Agroecology Research Specialist

Position Details

Advertising/Posting Title Agroecology Research Specialist

Posting Summary

This position is responsible for assisting with ecological and livestock related research operations and data collection at the Food Systems Research Institute and the Food Systems Research Station at Nordic Farm and for laboratory analysis and manuscript development on UVM’s campus.

This position is located at the co-located University of Vermont ( UVM ) and USDA -Agricultural Research Service ( ARS ) Food Systems Research Institute and Food Systems Research Units, in Burlington, VT with substantial workload at the Food Systems Research Station at Nordic Farm located in Charlotte, VT. The UVM Food Systems Research Institute and the USDA - ARS Food Systems Research Unit are staffed with personnel consisting of research scientists, scientific support staff, student trainees, and administrative support staff. Scientists and research support personnel explore diverse subject matter expertise spanning the food system and farm research projects that include livestock and forage capacity modeling of regional livestock and nutrient flows as well as beef and sheep production, welfare, and behavior research. The collaboration also spans agronomy, food safety, and human dimensions research. The location has multiple work sites located within Chittenden County. The location and its worksites encompass 400 acres of leased land and 900 acres of owned land that include multiple research laboratories, farm and field plots for experimental work on major crops grown within the region, facilities for housing heavy duty machinery and other equipment, and facilities for housing animals involved in livestock research. Farming operations primarily support the production of beef cows, calves, and finish steers; in addition, operations support crops for research on livestock forages and small grains for human consumption.

Minimum Qualifications (or equivalent combination of education and experience)

This position requires significant teamwork, technical experience, and effective communication with other members of the Forage and Livestock research group.

A combination of formal and experiential education is required:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field with at least one year of experience working in ecological and food systems research.

In field experience should include working as a research technician with experience collecting in-field forage and livestock data. Incumbent should be proficient in GIS systems and will have basic knowledge of spreadsheet management. Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain, and driver’s check required.

Skill in working with individuals from diverse cultures or backgrounds sufficient to work with and motivate others and to train student interns who perform farm duties.

Skill in communicating both orally and in writing to provide guidance and instruction to employees, to discuss changes for plans and work projects, interface with the public, and to keep UVM / USDA partners informed of critical needs. Must possess strong organizational skills.

Demonstrated knowledge of applying a wide range of data management and collection techniques of forage and livestock data, including (a) techniques for safely handling and herding livestock, implementing feedlot data collection strategies, and implementing grazing and rotational grazing forage data collection protocols; (b) keeping detailed herd management, GIS and weather station, and forage records; © methods for recycling and composting of organic end products as related to farm operations; and (d) methods for water and energy conservation as related to farm operations.

Mechanical aptitude to operate, maintain, calibrate, and repair field and laboratory research equipment.

Working knowledge of rules, regulations, and practical requirements related to livestock management, including workplace safety, and land and water stewardship.

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and OneDrive. This includes the use of spreadsheets for data management and for some budget and financial management purposes and the documentation of all field operations in a way that is accessible and usable by researchers.

Desirable Qualifications

Anticipated Pay Range $25.13 - $27.18

Other Information

$49,000 – $53,000

Special Conditions Weekend work required, Non-standard work hours required, A probationary period may be required, Contingent on continued funding, Occasional evening and/or weekends required (if non-exempt position, may result in overtime), Travel to and from worksites required, Background Check required for this position

FLSA Non-Exempt

Union Position Yes, UVMSU

Posting Details

Position will be posted for a minimum of one week, after which it is subject to removal without notice.

Job Location Location listed in Advertising Copy or Other Information

Job Open Date 10/20/2026

Job Close Date (Jobs close at 11:59 PM EST.)

Open Until Filled No

Our Common Ground Statement

The University of Vermont is a welcoming, educationally purposeful community committed to creating an inclusive environment that embraces intellectual diversity and global perspectives. We seek to prepare students to be accountable leaders who will bring to their work a grasp of complexity, effective problem-solving and communication skills, and an enduring commitment to learning and ethical conduct. Members of the University of Vermont community embrace and advance the values of Our Common Ground: Respect, Integrity, Innovation, Openness, Justice, and Responsibility. Staff play a critical role in this effort and the successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to UVM’s mission and advancing Our Common Ground values through the execution of their job duties.

Position Information

Position Title Research Laboratory PC2 N

Posting Number S6368PO

Department Food Systems Research Institut/30026

Position Number 00028031

Percent of Full-Time 1.0

Standard Hours at 1.0 FTE 37.5

Term (months per year) 12

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Resume

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application

Optional Documents