Employment

Position Description

The Research Assistant will be based at the Harvard Forest in Petersham, MA. Work within a week will generally be partitioned among 2-3 days of fieldwork and labwork and 2-3 days of data analysis. Fieldwork at Harvard Forest involves working full days (up to 8 hours) in year-round outdoor conditions. The work conducted by this Research Assistant will require regular periods of independence.

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to

• Coordination and collection of field data from soils, trees, and streams in long-term measurement plots.
• Organization of collected data and written documentation of metadata and protocols.
• Conducting timely data analysis with ongoing data collection and merging project data with other associated Harvard Forest data streams (e.g., weather data, streamflow data).
• Clear communication and coordination with other employees and the supervisor across all responsibilities.

Basic Qualifications

• Previous experience working outdoors for full days
• Previous experience with data entry and graphing with spreadsheet software such as excel
• Some prior coursework at any level in environmental science, ecology, or related fields.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• A master’s degree in environmental science or a related field, or a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of experience working in environmental sciences
• Strong communication and organizational skills;
• Previous experience in scientific writing and the production of data-based figures to summarize and communicate key results.
• Previous experience collecting, categorizing, and storing physical samples and digital data
• Strong Proficiency in creating reproducible data analysis workflows with R
• Experience doing quality checking and quality assurance for digital data entry

Working Conditions

Fieldwork at Harvard Forest involves working full days (up to 8 hours) in year-round outdoor conditions such as dry and frigid temperatures in the winter months and heat, humidity, and persistent insects in the summer months.

Additional Information

• Harvard Forest maintains a set of housing options nearby the site in Petersham, MA that the Research Assistant may choose to rent for short-term or longer term housing.
• This is a 1-year grant-funded term position with a strong possibility of renewal based on continual funding and performance.
• We regret that Harvard University is unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship for this position.
• All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Petersham, Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. 

Learn more about benefits and how to apply via Harvard Careers here. 

Director of Administration and Finance (Full-time)

*******Please note: As of March 10, 2025, Harvard University has declared a hiring freeze on most positions. Hiring and application review for the Director of Administration and Finance position is on hold until further notice.******

Harvard Forest is seeking a full-time Director of Administration and Finance ("Director") to lead our administrative team. This role reports to the Director in Residence at Harvard Forest and plays a key leadership role in the strategic and operational management of the organization. This position oversees the financial, administrative, and human resource functions of Harvard Forest, ensuring the effective allocation of resources to support its mission of research, education, and outreach. The Director works closely with senior leadership to implement best practices in departmental operations and serves as a key liaison between the Harvard Forest Community, Harvard University central Offices, and external partners.

Position Description

Administration & Operations:

• • Lead and develop administrative strategies that align with the mission and strategic goals of Harvard Forest.
  • Establish policies and procedures to enhance organizational efficiency, financial sustainability, and compliance with university and external regulations.
  • Serve as a liaison between Harvard Forest and university administration, ensuring effective communication and alignment with institutional priorities.
  • Support strategic planning efforts, including long-term financial forecasting and operational improvements.
  • Oversee administrative aspects of our on-campus housing, conference space, office space, and equipment, including financial oversight, space allocation & assignments, asset management, and operational efficiency.

Human Resources & Staff Development

• • Oversee a team of 6 direct reports, including a Department Coordinator, Finance Manager, Financial Associate, Accounting Assistant, Sponsored Research Administrator, and a less than parttime Payroll & Appointments coordinator.
  • Responsible for processing staff and academic appointments including postdocs, associates, visiting scholars, Bullard Fellows, and other fellows, which includes working with the Office of Faculty Affairs on academic appointments, HR for staff appointments, working with Harvard International Office for an international or visa requirements.
  • Working closely with central human resources, serve as the HR lead for Harvard Forest (25+ staff and scholars), by providing guidance on recruitment, hiring, onboarding, performance management, and staff development.
  • Advise and support conflict resolution, performance improvement plans, and disciplinary actions as needed.
  • Partner with Harvard’s HR department to ensure compliance with university policies and labor laws.
  • Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives within the organization.
  • Ensure appropriate training and certifications for relevant staff, including CPR, vehicle safety training, and other workplace safety requirements.
  • Manages confidential files and employee personnel records.

Finance & Budgeting

• • Oversee Harvard Forest’s financial operations, including budgeting, accounts payables, accounts receivable, long-term financial planning, financial reporting, and resource stewardship.
  • Develop and implement financial policies to ensure compliance with Harvard University guidelines and external funding requirements.

Sponsored Research Administration

• • Oversee administrative support related to research funding, including providing administrative oversight during proposal development, budget preparation, and compliance with funding requirements
  • Lead coordination of research operations needs for research projects at Harvard Forest. This includes:
    • Working with scientists and faculty to understand the scope and requirements of research conducted on-site.
    • Collaborating with the Manager of Land Use and Facilities at HF to assess time and labor needs, utility usage, and associated costs.
    • Evaluating housing or space usage and ensuring appropriate cost allocation during the planning stage of research projects.

• • Identify funding opportunities for major projects, infrastructure improvements, and operational needs.
  • Support faculty and research staff in navigating administrative processes related to grants and sponsored research.
  • Ensure adherence to university, state, and federal regulations related to research and research administration policies.

Basic Qualifications:

• 8+ years of progressively responsible administrative management experience, including staff supervision and financial management within an academic or research environment.

Additional Qualifications & Skills: 

• Master's degree strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience in Financial Management including Sponsored Research Administration
• Project Management and Operations Experience including involvement with building repairs or renovations
• Strong quantitative, analytical and supervisory capability
• Effective interpersonal and written communication skills
• Ability to work with all constituents with tact and discretion
• Ability to balance shifting priorities and to work independently.
• Experience with Harvard's financial and human resource systems
• Interest in the research, educational, and conservation mission of Harvard Forest.
• Knowledge of experimental and safety procedures for environment containing dangerous mechanical equipment, and potentially hazardous chemical, biological, and radioactive materials