Employment Opportunities

2024 Cedar Creek LTER Seasonal Internships and Technician Positions

Are you passionate about ecology and interested in working at one of the top ecological research stations in the world? Would firsthand experience in some of the world’s longest-running and best-known field experiments benefit you in your future career path? If so, Cedar Creek is the place for you!

The University of Minnesota’s Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve is a world-renowned destination for long-term research and researchers. Science conducted onsite has shaped the way we think about ecosystems, biodiversity, land management, animal movement, global change, and many other topics. Our LTER research plays a critical role in advancing our understanding of how we are affecting the environment and how we might protect it.

A summer at Cedar Creek positions you for an impactful career in ecology. Former interns have gone on to prestigious graduate programs and academic positions across the country, as well as jobs at private and public environmental agencies (including the Nature Conservancy, the United States Geological Survey, and the state Departments of Natural Resources). The experiences you gain as an intern will serve you regardless of where your path takes you.

Currently, Cedar Creek LTER is recruiting for summer research internships and spring burn technician positions. These positions are not mutually exclusive, and applicants can apply for any open positions. 

On-site dormitory housing is available for rent for all positions at Cedar Creek..


LTER Community and Ecosystem Ecology Internships

The CDR LTER has several opportunities for students and recent undergraduates to work as plant community ecology interns. Most positions run from June through August, but some interns are needed as early as March or as late as October. Your educational institution may be able to approve this internship, with an appropriate independent project, for any field biology requirement of your major. As a research intern, you will contribute to ongoing field experiments, may have the opportunity to initiate individual research, attend scientific presentations, 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.

For more information and to apply click here.

Downloadable application form can be found here.

Downloadable reference form can be found here.

The final application deadline for LTER plant ecology positions is February 19th, 2024. We will begin looking at early applicants February 12th. We will accept applications after the deadline, but priority will be given to applications turned in before the deadline.


Spring Prescribed Burn/Field Technicians

Each spring Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve conducts a series of prescribed burns within its boundaries as part of its long-term research program and its land management program. Controlled burns are managed by Cedar Creek staff under the supervision of trained personnel with many years of collective prescribed burning experience. We manage approximately 900 acres of oak savanna, prairies, and research units with our burn program. We are currently looking for individuals to help us with our prescribed burns. This position will also include a field research component.

This position will run from mid-March to mid-May. There is the possibility of overtime during intense burn weeks. If you have graduated or are not currently enrolled in classes, we encourage you to apply.

For more information and to apply click here.

Downloadable application form can be found here.

The deadline for application submission for the Prescribed Burn position is February 12th, 2024. We will begin looking at applicants as early as January. We will accept applications after the deadline, but priority will be given to applications turned in before the deadline.

Cedar Creek Code of Conduct

All people at Cedar Creek, including all researchers, students, employees, and visitors, are expected to treat each other in a respectful and professional manner. Read the Cedar Creek Code of Conduct.