Seasonal Research Technicians

The Rodale Institute, founded by organic agriculture pioneer J.I. Rodale, is a non-profit organization dedicated to regenerative organic agriculture research and outreach to farmers, policymakers, and the general public. The Institute is based on a 333-acre farm in Kutztown, Pennsylvania.

Seasonal research technician positions for 2012 are open to college graduates and current local college students. Graduated applicants will work 40 hours/week, starting in April or May and ending in mid-December. Current college students will work 15 hours/week during the school year and 40 hours/week during breaks. Compensation is $12/hour, no benefits. (If you are only available for a shorter time period, we would be happy to consider your application for a volunteer position or an unpaid internship in collaboration with your school).

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Have, or are currently working towards, a bachelor’s degree preferably in biology, environmental science, agronomy or a related field
  • Experience with data collection
  • Proficiency and experience in entering and summarizing data in Excel
  • Experience with and understanding of ArcGIS preferred
  • Hands-on sustainable agriculture experience (research or production) preferred

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lay out experimental field plots
  • Assist with greenhouse plantings
  • Conduct lab experiments
  • Tend and maintain experiments
  • Collect and process samples from the field
  • Enter data for statistical analysis and interpretation

Work with research staff to assume field, lab, and data-entry coordination responsibility for one of the following project roles:

MYCORRHIZA TECHNICIAN

This project provides the opportunity to focus on collaborative, long-term research with Dr. David Douds of the USDA-ARS. Project tasks include maintenance of and data collection from greenhouse plant-growth experiments and field-grown vegetable plots, both at Rodale Institute and on collaborating farms in the area.

 

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT TECHNICIAN

In conjunction with North Carolina State University, this project investigates injection of manure or compost into organic no-till crop land to reduce tillage impacts.  Project tasks include monitoring leachate, run-off, crop production, and tillage impacts.  Tech is expected to maintain data files, assess results using statistical analysis, and write project reports. 

 

To Apply:

Please submit a resumé, cover letter, three references, and a 300-word statement explaining which position and project you would most like to be considered for, and why, by March 1 (on-line or by mail).  Please also note any work or volunteer experience relevant to the position you seek. Interested applicants may submit to: humanresources@rodaleinstitute.org or

Human Resources, Rodale Institute, 611 Siegfriedale Road, Kutztown, PA 19530