Temporary Lab Services Coordinator

Temporary Lab Services Coordinator, Animal Science and Equine Science

POSITION: One full-time, fixed-term Lab Services Coordinator position is available at $26.23 per hour, working 40 hours per week. Workdays and hours may vary based on departmental needs. This temporary appointment is for the Fall 2026 semester (August 17 through approximately December 1) and supports the laboratory-based instructional activities of the Animal Science and Equine Science programs at the University of Minnesota Crookston.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Temporary Lab Services Coordinator supports the laboratory-based instructional activities of the Animal Science and Equine Science programs. Working closely with faculty and farm staff, this position prepares teaching laboratories, maintains laboratory equipment and supplies, assists with instructional activities, and helps ensure a safe, organized, and effective learning environment for undergraduate students.

Essential Responsibilities

Laboratory Preparation and Support (70%)

• Prepare, set up, and tear down laboratory exercises and instructional materials.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, instruments, supplies, chemicals, and protective equipment.
• Order laboratory supplies and maintain inventory records.
• Clean, organize, repair, and store laboratory equipment and teaching materials.
• Perform routine laboratory preparation, including specimen preparation and disposal, following established protocols.
• Maintain clean laboratory spaces and assist with general laboratory maintenance.
• Operate and maintain livestock handling equipment and assist with routine animal science laboratory activities, including administering vaccines, assisting with animal care and birthing, and dragging/watering the horse arena.
• Occasionally operate agricultural equipment such as skid steers, tractors, and trailers as needed.
• Assist faculty with other laboratory-related duties as assigned.

Laboratory Operations and Student Support (20%)

• Assist faculty in maintaining safe laboratory practices during instructional activities.
• Provide guidance to student employees or laboratory assistants as assigned.
• Maintain laboratory records and documentation to support daily operations.

Safety and Compliance (10%)

• Follow University and departmental laboratory safety policies and established procedures.
• Maintain chemical inventories, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and records of chemical use and hazardous waste disposal.
• Ensure laboratory safety equipment and emergency exits remain accessible.
• Assist with maintaining a safe laboratory environment through proper handling, storage, and disposal of laboratory materials.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High school graduation or equivalent and two years of college course work in an appropriate field and a minimum of two years of related work experience in animal care including an understanding of cattle, sheep, horse, and goat care; ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs., ability to work variable hours and days depending on the needs of academic programs; possession of a valid driver's license; and ability to read, write, and understand English. Final job offer contingent upon complete background check and eligibility to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Post secondary education; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Equine Science, or related field; demonstrated experience working with farm animals; demonstrated experience with equipment operation (skid steer, tractor, truck/trailer); and good interpersonal, communication, and team building skills.

Pay Range: $26.23 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% 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:

• 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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled. A full application will consist of a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references with contact information. Visit https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Find-Job for complete application instructions and to apply electronically. Calls of inquiry welcome by contacting Dr. Anthony Kern, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, by phone: (218) 281-8360 or email: akern@umn.edu.

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.

University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC)

With a strong tradition of technology-enhanced teaching and learning, the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) serves as the U's major outpost in Northwest Minnesota. UMC provides both experiential, career-oriented degree programs as well as high-quality online programs, while connecting its teaching, research, and outreach to rural economic development and service to the region and beyond.

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