HRL Operations Specialist (Temp/Casual)

About the Job:
The HRL Operations Assistant (Temporary/Casual) provides flexible operational support across Housing & Residential Life (HRL), including residence hall and apartment business offices and the central housing information desk. The position serves as a resource for residents, guests, student employees and campus partners.
The HRL Operations Specialist supports a variety of housing processes, including occupancy management, housing contracts and assignments, customer service, information desk operations, and other administrative functions. The position may be assigned to different locations or operational areas based on departmental needs and provides professional staff coverage during vacancies, extended staff absences, peak operational periods, and other times when additional support is needed.
The position works closely with student employees at the residence hall/apartment and central information desks and helps ensure consistent, responsive, and customer-focused service for residents, prospective residents, families, and guests.

The HRL Operations Assistant reports jointly to the Assistant Director of Housing Operations and the Assistant Director of Contracts, Assignments & Billing, with day-to-day responsibilities determined by the operational area in which the position is assigned.

• Location and Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in office settings across Housing & Residential Life locations.
• Work Schedule: Schedule and work location may vary based on operational needs.

Primary Responsibilities:

Housing/Hall Operations

• Provide operational support within residence hall and apartment business offices as assigned.
• Support the implementation and administration of housing contract policies, procedures, and established operational processes.
• Assist with housing processes including room/apartment changes, resident check-ins and check-outs, contract release processes, disability accommodations, and occupancy reporting.
• Ensure business office equipment is functioning appropriately Purchase and maintain inventories of supplies for building operations as assigned.
• Monitor the use of keys for resident rooms, community spaces, vendors, and trades staff in accordance with established procedures.
• Facilitate resident room lock changes in coordination with Facilities Management.
• Coordinate scheduling of common spaces within assigned residence halls or apartment communities.
• Provide timely and consistent internal and external communications.
• Respond to inquiries through the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system in collaboration with Residence Life and other HRL staff.
• Respond to resident, guest, and parent questions and concerns; provide information regarding housing policies and procedures and refer or escalate complex concerns as appropriate.
• Support residence hall tours in collaboration with University Admissions.

Central Housing Operations

• Support day-to-day operations of the central housing information desk and other Contracts, Assignments & Billing functions as assigned.
• Assist with the training, scheduling, and day-to-day support of Student Administrative Assistants (SAAs).
• Coordinate routine SAA scheduling updates and help ensure the shift calendar remains accurate and current.
• Provide direction and operational guidance to SAA staff when designated professional staff are unavailable.
• Assist with customer communications, including answering phones, making outbound calls, responding to inquiries through the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, and assisting customers at the central information desk.
• Collaborate with supervisors to develop and update SAA onboarding, training, and development materials.
• Provide direct information desk coverage when student staffing is unavailable.
• Model strong customer service and support student employee learning and development.
• Assist with StarRez reporting and other housing administrative processes as assigned.
• Support special projects and initiatives assigned by HRL leadership.
• Provide additional support to Contracts, Assignments & Billing staff during high-volume periods and for projects requiring additional staffing.

Information Desk Operations

• Assist with the day-to-day operation of residence hall/apartment and central information desks.
• Utilize information desk systems and technology to support and monitor desk processes.
• Implement established information desk policies and procedures.
• Respond to and assist in resolving resident and customer concerns related to information desk services.
• Help maintain welcoming, inclusive, professional, and customer-focused information desk environments.
• Provide coverage at residence hall/apartment or central information desks based on departmental staffing needs.

Collaboration and Administrative Support

• Collaborate with residence hall management teams, Contracts, Assignments & Billing staff, Residence Life, Facilities Management, Conference & Event Services, and other HRL partners.
• Meet regularly with the Assistant Director of Housing Operations and Assistant Director of Contracts, Assignments & Billing.
• Collaborate with Housing Operations staff on projects and operational initiatives.
• Communicate relevant operational information and follow-up needs when transitioning between assignments or providing temporary coverage.
• Participate in departmental meetings and training as appropriate.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Operational or administrative experience
• Experience working with computers.
• Experience providing customer service.
• Strong communication skills and ability to correspond effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and social justice.
• Demonstrated understanding of the educational value of on-campus housing.
• Experience training others on policies and contracts.
• Experience in housing operations on a college campus or previous experience in university student affairs.
• Experience hiring, training, developing, and supervising students in a university environment.

Pay Range: $20.00 to $22.00 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.