NRRI Wildlife Technician - Temporary Nonexempt

About the role

The position supports four sponsored wildlife-research projects through field and laboratory work. Key competencies include programming in R and EpiCollect, independent deployment of field equipment, operation of snowmobiles and ATVs, and processing bat calls with Kaleidoscope and Sonobat. The primary function is to maintain the Wildlife lab’s operations, ensuring deliverables are met for NRRI’s research goals.

Work is primarily in-person with some remote flexibility; the typical schedule is standard business hours. Fieldwork occurs in cold and wet conditions year-round.

Responsibilities

• Deploy acoustic detectors for bats and camera boxes for small mammals (20% time).
• Plan and manage deployment schedules and sample-processing timelines for students (20% time).
• Process acoustic detector calls using Kaleidoscope Pro and Sonobat (20% time).
• Conduct data analysis and processing in R (20% time).
• Manage programming and data-collection programs in EpiCollect (20% time).

Requirements

• BA/BS degree plus at least two years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and experience totaling six years.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Experience processing acoustic calls with Kaleidoscope Pro and Sonobat.
• Proficiency in R.
• Experience programming in EpiCollect.
• Ability to carry 30-pound camera boxes for field deployment.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. from an accredited university with a GPA above 3.50.
• Experience deploying and retrieving acoustic detectors for bats.
• Experience deploying and retrieving camera boxes.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications.
• Prior fieldwork or research experience in northeastern Minnesota.

About the department

The Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI), established by the Minnesota legislature in 1983, is an applied science and engineering research organization that informs state citizens and decision-makers while leveraging the University of Minnesota’s resources. NRRI’s mission is to deliver integrated research solutions that value natural resources, environment, and economy to ensure a sustainable and resilient future. The institute operates as a mission-driven, project-focused team dedicated to natural resource stewardship.

Pay and Benefits

• Pay range: $22.38–$23.50 per hour, depending on education, qualifications, and experience.
• Retirement plan options available for eligible classifications.