Agroecologist / Field Naturalist (Exempt): New York, USA Hawthorne Valley Farmscape Ecology Program, United States
Description
The Hawthorne Valley Farmscape Ecology Program based in Columbia County New York is a branch of the non-profit Hawthorne Valley Association. The Program has been in existence since 2003 and combines creative ecological outreach with research to increase regional connection to the landscape and to promote good stewardship. We believe in doing rigorous, relevant, place-based research and sharing it back in stimulating, engaging ways. Our agroecological work focusses on assessing and demonstrating the roles of localized and landscape-scale semi-wild habitats, both natural and created, in supporting pest control and pollination. By feeding back these results to farmers and the public we hope to inform farm management and regional conservation. Additional programmatic focal themes include regional biodiversity assessment, exploration of then/now phenology in the context of climate change, and landscape history. More on the Program is available at our website. The Program is looking for an experienced biologist with a strong background or, at least, interest in agroecology to join our team, which currently includes a cultural anthropologist (MSc), a botanist (PhD), an entomology lab manager (BS), and an animal ecologist (PhD). At least 50% of this person’s time would be devoted to maintaining aspects of the agroecology work involving fieldwork, specimen processing, data analysis and report writing. We are looking for someone who could help maintain on-going projects and develop new approaches. The remaining time would be split between biodiversity surveys, web-based and in-person outreach, and some administrative tasks. In the long-term, the position offers the potential to have relative research freedom, to co-develop creative ways for interacting with the public, and to contribute to overall program vision and direction.
Duties • Join in planning and execution of agroecological projects exploring interactions between wild species and crops • During the field season, organize, supervise, and conduct standardized insect sampling with a crew of up to three people • Conduct or assist with biodiversity surveys for butterflies, odonates, bees, birds, bats and/or other animal groups • Interact with farmers, land managers and land owners to arrange logistics and exchange ideas. • Co-develop and deliver creative in-person and online outreach to share research results with various audiences and age groups • Data entry data analysis and report writing • During the non-field season, assist with sample processing, including the sorting of insect samples and the processing of other materials (such as sound recordings) gathered during the field season • Help interview, select, and supervise summer interns and technicians • Assist with the creation of our annual appeal material and other fundraising efforts • Assist with select administrative duties, contribute to short and long-term goal-setting and decision-making through regular staff meetings, and potentially contribute to relevant larger Hawthorne Valley initiatives/committees
Qualifications
Required Qualifications • Experience in the field sampling of insects • Ability to identify a range of taxa in the field, including but not limited to select invertebrate groups • Willingness and ability to conduct field research in both wild biodiversity monitoring and agroecology • Supervisory/leadership experience and willingness to help organize and supervise work with summer interns • Enthusiasm for outreach • Team player with good communication skills who can integrate with a small team • Self-motivated and able to work independently • Tolerance of a somewhat flexible schedule, including occasional early morning, evening, or weekend hours • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) • Valid driver’s license Preferred Qualifications • Agroecology field experience • Masters Degree or higher • Passion for and comfort in the outdoors • Enthusiasm about the potential opportunity to help guide program vision and direction. • Experience conducting outreach of various types. • Publishing record • GIS experience • Knowledge of R statistical program • Photographic/videographic skills Application deadline: 22 April 2022 Starting date: mid June 2022 (but flexible) Remuneration: Full-time, exempt with benefits, salary $40,000-50,000 depending on experience The Hawthorne Valley Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to supporting an inclusive workplace that is respectful of cultural, ethnic, and experiential diversity, and is actively engaged in facilitating DEI trainings and action plans. We welcome applicants of diverse races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, genders, and sexual orientations. To apply, please send resume and letter explaining interest and qualifications to Conrad Vispo, [email protected]. Any questions can be sent to the same address.
Contact Person
Conrad Vispo
Contact eMail