Temporary Research Assistant – Tompkins Pollinator Pathway

Cornell University • Ithaca, MI

21h • $25 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

This temporary, part-time research position is intended to support the efforts of Tompkins Pollinator Pathway (TPP) to partner with individuals, schools, churches, government and community organizations to grow native plants, conserve ecosystems and support native pollinators. To this end, the Research Assistant (RA) will lead a short community-based study of barriers and facilitators for participation to inform efforts to expand community outreach and create a more inclusive network. The RA will work with the TPP volunteer team to develop questionnaires to survey the public and conduct key informant interviews with a small sample of community leaders representing underserved groups, rural communities, and agricultural areas. The RA will be responsible for designing the study, conducting data collection, quantitative and qualitative analysis of interview data, as well as supervising students involved in the research. Final products will include a written summary of study results and implications, and a report on discussions with TPP team and community groups to generate potential strategies to strengthen TPP and plan implementation of these activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in conservation, field research, and community outreach, with experience including preparation of relevant reports and educational materials.
• Experience in conservation, community-based research, and/or community outreach, including preparing reports and educational materials.
• Demonstrated experience designing and leading community-based research or program evaluation projects.
• Experience developing surveys and conducting qualitative interviews.
• Strong writing skills with the ability to synthesize findings into clear reports and actionable recommendations.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage a project independently from design through final report.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with diverse, rural, agricultural, or underserved communities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead a short community-based study of barriers and facilitators for participation to inform efforts to expand community outreach and create a more inclusive network.
• Work with the TPP volunteer team to develop questionnaires to survey the public and conduct key informant interviews with a small sample of community leaders representing underserved groups, rural communities, and agricultural areas.
• Designing the study
• Conducting data collection
• Quantitative and qualitative analysis of interview data
• Supervising students involved in the research.
• Final products will include a written summary of study results and implications, and a report on discussions with TPP team and community groups to generate potential strategies to strengthen TPP and plan implementation of these activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level