Agroecology Research Specialist

University of Vermont; Burlington (VT); On-site; USD 35,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Vermont seeks an Agroecology Research Specialist to assist with ecological and livestock research operations and data collection at the Nordic Farm sites and on campus. The role supports laboratory analyses and manuscript development, collaborating with USDA-ARS and multiple research units.

The position involves fieldwork with beef and sheep operations, GIS data management, and coordinating with diverse teams.

Qualifications

• This position requires significant teamwork, technical experience, and effective communication with other members of the Forage and Livestock research group.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field with at least one year of experience working in ecological and food systems research.
• In-field experience as a research technician with data collection of forage and livestock.
• Proficient in GIS and basic spreadsheet management; valid driver's license required.
• Ability to train student interns and work with diverse cultures.

Responsibilities

• Assist with ecological and livestock research operations and data collection.
• Perform laboratory analyses and assist in manuscript development.
• Maintain detailed herd, GIS, and weather records; manage data.
• Operate, calibrate, and repair field and laboratory equipment.
• Ensure safety, land and water stewardship, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams across multiple sites.

Skills

GIS experience

Data management

Communication

Teamwork

Driver's license

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

OneDrive

Excel

Job description

Agroecology Research Specialist

Posting Summary

The position is responsible for assisting with ecological and livestock related research operations and data collection at the Food Systems Research Institute and the Food Systems Research Station at Nordic Farm and for laboratory analysis and manuscript development on UVM's campus.This position is located at the co-located University of Vermont (UVM) and USDA-Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Food Systems Research Institute and Food Systems Research Units, in Burlington, VT with substantial workload at the Food Systems Research Station at Nordic Farm located in Charlotte, VT. The UVM Food Systems Research Institute and the USDA-ARS Food Systems Research Unit are staffed with personnel consisting of research scientists, scientific support staff, student trainees, and administrative support staff. Scientists and research support personnel explore diverse subject matter expertise spanning the food system and farm research projects that include livestock and forage capacity modeling of regional livestock and nutrient flows as well as beef and sheep production, welfare, and behavior research. The collaboration also spans agronomy, food safety, and human dimensions research. The location has multiple work sites located within Chittenden County. The location and its worksites encompass 400 acres of leased land and 900 acres of owned land that include multiple research laboratories, farm and field plots for experimental work on major crops grown within the region, facilities for housing heavy duty machinery and other equipment, and facilities for housing animals involved in livestock research. Farming operations primarily support the production of beef cows, calves, and finish steers; in addition, operations support crops for research on livestock forages and small grains for human consumption.

Minimum Qualifications (or equivalent combination of education and experience)

This position requires significant teamwork, technical experience, and effective communication with other members of the Forage and Livestock research group.

Bachelor's degree in a related field with at least one year of experience working in ecological and food systems research.

In field experience should include working as a research technician with experience collecting in-field forage and livestock data. Incumbent should be proficient in GIS systems and will have basic knowledge of spreadsheet management. Valid driver's license or ability to obtain, and driver's check required.

Skill in working with individuals from diverse cultures or backgrounds sufficient to work with and motivate others and to train student interns who perform farm duties.

Skill in communicating both orally and in writing to provide guidance and instruction to employees, to discuss changes for plans and work projects, interface with the public, and to keep UVM/USDA partners informed of critical needs. Must possess strong organizational skills.

Demonstrated knowledge of applying a wide range of data management and collection techniques of forage and livestock data, including (a) techniques for safely handling and herding livestock, implementing feedlot data collection strategies, and implementing grazing and rotational grazing forage data collection protocols; (b) keeping detailed herd management, GIS and weather station, and forage records; © methods for recycling and composting of organic end products as related to farm operations; and (d) methods for water and energy conservation as related to farm operations.

Mechanical aptitude to operate, maintain, calibrate, and repair field and laboratory research equipment.

Working knowledge of rules, regulations, and practical requirements related to livestock management, including workplace safety, and land and water stewardship.

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and OneDrive. This includes the use of spreadsheets for data management and for some budget and financial management purposes and the documentation of all field operations in a way that is accessible and usable by researchers.

Anticipated Pay Range

$25.13 - $27.18

Other Information

$49,000 - $53,000

Special Conditions

• Weekend work required
• Non-standard work hours required
• A probationary period may be required
• Contingent on continued funding
• Occasional evening and/or weekends required (if non-exempt position, may result in overtime)
• Travel to and from worksites required
• Background Check required for this position

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Union Position

Yes, UVMSU

Job Location

Location listed in Advertising Copy or Other Information

Department

Food Systems Research Institut/30026

Standard Hours at 1.0 FTE

37.5

Term (months per year)

12

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