Agroforestry Research Technician at UNH - College of Life Sciences and Agriculture in North East

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.

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience:

• BS in agroforestry, forestry, agronomy, or a related field.
• Practical experience (2+ years) working with agriculture, agroforestry, and/or forestry.
• Experience communicating agroforestry‑related topics to diverse audiences.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a larger team.
• Strong problem‑solving and creative thinking skills.
• Strong technical skills for maintaining and troubleshooting field and lab equipment.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.

Compensation: Pay Range $18-20 /hour

EEO Statement: The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.