2027 Summer - Plant Community Ecology Internships - Cedar Creek

Position Overview:

The Cedar Creek LTER (Long Term Ecological Research Network) has several opportunities for students to work as plant community ecology interns. Most positions run from June through August, but some interns are needed as early as March, and some are needed through October. Your educational institution may be able to approve this internship for any field biology requirement of your major. As a research intern, you will contribute to ongoing field experiments, attend scientific seminars, and interact with professors, post-docs, and graduate students. If you are an undergraduate or a newly graduated student with a background or interest in biology, ecology, environmental science, botany, environmental education, or related field we encourage you to apply.

Pay is $15.50 per hour. Typical work days are eight hours Monday through Friday; however, some projects require weekend, early morning, and evening work. Most of the work you do will be out in the field, though a few jobs have indoor laboratory or computer components. On-site dormitory housing is available to rent.

More information about all of our positions can be found at z.umn.edu/cdrjobs.

Research Overview:

We have multiple large scale projects, and several other LTER projects sampling across experimental platforms that interns will be working on for the season. BioCON is one of the large-scale experiments where we explore the ways in which plant communities respond to environmental changes such as increased nitrogen deposition, increased atmospheric CO2, decreased biodiversity, altered precipitation patterns, and increased temperatures. Another large-scale project is the Big Biodiversity experiment that studies how plant biodiversity affects the rates, dynamics, and stability of ecological processes at the population, community, and ecosystem levels. Our Savanna Fire Frequency experiment will have a large survey effort including tree measures, herbaceous surveys and light measures. Throughout the summer we will maintain and sample these experiments.

REU (Research Experience for Undergrads) Opportunities:

Cedar Creek LTER also has two REU opportunities for the summer. These opportunities are open to undergraduate students that have not yet graduated (enrolled for fall 2026 classes). The pay rate is in stipend form and is comparable to the internship pay rate. More information about these opportunities can be found at z.umn.edu/cdrjobs.

Independent Research Projects and Professional Development Opportunities:

As part of the summer research experience, undergrad and post-bac interns have the opportunity to conduct small group research projects. Cedar Creek provides a research professional development training program in which mentors guide interns through the process of conducting research and presenting their results. We work with researchers to generate a list of group project ideas, and interns make selections from that list. There will also be an opening research symposium as well as seminars led by researchers on a variety of topics during the summer.

Research site:

CCESR is an eight square mile tract of land 35 miles north of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul (MN). Cedar Creek is endowed with a mosaic of prairie, savanna, sedge meadows, bogs, open water, forests, and even abandoned agricultural fields. Its large size, great natural biodiversity, and uniform soil substrate make it ideal for ecosystem studies.

Qualifications:

Ability to work outdoors.

Effective analytical and communication skills.

Strong organizational and time management skills

End date must be on or later than August 13^th

Driver's license is preferred but not required

How to Apply

The deadline for application submission (including reference form) is February 15th.

Click the above "to apply" button to begin the application process. We only require a resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcript for the UMN online part of the application process to be complete. The second portion of the application instructions are below. Both portions need to be complete for the application package to be complete for consideration.

Please view full job description details and download the application and reference forms at our website z.umn.edu/cdrjobs.

In addition to the UMN online application you must also complete these steps:

1. Email a completed application form to ccintern@umn.edu.
2. Have one reference email in a reference form to ccintern@umn.edu. Please have them write your last name in the subject title for the email.

Please make sure all files are sent to ccintern@umn.edu in word or pdf format. Your entire application package may not be considered complete unless files are sent in one of these formats.

If you have any questions regarding the application process or the internship, please email ccintern@umn.edu or call 612-301-2616.

The final application deadline for plant ecology positions is February 15^th, 2027. We will accept applications after the deadline, but priority will be given to applications turned in before the deadline.

Pay Range: $15.50 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.

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

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