Container Farm Coordinator (Morris, MN)

Container Farm Research Coordinator

U Classification: AFSCME Represented, (4927)
Offer Range: $25.84 - $27.40 (Step 1 - Step 4)

Appointment Length: Temporary one year appointment, further continuation contingent upon performance and funding.
Standard Hours: 30 - 32 hours per week

Position Overview
This position is 100% on site, located in Morris, MN. The purpose of this position is to assist a team of researchers studying energy consumption in a container farm system. This position will
be responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of a hydroponic container farm. The Coordinator will run the container farm in accordance with test plans developed by a project
team and provide feedback to the project team based on operational successes/issues. The Coordinator will be the sole operator of the container farm but will have help from other team
members during busy times like harvest.

Job duties
Container research activities and oversight - 75%

• Plan, prepare, and procure container farm cropping and operating supplies
• Plant seeds in specialized hydroponic grow sponges
• Transplant sprouted seeds to vertical growing walls
• Monitor plant growth watching for diseases and pests; implement corrective actions with project team guidance
• Harvest crops and monitor container inputs and output.
• Collect data samples and take notes according to research protocols and directives

Container operations and management - 15%

• Maintain infrastructure equipment including pumps, growing systems (light, water, structure), and automated nutrient systems.
• Identify problems and coordinate with the project team to solve them.
• Keep work areas neat and maintain container cleanliness/contamination protocols.

Public engagement and outreach - 10%

• Provide tours to internal and external stakeholders
• Deliver produce to project partners
  

Required Qualifications

• A college degree (BA/BS) in Horticulture, Plant Science, or similar field; AA/AS degree and 3 years' relevant experience, or HS diploma and 5 years' relevant experience.
• Ability to work outdoors and lift 25 lbs.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Valid MN driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, or similar field
• 1 year experience with hydroponics

The University of Minnesota's West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) is located in Morris, MN. The WCROC is part of the University of MN College of Food,
Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences providing a tradition of excellence in applied agricultural research and education for farmers and rural communities in crop production,
animal sciences, horticulture, water quality, organic and conventional dairy, swine production, and renewable energy.

Pay Range: $25.84 - $27.40 per hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 80% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty 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:

• 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

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.

Bargaining unit consideration begins on 12/8/2025 and ends 12/16/2025.

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).