Seasonal Agroecology Technician
About The Position
Our Agroecology Initiative is a foundational body of work within The Trustees’ agricultural strategy and the overall organizational centering of climate resilience. The initiative transforms our agricultural purpose and leverages our farmland to boldly ask questions about emerging climate smart and agroecological practices. Our agroecology work bridges sustainable production and habitat management, seeking to reduce tradeoffs and maximize productivity and ecosystem function. Managed grasslands provide critical habitat for various native species, including threatened grassland nesting birds. As the Agroecology Technician, you will primarily support the important effort at our largest farm, Appleton Farms, in Ipswich, MA, which has supported some of the largest populations of grassland nesting birds in eastern Massachusetts. The Trustees seeks an Agroecology Technician for the summer season to assist with implementation and data collection for a series of field-based experiments including grazing impacts on grassland nesting birds, native willows for water quality, and multifunctional perennial hedgerows in field crops. Implementation work represents a substantial component of this role, you will carry out maintenance protocols within these projects, including planting, mulching, weeding, and string trimming. There will also be opportunities to participate in restoration work, vegetation surveys including invasive plants, and grassland bird monitoring across Appleton, Powisset and Chestnut Hill Farms.
Requirements
- Comfort working in and around livestock (cattle)
- Professional or amateur experience with birding
- Coursework in botany, ecology, environmental science, or related field
- Ability to work independently and to collaborate with other staff and volunteers
- Applicants must provide their own transportation to job sites (mileage reimbursement will be available).
- The ability to work outdoors daily, and at times, under rigorous conditions
- The ability to perform physically strenuous duties, such as hiking long distances.
- Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment.
- A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy.
- A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.
Nice To Haves
- Working with livestock or other agricultural experience
- At least 3 months of previous field experience
- Experience performing vegetation surveys
- Strong botanical skills and the ability to identify Massachusetts plant species
- Ability to identify Northeast invasive plants
- GIS mapping
Responsibilities
- Support ongoing project implementation: planting, weeding, watering, pruning, etc.
- Participate in property-wide ‘baseline standards’ data collection. This will include regular monitoring of ecological and agricultural concerns potentially to include soils, forages, vegetation, birds and insects.
- Carefully record and enter data into existing systems.
- Survey for and map invasive species populations in pastures and hayfields across Appleton Farms
- Participate in invasive control efforts in collaboration with Agriculture and Inland Ecology colleagues
Benefits
- Sick time: Massachusetts Sick Time
- Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.
- Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
251-500 employees
