Temporary Field Assistant

Harvard Forest Field Work available (Spring 2025)

Join us at Harvard Forest and be part of a team dedicated to advancing our understanding of forest ecosystems and biodiversity!

Temporary Field Assistant – Cavender Bares Lab Experiment – Harvard Forest

Location: Petersham, Massachusetts

Position Type: Full-Time (7 hours / 5 days per week)

Start Date: Mid April, 2025

Employment duration: 2-3 months

About the Role:
Harvard Forest is seeking motivated individuals to join our team as Field Assistants to support ongoing research/current experiment based in a temperate forest plot at the Harvard Forest in Petersham, MA. This role involves hands-on fieldwork in a dynamic outdoor environment, contributing to critical forestry and ecological research under the direction of Dr. Jeannine Cavender-Bares, Professor of Biology, Harvard University. The position is ideal for individuals who enjoy physical labor, have an interest in environmental sciences, and are eager to work as part of a collaborative team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct weeding and apply wood chips (mulching) to maintain the plots’ health.
• Plant and measure saplings as part of ongoing research projects.
• Measuring saplings and keeping records of data on a digital platform (tablet or telephone will be provided for this.
• Perform physical labor in various weather conditions.
• Collaborate with researchers and other team members to ensure tasks are completed efficiently.
• Follow safety protocols and maintain a clean and organized work environment.

Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age or older, and eligible to work in the U.S.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting, bending, and working outdoors for extended periods. Walking and standing for long periods of time and carrying up to 25 lbs of field tools and equipment.
• Previous experience in biology/ecology fieldwork, farm work, or similar outdoor labor is highly desirable.
• Collaborative, proactive, and able to work effectively in a team.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a positive, amiable attitude.
• Interest in environmental sciences, forestry, or related fields is a plus.

Conditions:

Must have a cheerful attitude while working outdoors for up to 7 hours per day (9:00 am to 5:00 pm, including 1 lunch/break hour) under all weather conditions including cold and rainy days and sweltering heat with mosquitos, ticks, and black flies (these pests may not appear until summer but might come early). The worksite is not near a building, and restroom use will be arranged by transporting the temporary workers to Harvard Forest offices (half a mile down the road) as needed . 

Tools and protection equipment will be provided for the performed task. Temporary employees will be supervised and accompanied at all times by Harvard University Herbaria staff and scholars during the season. 

Logistics:

Transportation to the work site in Petersham, Massachusetts, is the responsibility of the employee.

For candidates based far from the site, lodging arrangements can be made during weekdays.

Why Join Us?

Gain hands-on experience in a renowned ecological research facility.

Contribute to meaningful research that impacts forestry and environmental science.

Work in a supportive and collaborative team environment.

Enjoy the opportunity to work outdoors in a beautiful natural setting.