Researcher 1 - Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior

Position Summary: The Craft Lab is hiring a full-time (open to part-time as well), temporary (ending May 2026) researcher to lead or assist in field work and sample processing for a white-tailed deer movement and pathogen study. This researcher would be part of a larger team working to better understand white-tailed deer movement, habitat use, and disease dynamics at the suburban/agricultural interface (https://www.targetedsurveillance.com/). Duties include (but are not limited to) setting and maintaining clover traps and drop nets for the capture of deer in urban and rural environments, prepping and coordinating helicopter captures, assisting in white-tailed deer immobilization and handling, assisting in the processing of biological samples, data entry, and potentially assisting in deployment of trail cameras. The researcher will be required to drive vehicles to and from field sites for research purposes. Applicants should be willing to work odd hours as needed for capture activities (evenings and weekends).

Other duties include: Performs structured research-related work assignments. Maintains clear, consistent, and respectful communication with local collaborating land manager. Identifies problems and relevant issues, assesses potential responses using standard procedures and makes sound decisions accordingly. Receives instruction, guidance and direction from others.

Job Duties:

Field work (50%)

• Setting, monitoring, and maintaining clover traps or drop nets for deer
• Capturing and sampling deer
• Processing of biological samples
• Track collared deer using VHF radio telemetry
• Deploy and maintain trail cameras
• Conduct basic field necropsies and collect biological samples after mortality events
• Organize and maintain field equipment

Data entry and office work (40%)

• Data entry for captures and pathogen sampling
• Ship biological samples
• Identify and count animals captured on trail cameras
• Keep dry lab organized

Assist with Public Outreach (10 %)

• Assist with training and supervision of undergraduate workers and volunteers
  

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS in ecology, wildlife conservation or a similar degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four years
• Experience trapping and handling mammals
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work independently in the field navigating over rough terrain in inclement weather
• Excellent communication and organization skills
• A valid driver's license.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience trapping and handling ungulates
• Experience tracking collared wildlife with VHF telemetry equipment
• Experience collecting biological samples and entering data
• Familiarity with deploying and maintaining trail camera grids
• Access to a personal vehicle for driving to Twin Cities Metro field sites during the winter
• Project management experience
• Experience working with Indigenous communities on natural resource management or research projects

Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior (EEB) faculty teach undergraduate classes, advise graduate students, and conduct research in the areas of ecology, evolution, and behavior. Check out the Faculty and research section to learn more about them and their intriguing research interests.

EEB is part of the College of Biological Sciences at the University of Minnesota and is one of the University's most highly-ranked units. The department is located in the Ecology Building on the St. Paul campus, but also has two major field stations where students and faculty conduct field research. Many of the research collections of the Bell Museum are also located in the Ecology Building, and the department is an affiliated department of the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory.

Pay Range: $21.61 to $23.15; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

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 be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. To apply, please provide: (1) a cover letter detailing your experiences for the qualifications above and how they have prepared you for this position, (2) a CV, and (3) names and contact information of three professional references.

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.

Desired start date: January 5, 2026

Applications will be reviewed starting December 11th

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.

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