Company description

Wolfe's Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment (WNC) is a fast-growing, nonprofit organization based on a campus of over 600 acres of coastal farmland in Freeport, Maine. Our work is dedicated to creating a world where agriculture and food systems support farmer viability, thriving ecosystems, and vibrant communities. Through regenerative farming demonstration and training, innovative research, direct farmer support, and collaborations, Wolfe's Neck Center works to advance agriculture - on our own farm, regionally, and nationally - to accelerate holistic change in food systems and mitigate the effects of a changing climate.

Job description

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Research & Innovation and serving as a member of WNC's Program Leadership Team, the Research Scientist position will develop and oversee all research and demonstration initiatives conducted on-site at WNC, as well as develop a forward-looking iterative research agenda to identify and advance important regenerative agriculture research priorities through on-site projects. To ensure that research and demonstration efforts are informed by and accessible to both agricultural producers and scientific audiences, the Research Scientist will establish and manage effective communication and information exchange channels. These may include creating a research advisory board, contributing to popular and peer-reviewed publications, organizing on-farm educational events with other staff, and presenting at agricultural trade shows, conferences, and community gatherings. This role will also oversee the development of an on-site research internship program to support the execution of on-site research projects while creating opportunities for student learning.

Responsibilities:

• Work with the Director of Research & Innovation and the Farming Operations Team to oversee the successful implementation and completion of all on-site research initiatives and their associated monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks and corresponding data collection and analysis needs, including the following existing projects (more information in full job listing on website):

Pasture Measurement and Milk Nutrient Testing Support

PFAS Research

Seaweed Feed Trial Outreach

American Farmland Trust (AFT) Biochar Trial

• Create WNC's on-site research agenda, drawing upon initiatives and results achieved to-date, key survey data and input from farmers, agriculture support providers, researchers, other stakeholders, and WNC staff to identify and advance important regenerative agriculture research priorities through on-site projects.
• Work with the Director of Research & Innovation and other relevant WNC staff to develop and implement new on-site research projects in line with WNC's identified research priorities.
• Work with the Director of Research & Innovation to develop and oversee the Research Program budget and related project budgets to ensure work is done on time, within budget, and in accordance with project specifications.
• Work with the Director of Research & Innovation and other WNC staff and partners to develop and implement research project communication and information exchange activities, which could include the establishment of a research advisory board, contributions to popular and peer-reviewed publications, on-farm educational and outreach events, and presentations at agricultural trade shows, conferences, and community events.
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with all research partners and other stakeholders to ensure effective research collaborations and to support outreach to farmers and the public.
• Provide a scientific lens to other areas of WNC work, including Visitor Education & Experience and the Casco History Lab.
• Work with the Farming Operations Team and other WNC program areas and staff to ensure the integrity of all fieldwork, MEL frameworks, and data collection and analysis processes, and maintain clear and accurate research records.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree required, Ph.D preferred in agriculture science, agroecology, ecology, plant science, soil science, environmental science, or related field
• Working knowledge of agriculture and crop/soil interactions, with a preference for livestock and grazing-based farm operations - could be achieved through a combination of on-farm experience, farm-based research, or technical assistance
• 4-7 years experience conducting high-quality, field-based research, including establishing MEL frameworks, systems and sampling procedures; demonstrated experience by publication in peer-reviewed journals, Extension-type fact sheets, and popular press
• Proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse partners and stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, technical assistance providers, and agriculture support organizations
• Strong organizational abilities and time management skills; ability to effectively organize and manage spreadsheets and datasets
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot issues
• Willingness and ability to work many hours in various weather conditions, to perform physically strenuous duties, and to work occasionally in the evenings and on weekends
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; proven ability to effectively communicate, both in writing and verbally, research findings and trial information
• Ability to effectively supervise seasonal research interns
  

Benefits

As a full-time employee of Wolfe's Neck Center, this position is eligible for benefits including health insurance, dental insurance, three weeks paid vacation and six sick days, Maine state holidays off, and our retirement savings plan. Compensation commensurate with experience: $70,000 - $80,000

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $75,000 - $100,000

Application instructions

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Deadline

no deadline