Join the UMaine Extension team for a 1 year Research Assistant in Sustainable Agriculture position!

This position serves as a wonderful opportunity to get some hands-on experience in the field!

The Research Assistant in Sustainable Agriculture with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension supports the field, greenhouse, and laboratory research programs and educational outreach programs led by the Sustainable Agriculture Extension Specialist. Research projects focus on small grain and dry bean production, including for high-value and organic markets, soil fertility and soil health, and the transport of PFAS contamination through agricultural systems and possible mitigation options. The Research Assistant is responsible for all facets of the management of field, greenhouse, and laboratory research projects, and helps with a multi-faceted outreach program that includes field days, grower meetings, factsheets, research summaries, and informational websites. Typical hiring range for this 1-year, fixed-length position is $40,000 to $46,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Please see the Complete Job Description for more details and don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. 

Who We Are 

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension has been a vital resource for over 100 years, connecting communities with university research to improve lives across the state. Our focus areas include the Maine Food System and Positive Youth Development through 4-H programs, delivered by a network of experts based in county offices statewide.

We pride ourselves on being an equitable, sustainable, and enjoyable workplace, and we welcome diverse perspectives and experiences. We also believe in work and life balance and offer benefits to support you. Learn more about our mission and work at extension.umaine.edu.

Qualifications
Required:

These are required knowledge and skills so be sure that you demonstrate how you meet each one in your resume or cover letter. 

• Bachelor's degree and/or at least four years relevant work experience in a related area.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data, and present results in graphical and written form.
• Proficiency with computer programs (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint), document management software (e.g., Google Drive), and data analysis software (e.g., JMP, SAS, R).
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in an autonomous work environment as well work effectively as part of a team.
• Able to achieve and document measurable results.
• Demonstrated management, organizational, and facilitation skills, including the ability to handle conflict.
• Ability to travel normally requiring a driver’s license.
• Commercial Pesticide Applicators License for Maine category 1B (agricultural plant) is required within the first 6 months.

Preferred:

These are preferred knowledge and skills we are looking for but do not exclude you from the job if you don’t have this experience.

• Masters degree in related field.
• Successful supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated skills at collaborating with other agencies and organizations.
• Demonstrated skills in designing and delivering programs with an emphasis on subjects related to sustainable agriculture.
• Knowledge of University of Maine Cooperative Extension and its educational programs.
• Experience working with diverse audiences; knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion; and understanding of equal opportunity, affirmative action and civil rights policies.
   

Other Information: 

To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below:

1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae

Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on April 15, 2025.

For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Ellen Mallory.

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening. 

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME  04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).

Clery Act  

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.