11:59PM CST Feburary 8th, 2026.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor?Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

How To Apply

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.

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

Diversity

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:

Employment Requirements

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.

About the U of M

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 and 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).

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