Employment

Open Positions at Harvard Forest

2 Temporary Field Assistants
Cavender Bares Lab Experiment

Location: Petersham, Massachusetts
Position Type: Full-Time (7 hours / 5 days per week)
Start Date: October 5, 2026
Employment duration: 1-2 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:

  • Measure saplings and keep records of data on a digital platform (tablet or telephone) as part of ongoing research projects.
  • Conduct weeding to maintain the plots’ health.
  • Perform physical labor in various weather conditions, including cool fall days.
  • 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 moving material, 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.
  • 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 always accompanied 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.

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.