Hazelnut Project Assistant

This is a temp/casual, hourly appointment with the following job duties:

• Harvesting hazelnuts (40%);
• Transplanting hazelnut seedlings, then applying woodchip mulch to them (20%);
• Digging hazelnut layers, then preparing them for planting (20%);
• Husking, shelling and weighing hazelnut samples (20%)

Required Qualifications

• Much of this work is physical work that calls for strength and stamina and ability to tolerate potentially uncomfortable outdoor conditions. This work requires focus and an ability to work methodically, with attention to detail.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota's Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics are developing hazelnuts, a shrub, as a new crop for Minnesota. Hazelnuts bear an edible nut that is both tasty and healthy to eat. The shrubs are valued for windbreaks and for wildlife habitat. Their perennial root systems hold the soil against soil erosion, enhance soil health, sequester atmospheric carbon, and protect water quality. Research to develop hazelnuts is part of the U of M's Forever Green Initiative to develop perennial and winter-annual crops to provide new economic opportunities while enhancing our agricultural ecosystem. For more information about the hazelnut research, see www.midwesthazelnuts.org.

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.

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).