Job Title: Ecological Monitoring Coordinator

Location: Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Pocantico Hills, NY

Supervisor: Deputy Director of Ecology

Employment Classification: Full-time/Salaried, Non-exempt

Frequency of Pay: Bi-weekly

Salary commensurate with experience: $50,000 - $59,800 per year

Benefits: Competitive employee benefits include medical insurance, life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, retirement plans, and flexible spending accounts. Other benefits include generous paid time off, paid holidays, and sick time. Employees also receive discounts on select farm products.

Schedule: 40 hours/week, will include weekends and some evenings

Environment: On-site work

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Ecology, this is an opportunity for an individual with a strong background in soil science, ecology, life science, plant biology, environmental science, and/or watershed systems who is interested in participating in an extensive ecological monitoring program on a diversified working farm, primarily on pastures grazed by cattle, sheep and goats. This work will build our understanding of how management decisions affect the health of the soil, water, plants, and biotic communities we steward. It will facilitate future management decisions towards greater health, resilience, and productivity on this land, and it will give us data to synthesize and share with a wide audience about creative solutions to food system issues and how our food choices can impact the land.

Responsibilities

• Plan tasks and execute daily logistics of moving interns and equipment into the field during the summer field season
• Assist with the training and supervision of seasonal ecological monitoring interns
• Assist team in collecting ecological monitoring data across the farm throughout the year
• Assist with preparation, analysis, and shipment of soil, insect, and forage samples
• Assist in performing water quality tests at key sampling points in Stone Barns watershed year-round
• Maintain and calibrate ecological monitoring and laboratory equipment
• Conduct laboratory measurements and analyses on samples collected from the field
• Enter data into an ArcGIS based database system and store samples in accordance with protocols developed by the ecological monitoring team
• Assist in basic data analysis and maintenance of the ecological GIS database
• Participate occasionally in pastured livestock activities with livestock team
• Assist in communicating project goals, data, and findings to internal and external stakeholders, including through ArcGIS StoryMaps
• Other ecological monitoring projects and assignments as needed
• Assume responsibility for the safety of the work location and all individuals present at the work location, including self; exercise and promote safe behaviors and show support of programs, rules, and policies regarding safety

This is a highly physical role. While performing these job duties, the employee is regularly required to see and reach. The employee is regularly required to sit, walk, and stand for long periods of time (e.g., up to 8 hours or longer) and to don appropriate personal protective equipment in response to COVID-19, including face coverings. The employee is required to use dominant hand coordination for simple grasping, pushing/pulling, and fine manipulation. The employee is also required to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, bend, squat, kneel, and reach above shoulder level. The employee may be exposed to extreme temperatures, dust, dampness, moving machinery, food allergens, and cleaning agents. Due to the nature of the farming industry, the employee may be required to work longer hours and varying schedules to reflect the business needs, which may include overtime, weekends, and holidays. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, so long as they do not cause undue hardship.

COVID-19 Health & Safety and Mandatory Vaccination Requirements

Stone Barns Center is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace, including as it relates to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. All employees must follow the safety protocols SBC has put in place, which include frequent hand washing and frequent disinfection of surfaces. In addition, as a condition of employment, all employees are required to submit proof that they are vaccinated against COVID-19 (which includes the original doses only at this time).

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Passionate about the work and mission of Stone Barns
• Course work in soil science, ecology, life sciences, environmental science, plant biology, or watershed systems (degree preferred)
• Experience with field work, sample collection, data organization and entry
• Strong communication skills
• Strong data analysis and computer skills; experience with ArcGIS preferred
• Ability to work efficiently in a variety of environmental conditions
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Valid driver's license with good driving record
• Willingness to work in a variety of weather conditions, and in professional kitchen and dining spaces
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds when needed, subject to applicable laws respecting reasonable accommodation

To Apply

All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter, résumé, and up to three work references.

About Stone Barns Center

Stone Barns Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit farm, education, and research center with a mission to catalyze positive change in our food culture. Since 2004, we have been driving innovation in regenerative farming practices and mindful food choices that benefit human health, strengthen communities, and protect the environment. Our Hudson Valley campus, shared with our partner restaurant Blue Hill at Stone Barns, is a place where farmers, chefs, diners, educators, and artisans come together to explore solutions to the most pressing challenges of our food system. As we approach our 20th anniversary, with the growing awareness of the interrelationship between agriculture and climate change, we are harnessing our campus as a research and development hub for the food culture we envision. Stone Barns Center is committed to equity and inclusion. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply for employment.