2026 Summer Research Intern: Cedar Creek LTER (Long Term Ecological Research Network)

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.

Research Overview:
We have two large scale projects, a new experiment, 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. The new WEM experiment will be set up during the field season and will be looking at changes in precipitation, species establishment, and removal of certain consumer groups.
Throughout the summer we will maintain and sample these experiments.

Professional Development Opportunities:
As part of these positions, you may have the opportunity to work with researchers in a more in depth manner regarding experimental processes. There will also be an opening research symposium as well as seminars led by researchers on a variety of topics during the summer

Qualifications:
* Ability to work outdoors.
* Effective analytical and communication skills.
* Strong organizational and time management skills.
* End date must be later than August 14 th .
* Driver's license is preferred but not required.

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.

Pay Range: $15.50 per hour

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.

1. We only require a resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcript for this step of the application process to be complete. in the cover letter, please indicate if you are interested in an REU position and if you have spoken to anyone regarding the position. Please view full job description details and application forms at our website z.umn.edu/cdrjobs
2. ALSO, email a completed application form to ccintern@umn.edu
3. ALSO, have one reference email in a reference form to ccinern@umn.edu. Please have them write your last name in the subject title for the email
4. 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 17, 2026. We will begin looking at early applicants February 9, 2026. We will accept applications after the deadline, but priority will be given to applications turned in before the deadline.

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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The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

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