Open Positions at Harvard Forest

Harvard Forest Hemlock Data Analysis Internship (Barker Plotkin Lab)

This is a paid fall semester research opportunity for Harvard undergraduate and graduate students. Apply on Crimson Careers by August 28th: https://harvard-csm.symplicity.com/students/app/jobs/detail/a6ff767487afcee109d195745b883450. Contact bgoulet@g.harvard.edu with any questions.

The Barker Plotkin Lab at Harvard Forest studies how forest development trajectories are shaped by the legacies of past disturbances and altered by novel and compounding disturbance. The Barker Plotkin Lab intern will have the opportunity to develop skills in data processing and analysis in the context of the multi-decade Hemlock Removal Experiment.

Position Details:

Compensation: This 15 hours/week position pays $20/hour for undergraduates or $30/hour for graduate students.

Time Commitment: Up to 15 hours per week

Duration: Fall 2026 semester

Location: Hybrid – remote with periodic in-person meetings at Harvard Forest in Petersham, MA (approximately 70 miles from Cambridge)

Qualifications:

Interest in learning a classic computer program designed to analyze hemispherical photos

Strong communication skills and ability to work independently

Responsibilities:

Process hemispherical photos from the Hemlock Removal Experiment, to characterize the understory light environment in this study

Contribute to research on forest response to non-native insects

Participate in regular Zoom check-ins and collaborate with team members

Interns are required to spend at least one day per month in person at Harvard Forest. Carpooling and train options are available for travel from Cambridge.

Harvard Forest Spatial Data Internship (Thompson Lab)

This is a paid fall semester research opportunity for Harvard undergraduate and graduate students. Apply on Crimson Careers by August 28th: https://harvard-csm.symplicity.com/students/app/jobs/detail/c48da1471e1c248726a34c2ed3004415. Contact bgoulet@g.harvard.edu with any questions.

The Thompson Lab at the Harvard Forest is seeking a motivated and skilled undergraduate or graduate intern for a paid research position focused on spatial data analysis. The project explores the role of forests as natural climate solutions.

Position Details:

Compensation: This 15 hours/week position pays $20/hour for undergraduates or $30/hour for graduate students.

Time Commitment: Up to 15 hours per week.

Duration: Fall 2026 semester.

Location: Hybrid – remote with periodic in-person meetings at Harvard Forest in Petersham, MA (approximately 70 miles from Cambridge).

Qualifications:

Proficiency in R statistical software is required.

Experience with spatial data analysis and GIS is strongly preferred.

Strong communication skills and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities:

Support spatial data cleaning, visualization, and statistical analysis.

Contribute to research on forest carbon dynamics and land-based climate mitigation.

Participate in regular Zoom check-ins and collaborate with team members.

Interns are required to spend at least one day per month in person at Harvard Forest. Carpooling and train options are available for travel from Cambridge.

Facilities Support Technician

(year-round, benefitted, 30 hrs/week)

Job Description

Job Summary:

The 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 works fully on-site in Petersham, MA.

This position will occasionally need to work outside in varying 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.

Qualifications

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, Criminal, Motor Vehicle Record

Applicants MUST submit a cover letter in addition to their resume in order for their application to be reviewed.

All formal offers will be made by FAS HR.

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 and Ranges

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 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.