Job Information
St. Lawrence University Living Laboratory Curator (Temporary) in Canton, New York
Position Information
Position Title Living Laboratory Curator (Temporary)
FLSA Non-Exempt
Primary Responsibilities
Summary of Position:
The Environmental Studies Department ( ENVS ) at St. Lawrence University seeks a curator for their Living Laboratory, a 127-acre agricultural and ecological landscape that is adjacent to SLU’s campus and that is used for teaching, research, and biodiversity conservation. Current projects and classes focus on ecological restoration, agroecology, biodiversity conservation, local food production, forests, and renewable energy. The property includes public-access trails, such as the Saddlemire Trail, and a mix of forest, wetland, grassland, and agricultural ecosystems.
This position covers diverse responsibilities, including managing the working landscape (e.g., gardens and restoration areas), supporting ENVS courses, facilitating or managing faculty and student research projects, maintaining the grounds, and mentoring student interns.
Position is a temporary contract for 6 months/yr (mid-April to mid-October), beginning April 2023. May be renewable for following year.
Principle Responsibilities:
Duties reflect our needs for this position and appear here in no particular order and are subject to change based on evolving departmental and university needs. Some of these duties are infrequent or one-time annual tasks. Several jobs listed below will be done in collaboration with faculty/staff and with the help of student interns/assistants.
Research, Visioning, and Outreach
Work with ENVS faculty on developing and implementing a management plan for the Living Laboratory
Assist with or oversee research project implementation, management, and data collection
Represent the Living Laboratory at outreach events, including class visits to the site, as well as for university-level committees or meetings
Prepare seasonal departmental newsletter highlighting Living Laboratory activities
Teaching and Mentoring
Prepare and maintain equipment, supplies, and garden plantings for class laboratories
Assist with class projects/activities as needed
Manage and mentor student interns during summer and student assistants during school year
Facilitate student research projects
Site Management/Maintenance
Manage tree restoration plantings, gardens, orchards, small livestock (when present); includes harvest, storage, and post-harvest distribution of products
Manage greenhouse space (when construction is completed)
Manage art and descriptions on a short earth-themed art trail through the site; coordinate with other departments for displaying art; maintain trail
Maintain buildings, fencing, renewable energy installations, equipment, and other infrastructure, doing light maintenance and reporting larger problems
Perform light construction or woodworking tasks
Minimum Qualifications
Degree in agriculture, environmental studies, ecology, or related field OR five years of experience working in the field, such as in farming, gardening, forestry, or ecology
Commitment to a more just, equitable, and ecologically friendly society and planet
Skills and interests allowing for completion of above responsibilities, including general handiness
Organizational skills and flexibility to adjust work priorities as needs evolve
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Strong interpersonal skills to interact positively with faculty, staff, and students
Ability to work outside and perform rigorous physical labor under a variety of climactic conditions
Preferred Qualifications
Status (FT, PT, Seasonal, Temp) PT Seasonal
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number ST01044
Desired Start Date
Open Date (to accept applications)
Close Date (date applications will not be considered)
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions to Applicant
Please complete the online application form and include contact information for at least three professional references.
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background (including criminal records) check.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
The University requires employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID -19 unless they qualify for a medical or religious exemption. Newly hired employees must have at least one shot in order to begin working.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Resume
Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Optional Documents