Graduate Assistant

Project: Agroecology Study Group Facilitator
Job Code: 9521
Department: Agronomy and Plant Genetics
Appointment Expected Dates: October 19, 2026 – January 13, 2027
Supervisor: Nick Jordan, Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics
Work Location: St. Paul Campus, University of Minnesota, with some flexibility for approved virtual meetings and activities.

The Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics seeks a graduate assistant to facilitate and support a graduate student agroecology study group. This position provides leadership and professional development opportunities while supporting graduate student engagement, collaboration, and learning within the agroecology community.

Duties and Responsibilities
The graduate assistant will devote approximately 3 standard hours per week to:

• Facilitate graduate student agroecology study group meetings.
• Coordinate meeting schedules, agendas, and communications.
• Support student participation and engagement.
• Organize educational discussions and activities related to agroecology topics.
• Assist with event planning and logistics for study group activities.
• Maintain records of meetings and participation.
• Collaborate with faculty and graduate program leadership to support study group goals.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule
General hours are Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Academic year graduate assistantship appointment dates are standardized across each University campus for payroll and benefits purposes. The individual work schedule will be determined in consultation with the supervisor and may vary based on study group activities.

Compensation

• Pay Rate: $31.22 per hour
• Standard Hours: 3 hours per week
• Pay Frequency: Bi-weekly (every other Wednesday)

Required 
• Admitted to a graduate degree program or post-baccalaureate professional degree program at the University of Minnesota.
• Demonstrated knowledge of agroecology.
• Strong facilitation, organization, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Preferred 
• Current student in the Applied Plant Sciences (APS) graduate program.
• Prior experience leading group discussions, workshops, or student organizations.
• Experience coordinating events or educational programming.

The Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics has 25 faculty members with strengths in breeding, genetics/genomics, biotechnology, agronomy/agroecology, weed science, and crop physiology. Faculty research programs focus on improving traditional and emerging crops and developing agronomic practices important to agriculture in the Upper Midwest. Faculty members participate in the Applied Plant Science and Plant and Microbial Biology graduate programs and teach in the Plant Science and Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture undergraduate programs.

Pay Range: $31.22 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
 

Student workers are eligible to participate in the Student Health Benefit Plan, if they maintain 6 or more eligible course credits within a given semester. The same applies for Undergraduate Students, Graduate Assistants, Residents, Fellows and Interns.

Student positions are a form of financial support while pursuing an education at the University of Minnesota.

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.

• To be considered for this position, a current résumé or curriculum vitae must be attached to your application.
• Application Deadline: October 9, 2026

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected].

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, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.