HARVARD UNIVERSITY – HARVARD FOREST
Research Assistant I - Sustainable Working Landscapes
Petersham, Massachusetts
Summary
The newly established Sustainable Working Landscape Program (SWL) at the
Harvard Forest, headed by Drs. Brian Donahue and David Foster seeks to:
- explore the consequences of plausible forest, farm, and habitable
landscape futures in terms of their consequences for the environment and
human well-being
- establish demonstration projects highlighting integrated landscape
management and long-term studies through Stewardship Science across New
England at six to eight signature landscapes comprised variously of
wildlands, woodlands, and farmlands;
- advance research, education and work with landowners and communities;
- integrate sustainable farming and forestry with fundamental
environmental concerns such as protection of water quality, reduced carbon
emissions, and protection of wildlife and biodiversity.
Duties and Responsibilities
The RA will work with senior researchers at the Harvard Forest and
Highstead Foundation in developing demonstration projects in Stewardship
Science in New England and New York. Major tasks will include: helping to
design, lay out, and sample vegetation plots and transects; assisting with
hiring and supervising summer interns; analyzing data; developing written
materials for the project including case studies, research protocols,
educational outreach materials, and sections of academic articles. This
position involves extensive overnight travel during the field season.
Basic Qualifications
College level coursework in ecology, natural history or botany required.
Vegetation field experience and knowledge of GIS required.
Additional Requirements
Successful applicants will have strong interest in working with
interdisciplinary science teams at the intersection of field research,
agriculture and conservation. Experience with educational outreach to
undergraduate and community groups and citizen science a plus.
A valid driver’s license (for at least the past 2 years) and excellent
driving record required. Applicants must be in good physical health and
capable of walking/hiking several miles each day carrying a heavy pack.
Must be able to lift 40 lbs. Must have a cheerful attitude while working
outdoors under all weather conditions including cold, rainy days and
sweltering August heat with mosquitos, ticks and black flies among your
companions.
Ability to work independently, coordinate research sites in several
states, and recruit and supervise summer interns required.
Excellent presentation skills for a variety of audiences (academic,
community, agriculture and conservation individuals and groups).
Excellent writing skills for a variety of formats (web sites, research
protocols, outreach materials, academic journals).
Compensation, Benefits and Application Process
This is a one year grant funded position with strong likelihood of
continuation depending upon performance and funding. Competitive full
time, full benefited position. Anticipated starting salary $40,000.
Applications containing a cover letter, CV, contact information for 3
professional references will be considered until position is filled.
Anticipated start date is on or around June 1, 2015. Apply at
hr.harvard.edu/jobs SEARCH BY REQUISITION # 35464BR.
Harvard Forest
Harvard Forest, an internationally recognized center for basic research in
forest ecology, is one of 25 Long Term Ecological Research sites across
the country sponsored by the National Science Foundation. Since 2011, the
Forest has been the Northeast Core site for the National Ecological
Observatory Network. The Forest facilities include a research and
administrative complex, 3700 acres of land and 14 residential buildings
which are located in Petersham, a small town in central Massachusetts. For
more information about the Forest, visit our website at:
harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu/.
