Cloquet Forestry Center Fuels Technician

This position is a temp/casual position located in Cloquet, MN at the Cloquet Forestry Center (CFC), which is part of the University of Minnesota's (UMN) College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) Research and Outreach Center network. The CFC is located on Nagaajiwanaang, the reserved lands of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. It is a regional and national hub for research, undergraduate and graduate field instruction in natural resources, and extensive outreach and professional training programs for forest ecology and other academic and professional disciplines. This position will support the CFC Forest Management and Research staff and our land stewardship program through engaging in prescribed fire fuels management tasks.

Position dates: September 14 - October 30, 2026, with potential of extension as funding and tasks allow
Hourly Rate: $19.50/hr
Lodging is available on site for reasonable monthly rates

Job Duties

• Brushing and tree removal along internal roads and trails across the Cloquet Forestry Center including use of walk-behind mower, power brushsaw, chainsaw, and wood chipper.
• Timber stand improvement through mechanical brushing and browse protection
• Prescribed burn unit preparation including but not limited to:
  • Individual tree protection with powersaws, blowers, and hand tools.
  • Fuels reduction and modification with power brushsaws and chainsaws
  • Slash pile construction, burning, holding, and mop up.
  • Burn unit boundary preparation with backpack blowers, handtools, and walk-behind mowers.
  • Hazard tree assessment and mitigation.
• Data entry and image filing associated with prescribed fire vegetation monitoring
• Support youth education programming, such as Carlton County Conservation Education Days, and field tours for UMN and external user groups
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Working knowledge of plant, tree, and native plant community identification
• Self-motivated individual and a demonstrated ability and desire to work outdoors
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, sometimes in arduous conditions
• Completion of Firefighter Type II online training including S-130, S-190, L-180, and I-100 as offered by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG)
• Must have valid Class D MN Drivers License

Preferred Qualifications

• Brushsaw, chainsaw, and/or wood chipper training and experience

Pay Range: $19.50 a hour; 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.

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 jobcentr@umn.edu.

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.