Open Positions at Harvard Forest
TEMPORARY FIELD ASSISTANT
Cavender Bares Lab Experiment
Join us at Harvard Forest and be part of a team dedicated to advancing our understanding of forest ecosystems and biodiversity!
Location: Petersham, Massachusetts
Position type: Full-Time (7 hours / 5 days per week)
Start date: Mid-April, 2026
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:
- Plant and measure saplings as part of ongoing research projects.
- Conduct weeding and apply wood chips (mulching) to maintain the plots’ health. Measure saplings and keep records of data on a digital platform (tablet or telephone). Perform physical labor in various weather conditions, including in summer heat.
- 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
A cheerful attitude is important while working outdoors for up to 7 hours per day (9:00 am to 5:00 pm, including 1 lunch/break hour) under different 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 people 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.
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.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief cover letter outlining their relevant experience and interest in the position to jramirezlerma@fas.harvard.edu and jcavender@fas.harvard.edu. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Custodial & Facilities Support Technician
(year-round, benefitted, 30 hrs/week)
Job Summary:
The Harvard Forest Custodial & Facilities Support Technician is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and functionality of assigned buildings, including Shaler Hall, Torrey Labs and Archives, and associated facilities. This role supports daily custodial operations, event setup, basic maintenance, and seasonal tasks as part of the Facilities team.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Maintain the interior and exterior of Shaler Hall, Torrey Labs and Archives, and associated buildings in a safe, clean, and professional manner.
- Perform routine custodial tasks including cleaning offices, restrooms, and public areas; mopping, vacuuming, window cleaning, and trash removal.
- Assist with set-up and breakdown for visiting groups and special events.
- Order, stock, and maintain inventory of cleaning supplies and consumables.
- As a member of the Facilities team, occasionally assist with general facility and grounds maintenance as needed.
- Perform basic maintenance tasks, including small interior repairs, replacing lights and office fixtures, and other minor repairs.
- Assist with snow removal, including clearing sidewalks and designated areas.
- Support Forest operations as needed, including repair and improvement projects, snow removal, and other assigned duties.
- Work occasional night or weekend shifts as required.
Working Conditions:
- This position is based on-site at Harvard Forest in Petersham, MA.
- This position will occasionally need to work outside in varing weather condition particularly in the winter time when shoveling and assisting with snow removal
Physical Requirements:
- Regular lifting, walking, and standing
- Ability to lift 75lbs repetitively.
Basic Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Valid driver’s license with good driving record.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- Prior custodial or facilities maintenance experience preferred
- Basic carpentry, electrical and plumbing skills
- Basic knowledge of cleaning methods, tools, and safety practices
- Strong attention-to-detail and time-management skills
- Ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting, bending, standing, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions. Including the ability to repetitively lift 75 lbs.
Additional Information
- Standard Hours: 30 hours per week
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Motor Vehicle Record
Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade
This position is salary grade level 050. Please visit Harvard’s Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
To Apply:
All applications must go through the main Harvard University careers portal online.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.