Bioacoustics Research Assistant - Temporary, 100% FTE

The University of Minnesota Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology is seeking to fill a position working on a research project that uses autonomous recording devices (ARUs) to determine the statewide distribution of red-headed woodpeckers. In Minnesota the Red-headed Woodpecker has been designated a Species of Greatest Conservation Need by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources due to severe declines over the last several decades. Data from this research will be used to determine woodpecker occupancy, habitat distribution, and develop a protocol to monitor population trends and responses of this species to habitat management.

This position will be temporary in nature and hired through December 31, 2025.

Shifts may be scheduled variable days between Mondays through Sundays, 8 hours per shift to add up to 40 hours per week. This position is eligible for overtime (non-exempt). Consecutive Sundays are not a term of employment for this job code.

**This position is represented by the AFSCME Technical Bargaining Unit; bargaining unit consideration begins on April 2, 2025 and ends on April 9, 2025.

Primary Duties
The primary duties of the research assistant position include assisting with processing and analyzing data from acoustic recorders as part of Dr. Elena West's Bioacoustics for Broadscale Species Monitoring and Conservation research. Specifically, research assistants will assist with validating red-headed woodpecker detections produced from a machine learning algorithm being tested as part of the research project. The employee will expect to preform other duties as assigned which could include data entry, data quality control, periodic support of Dr. West delivering experiential course content and data management.

• High school graduation or the equivalent with some science courses and laboratory experience should provide the necessary background for work of this class. Equivalent combination of relevant academic and work experience may be substituted
• Experience with acoustic data analyses and interpretation
• Experience with data collection methods using autonomous recording units or other acoustic data
• Excellent organizational, management, and office skills
• Experience with database management

Pay Range: $21.63 (Step 1) - $21.70 (Step 2) per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment, Temporary

Position Type: Non-Faculty (AFSCME Technical) 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 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.

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