Title: Graduate Assistant (Agroforestry and Farmer Economics)
Position Number: 0000GA11
Hiring Unit: College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR), Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences (TPSS)
Location: Manoa
Date Posted: May 1, 2024
Closing Date: June 15, 2024 @ 11:59pm
Salary Information: $2,429/month; Step 15
Monthly Type: 11-month
Full Time/Part Time: Part Time - Full Time Equivalency of 50%
Temporary/Permanent: Temporary
Other Conditions: Appointment to begin July 1, 2024. Funding through June 30, 2027 pending release of funds and satisfactory performance and progress towards degree.
Overview:
Three years of funding for a graduate research assistantship is available at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. This research project gathers data primarily documenting the economic costs and benefits of agroforestry practices, specifically centered around ‘ulu (breadfruit; Artocarpus altilis) and other indigenous co-crops. The two overarching research objectives are: to gather and build detailed data on the benefits and costs of agroforestry in partnership with farmers who have adopted agroforestry; and to survey non-agroforestry farmers about their barriers and reservations in regards to adopting agroforestry. Through on-farm, co-produced methods, and peer-to-peer learning of genuine real-world skills, scenarios and problems, this project helps overcome barriers while assessing them. It gives support to improve existing agroforestry efforts and aims to provide economic clarity and confidence for establishing new agrosystems for both farmers and financiers. This project’s educational objectives get research on the ground by building and refining tools, curating resources that address farmers’ barriers to agroforestry adoption, and providing direct learning opportunities through peer-to-peer engagement as well as through technical assistance and farmer training programs.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Support project activities and goals as needed.
2. Conduct farmer interviews regarding costs and benefits of agroforestry operations.
3. Conduct surveys of farmers regarding barriers to adopting agroforestry.
4. Coordinate educational activities in partnership with project partners, including (1) community education, in-person engagement, and hands-on learning of agroforestry at a demonstration agroforestry system at O.K. Farms; (2) a compilation of existing resources that address barriers to agroforestry adoption, as prescribed by Hawai’i agribusiness professionals; (3) webinars, engagement with GoFarms agroforestry training program, and peer-to-peer learning networks; (4) creating an Agroforestry Guide that provides quantitative examples of the costs and benefits of agroforestry adoption in Hawai‘i; and (5) using finding to refine the Overyield software for tropical ‘ulu agroforestry to more accurately forecast economic viability and environmental outcomes.
5. Support general activities of the Indigenous Cropping Systems laboratory as needed.
Minimum Qualifications:
1. A Bachelor’s degreein the biological sciences from an accredited 4- year college or university.
2. Experience with managing data in excel and conducting statistical analysis, having excellent people and writing skills.
3. Able to conduct field and lab work independently.
4. A valid driver's license to be able to drive to research site and pick up materials.
5. Acceptance into the Graduate Division, University of Hawaii, in a field related to Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Indigenous Crops, Anthropology, Ethnobotany, Environmental Management, or a related field.
6. Ability to conduct field research involving moderate exertion.
7. Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
Desirable Qualifications:
1. Research interest and experience in indigenous crops and cropping systems and agricultural biogeochemistry.
2. Previous coursework and/or experience with soil science, biogeochemistry, Hawaiian studies, Hawaiian language, and chemistry.
3. Experience in GIS.
To Apply:
Please submit (1) Letter of application, (2) Two letters of recommendation (if not on file in department), (3) Curriculum vitae, and (4) Accepted, or in the process of UHM Graduate College Standing
Apply to:
Dr. Noa Kekuewa Lincoln; nlincoln@hawaii.edu

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