At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team to implement and maintain innovative agroforestry experiments in the field and lab.
- Company: Be part of UNH's College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, focused on sustainable practices.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, develop skills, and contribute to climate-smart agriculture initiatives.
- Other info: Collaborate with experts and enjoy opportunities for growth in a dynamic research environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in promoting sustainable agriculture while working with top universities.
- Qualifications: Practical experience in data collection and a passion for agroforestry or agricultural systems.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
We are recruiting a Project Technician position as part of a 5-year USDA‑funded project focusing on promoting climate‑smart and sustainable agriculture for expanding food production in New England through regionally adapted agroforestry systems (Project “ADAPT”). The project integrates research, education, and extension to:
- develop and test three agroforestry systems (silvopasture, polycultures, forest farming),
- promote agroforestry extension programs for landowners, professionals, and other interested communities,
- build agroforestry knowledge and skills through diverse educational opportunities.
Project collaborators include researchers and extension staff from three universities (University of New Hampshire, Dartmouth, and Yale), nonprofit and private organizations engaged in agroforestry‑related activities, and landowner cooperators. Project results will contribute to developing climate‑smart agriculture and forestry in New England through:
- mitigating greenhouse gas emissions,
- fostering market opportunities, and
- enhancing climate adaptation and resilience.
The Project Technician will have primary responsibility for performing tasks and collecting data in the field and lab related to implementing and maintaining agroforestry experiments on university lands. The successful candidate should have practical experience with basic data collection techniques as part of scientific field research related to agroforestry, forestry, and/or agricultural systems. Additionally, the Project Technician may also support activities related to communication and education, such as supporting various extension, education, and outreach initiatives and events.
Duties/Responsibilities
- Carry out day‑to‑day tasks related to implementing and maintaining the agroforestry field trials (e.g., planting, weeding, irrigation).
- Assist with field data collection activities (e.g., measuring plant height and diameter; assessing pest, pathogen, and herbivore impacts; collecting soil and plant samples).
- Conduct tasks related to maintaining field equipment (e.g., changing batteries, repairing minor damages, troubleshooting to ensure effective functioning).
- Assist with laboratory activities (e.g., drying and weighing samples; preparing soil and plant samples for analysis).
- Assist with training and supervision of undergraduate student field assistants, as needed.
- Occasional travel to participating universities and landowner cooperators to assist with agroforestry field experiments and on‑farm trials.
Agroforestry Research Technician at UNH - College of Life Sciences and Agriculture employer: Wayne State University
Contact Detail:
Wayne State University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Agroforestry Research Technician at UNH - College of Life Sciences and Agriculture
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the agroforestry and sustainable agriculture circles. Attend local events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Project Technician role!
✨Tip Number 2
Get hands-on experience! If you can, volunteer or intern with organisations involved in agroforestry or climate-smart agriculture. This not only boosts your CV but also gives you real-world skills that will impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion! When you get an interview, make sure to express your enthusiasm for agroforestry and sustainable practices. Share any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your commitment to climate-smart agriculture.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that job. Plus, applying directly shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the ADAPT project.
We think you need these skills to ace Agroforestry Research Technician at UNH - College of Life Sciences and Agriculture
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Agroforestry: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for agroforestry shine through! We want to see how your interests align with our mission of promoting sustainable agriculture. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to climate-smart practices.
Be Specific About Your Skills: Make sure to detail your practical experience with data collection and field research techniques. We’re looking for candidates who can hit the ground running, so mention any specific tools or methods you’ve used in previous roles that relate to agroforestry or agricultural systems.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to the Project Technician role. Highlight how your background fits the responsibilities listed in the job description, especially those related to field trials and data collection.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to submit all the necessary documents in one go. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wayne State University
✨Know Your Agroforestry Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of agroforestry systems like silvopasture, polycultures, and forest farming. Being able to discuss these concepts confidently will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and understand the project's goals.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Prepare to talk about any hands-on experience you have with data collection techniques in field research. Whether it's measuring plant height or assessing pest impacts, having specific examples ready will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the tasks involved.
✨Highlight Communication Skills
Since the role involves supporting education and outreach initiatives, be ready to discuss any previous experiences where you've communicated complex information effectively. This could be through presentations, workshops, or even informal discussions—show them you can engage diverse audiences!
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the project and its impact on climate-smart agriculture. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals. Plus, it makes for a more engaging conversation!