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.
The Harvard Forest Community
Harvard Forest is committed to establishing and maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. We have a Code of Conduct that clearly outlines expected conduct for members of our community, unacceptable conduct, and pathways for support for those who experience or witness misconduct. We have initiated an ongoing series of staff-wide trainings and formed a standing committee to build competence in DEIB in our workplace, improved physical and digital accessibility of our campus resources, and re-examined and replaced harmful artwork. We are working toward including Indigenous knowledge and communities in our research and education, land use, and public programs, improving field safety for at-risk populations, and diversifying our team of investigators and educators. The aim of this work is to collectively support and implement our mission: the investigation, understanding, and communication of the ways in which physical, biological, and human systems interact to change our Earth, while ensuring that all participants should feel that they are critical parts of the Harvard Forest community—whatever their identity groups. We welcome, recruit, develop, and advance talented staff, students, and visiting scholars from diverse backgrounds, and strive to ensure that all are included in our mission. Harvard Forest is also committed to supporting the work-life balance of its staff.
We particularly encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in the sciences (Black, Indigenous, and people of color, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members) and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.
COVID-19
Harvard University does not currently require vaccinations for COVID but strongly encourages folks to follow CDC recommendations including being up to date on vaccines.
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.