Job Title: Senior Ecological Monitoring Coordinator
Location: Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Pocantico Hills, NY
Supervisor: Director of Ecological Monitoring
Employment Classification: Full-time, salaried-exempt
Frequency of Pay: Bi-weekly
Salary commensurate with experience: $58,000 - $64,000 per year
Benefits: Competitive employee benefits include medical insurance, life insurance, 401(K) retirement plan, and flexible spending accounts. Other benefits include generous paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, and winter break. Employees also receive discounts on select farm products.
Schedule: 40 hours/week, will include weekends and some evenings
Environment: On-site with seasonal hybrid work

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 helping to lead an extensive agroecological 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
• Lead the training and supervision of our seasonal ecological monitoring interns 
• Lead the team in collecting ecological monitoring data across the farm throughout the year
• Coordinate preparation, analysis, and shipment of soil, insect, and forage samples
• Perform 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
• Perform basic data analysis and maintenance of the ecological GIS database, including taking a lead role in particular tasks
• Participate occasionally in pastured livestock activities with livestock team
• Communicate project goals, data, and findings to internal and external stakeholders, including through ArcGIS StoryMaps
• Support data analysis and ecological data sharing with ongoing farm innovation projects, including liaising with outside researchers
• 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 sit, walk, and stand for long periods of time (e.g., up to 8 hours or longer). 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. 

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Passionate about the work and mission of Stone Barns
• 2-3 years of experience in agroecology, regenerative agriculture, or environmental science; lab experience highly desired.
• Degree in soil science, ecology, life sciences, environmental science, plant biology, or watershed systems (advanced degree preferred)
• Experience with varied ecological field methods, sample collection, data organization and entry
• Strong communication skills
• Strong data analysis and computer skills; some familiarity with ArcGIS required
• Ability to work efficiently in a variety of environmental conditions
• Ability to work independently, as a member of a team, and as a team leader
• 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. 

Visa Sponsorship

Currently, Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture does not provide visa sponsorship. All applicants must be able to provide legal proof of their eligibility to work in the U.S.

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.