IT Professional 2-Multidiscipline

This position is part of a two-person NRRI IT team that equally shares responsibility for providing support to both central administrative staff and researchers at the Duluth and Coleraine facilities. Occasional travel to Coleraine is required. This position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship and does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

About the role

Based in Duluth, this role provides on-site support to both Duluth and Coleraine. After a probationary period, remote work of up to one day per week is negotiable, coordinated with the other IT team member to ensure on-site coverage in Duluth. Work schedule hours must fall between 7:30 am and 5 pm.

The IT team occasionally provides support in industrial research environments. Safety training and Personal Protection Equipment will be provided as needed.

Responsibilities

• (25%) Configure, install, monitor, upgrade, and maintain information technology systems, software, hardware, and virtual servers. Work directly with administrative staff and researchers to identify needs and design, develop, deploy, maintain, and retire applications, databases, and systems that facilitate administrative work and research. Maintain a codebase on GitHub.
• (25%) Provide technical user support for a wide range of hardware and software related information technology systems and their components, including: personal and lab computers; audiovisual equipment; network hardware and connectivity; operating systems and software; security; and telecommunications. Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve issues or elevate them. Provide basic services to ensure hardware functionality and compatibility. Purchase and maintain an inventory of computers and peripherals. Facilitate software review and purchase. Provide new employees support, including IT orientation and computer imaging and set-up.
• (25%) Provide support to researchers, including: consultation on computational and data storage topics; development and maintenance of research databases; custom programming solutions; and deployment and management of scientific sensors and their data streams.
• (15%) Work directly with administrative staff to develop, maintain, improve, and execute information technology processes that support human resources, accounting, and other administrative needs (e.g., employee onboarding, payroll processing, and administrative reporting).
• (10%) Maintain familiarity with UMN IT policy and develop, maintain, and implement NRRI IT policy. Interface with the Research Cyberinfrastructure Champions Network and maintain an active presence in system-wide IT groups. Keep NRRI leadership current on IT projects, issues, and future needs.

Requirements

• BA/BS in computer science or a related field plus at least two years of experience, or a master’s degree in computer science or a related field.
• Proficiency with Linux.
• Proficiency with relational database development and administration.
• Advanced programming skills with SQL.
• Proficiency with Windows.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work on a team.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Valid US driver’s license with clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced programming skills with an additional language, such as JavaScript, VBScript, PHP, ASP, or Python.
• Familiarity with containerized architecture (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Familiarity with web application development, deployment, and hosting.
• Experience with server security configurations, including encryption and authentication.
• Basic knowledge of front-end development, including HTML, CSS.
• Proficiency with Mac OS.

About the department

The Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) was established by the Minnesota legislature in 1983 as an applied science and engineering research organization to inform state citizens and decision-makers while leveraging the power of the University of Minnesota. NRRI is guided by the forward-looking charter to foster the economic development of Minnesota’s natural resources in an environmentally sound manner to promote private sector employment. NRRI’s mission is to deliver integrated research solutions that value our resources, environment, and economy for a sustainable and resilient future. We are a mission-driven, project-focused team working to create opportunities for natural resource stewardship. With industrial-scale facilities in Duluth and Coleraine, MN, NRRI works across five strategic research platforms addressing Minnesota’s soil, forest, water, and mineral resources.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $67,147.67 - $84,522.13, depending on education, qualifications, and experience. This is a 100% time appointment for Faculty and P&A Staff.

• Comprehensive benefits package including 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.

Initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range to ensure compensation reflects individual credentials and experience while maintaining equity within the organization.