Agroecology Research Specialist

Uvmjobs

Burlington (VT)

On-site

USD 35,000 - 37,000

Full time

21 hours ago

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Job summary

University of Vermont is seeking a Research Laboratory PC2 N to support ecological and livestock research operations at the Food Systems Research Institute and Nordic Farm. The role involves data collection, fieldwork, and collaboration with UVM/USDA partners.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree, field experience, GIS proficiency, and strong organizational and communication skills; weekend/irregular hours and travel to worksites may be required.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field with at least one year of experience working in ecological and food systems research.
Field experience as a research technician collecting in-field forage and livestock data.
Proficient in GIS systems and basic spreadsheet management; valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

Assist with ecological and livestock research operations and data collection at the Food Systems Research Institute and Nordic Farm.
Conduct laboratory analysis and contribute to manuscript development on UVM’s campus.
Work across multiple sites in Chittenden County and coordinate with researchers and partner institutions.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Organizational skills

Mechanical aptitude

GIS knowledge

Spreadsheet management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

GIS software

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office (Word/Outlook/OneDrive)

Job description

The University of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category legally protected by federal or state law.

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Finalists for positions at UVM may be subject to a criminal background check.

For classified staff positions, actual hiring pay dependent on current competitor market conditions, comparable campus peer(s) at time of hire, and candidate’s experience level and length.

This 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.

A combination of formal and experiential education is required:

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.

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.

Desirable Qualifications

Anticipated Pay Range

Anticipated Pay Range $25.13 - $27.18

Other Information

$49,000 – $53,000

Special Conditions

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

FLSA Non-Exempt

Union Position

Union Position Yes, UVMSU

Position will be posted for a minimum of one week, after which it is subject to removal without notice.

Job Location

Job Location Location listed in Advertising Copy or Other Information

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 10/20/2026

Job Close Date (Jobs close at 11:59 PM EST.)

Open Until Filled No

Supplemental Questions