Research Assistant Position Temporary, Part Time: Improving Spatial Data on New England’s Protected Lands

The Harvard Forest invites applications for an undergraduate research assistant (RA) position to contribute to the improvement of a spatial dataset on conservation lands in New England, USA. The successful candidate will be a member of Jonathan Thompson’s Landscape Ecology Lab at the Harvard Forest through June 30, 2021, working closely with Thompson Lab research assistant Lucy Lee.

Position Expectations: We are seeking a detail-oriented undergraduate student with experience editing spatial and tabular data using ArcGIS. Major responsibilities include improving consistency and accuracy of tabular attributes and improving spatial accuracy (e.g., resolving overlap issues) of polygon vector data. This is an entry level position suitable for candidates with a range of basic GIS skills (e.g., with or without coding). While the successful candidate should be comfortable querying and editing GIS data independently, the assistantship will include opportunities to grow GIS and/or research skills. The RA may help with other GIS or non-GIS projects as needed. The RA is welcome, but not expected, to attend Thompson Lab meetings and virtual social events. The RA will meet regularly with Lucy and Jonathan via Zoom on a mutually agreeable schedule.

Duration and Compensation: This position is for the spring 2021 semester (Feb-June 2021). Expected time commitment of ~10 hours/week (maximum 14 hours/week) at a rate of $15-20/hour depending on experience.

Location: This position is fully remote. The research assistant must be located within the United States. Regretfully, we do not offer visa sponsorship for this position. International students enrolled in a US-based undergraduate program who are currently located in the US are eligible to apply, if their student visas permit them to work for Harvard University.

Required Qualifications: Active enrollment in an undergraduate degree program. Experience with GIS including querying and editing spatial and tabular using ArcGIS. Ability to manage data in an editing workflow. Excellent communication and organizational skills. Attention to detail and a positive attitude. Comfortable using email, list-serves, virtual communication platforms (e.g., Zoom).

Preferred Qualifications: Interest in land conservation. Experience with Python and ArcPy.
About Harvard Forest: Harvard Forest, an internationally recognized center for basic and applied research in ecology, conservation and ecosystem studies, with 40 full-time staff is one of 26 Long Term Ecological Research sites across the country sponsored by the National Science Foundation. The Forest facilities include a research and administrative complex, 3500 acres of land, and residential buildings. The Forest is located in Petersham, a small rural town in north central Massachusetts about 70 miles west of Cambridge.

Land Acknowledgement: We recognize that the Harvard Forest occupies unceded land inhabited and stewarded for generations by the Nipmuc Nation. We further acknowledge the dozens of Indigenous peoples who have lived in New England, a primary region of our research, for millennia. We honor their histories and ongoing struggles against colonization, genocide, and forced removal with humility and respect.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement: Harvard Forest is committed to establishing and maintaining a diverse and inclusive community that collectively supports and implements our mission: the investigation, understanding, and communication of the ways in which physical, biological, and human systems interact to change our Earth.  All should feel that they are critical members of the Harvard Forest community whatever their identities while working, studying, visiting, or living here.  We will welcome, recruit, develop, and advance talented staff, students, and visitors from diverse backgrounds, and strive to ensure that all are included in our mission.

To apply: Send cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references as one bundled PDF titled ‘LAST NAME FIRST NAME Application’ to hfapps@fas.harvard.edu with email subject ‘Undergrad RA Application’. Applications submitted by February 15, 2021 will receive full consideration.