Casual Nonexempt

Position Summary
The Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics is seeking a dependable, organized Temporary/Casual Department Assistant to support greenhouse, classroom, research and departmental operations. This position plays an important role in preparing facilities and materials for teaching and research by assisting with organization, inventory management, greenhouse care, and general cleaning and upkeep of departmental spaces. Duties vary daily based on departmental priorities and seasonal needs.

Essential Responsibilities
* Organize laboratories, storage rooms, classrooms, greenhouses, and work areas.
* Inventory laboratory, greenhouse, classroom, and office supplies; restock materials and report items that need to be ordered.
* Label, sort, package, and organize seed collections, research materials, and teaching supplies.
* Assist with cleaning and maintaining laboratories, classrooms, greenhouses, cold rooms, and storage areas.
* Prepare classrooms and teaching laboratories for the academic semester.
* Assist with greenhouse operations, including planting, transplanting, watering, fertilizing, labeling, staking, and general plant care.
* Wash pots, trays, tools, and laboratory equipment as needed.
* Assist with receiving, unpacking, and organizing deliveries.
* Maintain accurate inventory records and complete assigned documentation.
* Follow University safety procedures and maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
* Perform other related duties as assigned.

Working Conditions
Work is performed in classrooms, prep-rooms, greenhouses, storage rooms, and other departmental facilities. The position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and working in warm greenhouse conditions. Appropriate training and personal protective equipment will be provided as needed.

This is a temporary/casual part-time position with flexible scheduling based on departmental needs. Hours are generally limited to 14 hours per week.

Required Qualifications

* High school diploma or equivalent.
* Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
* Ability to work independently while managing multiple tasks.
* Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 40 pounds.
* Ability to perform physical work, including standing, bending, walking, and lifting throughout the workday.
* Reliable attendance and good communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

* Experience working in a greenhouse, laboratory, warehouse, agricultural, horticultural, or facilities environment.
* Experience with inventory management or organizing supplies and materials.
* Experience caring for plants or working with greenhouse crops.
* Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Excel.
* Interest in agriculture, plant sciences, biology, or related fields.

Pay Range: $15.50 a 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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.