Job Description

This is a PT Non Exempt remote position. The anticipated hiring range for this position is 20-25/hour depending on qualifications. Hiring offers will be determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience. This is a temporary position with a start date of approximately October 1, 2025 and end date of January 1, 2026 with possibility of extension. 

Position Summary

The part-time research assistant will support the Hudson River Foundation-funded project “Relational values and stewardship in urban green spaces of Hudson River Watershed.” The research assistant will work with an interdisciplinary team of urban ecologists and anthropologists to examine how diverse communities and individuals' value and disvalue nature in cities. The research assistant will primarily assist in data collection by conducting interviews and surveys in New York City public green spaces. The research assistant will also be responsible for data entry and transcription and support data analysis and data visualization. The research assistant should be comfortable working both independently and collaborating with a team.

Essential Responsibilities

• Field work and data collection in New York City, including conducting interviews, surveys, and planning and facilitating workshops with community-based partners 
• Data management and analyses, both qualitative and quantitative
• Data visualization and communication of findings (e.g., developing two-page summaries to share with community partners) 
• Literature review
• Mentoring and training undergraduate researchers

Required Qualifications

• Prior experience with social science field research (1+ years)
• Bachelor's Degree in social or natural science, or equivalent experience in related fields (e.g., environmental sciences, urban studies, biology, anthropology)

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Experience conducting social science field research, including semi-structured or structured interviews, surveys, and/or focus groups and workshops
• Experience working with and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data 
• Proficiency with spatial data, visualization, and analysis using QGIS or ArcGIS Online
• Proficiency in coding-based programs, such as R
• Proficiency in Adobe, Canva, or similar
• Familiarity with New York City's green spaces
• General knowledge on scholarly topics related to stewardship, values of nature, ecosystem services, and relational values
• Previous experience collaborating with local community-based organizations
• Experience managing field crews 
• Bilingual in Spanish and/or another non-English language
• Master's Degree in social or natural science, or equivalent experience in related fields (e.g., environmental sciences, urban studies, biology, anthropology)

Required Skills

• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and work within project timelines 
• Quality data collection skills and attention to detail
• Strong analytical and synthesis skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel or similar
• Comfort interacting with strangers

Working Conditions

• Work includes both indoor desk research, to be performed remotely, and field work conducting interviews and surveys in public green spaces in New York City. All field work will be conducted with at least one additional team member.
• Part-time, flexible hours, expected 10-25 hours/week.
• Remote desk research can be done at employee's convenience; field research will be organized in conjunction with other research team members, with some evening and weekend excursions. 
• Travel to field research sites in New York City (all accessible via public transit) is required.
• Ability to work outdoors, standing and walking, for extended periods in various weather conditions.

Closing Date : Position is open until filled.

The Cary Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Institute to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, familial status, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is a leading independent environmental research organization dedicated to understanding ecosystems and addressing key environmental challenges. With a focus on freshwater, forests, disease, and cities, our scientists are global experts in ecology and tackle issues such as climate change, invasive species, and human impacts on land and water. Our research informs policy and management decisions to protect the environment and improve human wellbeing, with notable contributions to the Clean Air Act amendments, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

At Cary Institute, we prioritize sharing our science to enhance ecological literacy and foster

informed decision-making. Through a variety of educational programs, we aim to engage students, decision makers, and the public while training the next generation of ecologists and resource managers. Our work spans both local and global scales, with significant impact on ecosystems such as the Hudson River, the Catskill and Adirondack forests, and the Baltimore watershed, making our research science in the service of society.

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