Agroecology Specialist

Title: Agroecology Specialist (resident)

Location: Duke Farms, Hillsborough, N.J.

Reports to: Researcher and Manager of Agroecology and Climate Science

Status: Full time, non-exempt

Duke Farms is a living lab where model strategies for nature restoration, wildlife conservation and clean energy transition are developed. Located on 2,700 acres in Hillsborough, New Jersey, the campus serves as a gathering place for global decision-makers and local neighbors to ignite change.

As a center of the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF), Duke Farms advances the foundation’s mission to build a more creative, equitable and sustainable future. We work across three areas: arts & culture, nature, and health & well-being. In addition to Duke Farms, DDF operates five national grantmaking programs as well as Shangri La, a global center for transformation located in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. DDF’s activities are guided by the will of Doris Duke, who endowed the foundation with financial assets that currently total over $2 billion. (To learn more about the foundation, visit dorisduke.org.)

POSITION

The Agroecology Specialist will support the implementation, operation and research of agroecological projects under the guidance of the Researcher and Manager of Agroecology and Climate Science. The Specialist will participate in a wide range of farm operations , including cattle grazing, reseeding, haying, mowing and equipment maintenance. The Specialist will regularly contribute to research activities and outreach initiatives.

By supporting the advancement of agroecological research and sustainable land management, the Agroecology Specialist plays an important role in furthering Duke Farms’ mission of applied conservation, with a focus on promoting biodiversity, regenerative agriculture and climate resiliency.

As a condition of employment, the Agroecology Specialist is required to live on-site at Duke Farms and remain on call to ensure timely response to emergency situations related to the model farm, including care and feeding of livestock.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contribute to the day-to-day operations of the field station, including cattle grazing, reseeding, haying, mowing and general farm maintenance.

• Assist with the routine maintenance and safe operation of agricultural and research equipment.

• Collect and manage data to support research on soil health, pasture quality, livestock management and climate adaptation practices.

• Collaborate closely with Agroecology staff in regards to animal care and activities of external contractors to maintain operational standards and research integrity.

• Contribute to the preparation of regular reports and summaries of research activities and findings.

• Represent Duke Farms at relevant meetings and collaborative events to share knowledge and build partnerships.

• Support outreach activities to communicate agroecological principles and research findings to a variety of audiences.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience in farm or ranch operations, heavy equipment, agricultural systems, livestock management or related fieldwork. A relevant degree (e.g., environmental sciences, biology, agroecology, ecology) or equivalent experience.

• Knowledge of agriculture, soil, livestock management and climate sciences, with the ability to support outreach activities and translate scientific information for various audiences.

• Ability to collect, organize and interpret field data related to agricultural or ecological systems.

• Comfort with using digital tools and software for research documentation, data entry and recordkeeping.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and collaboration abilities.

• Experience in data collection, management, analysis and reporting.

• Commitment to sustainable agriculture, ecological research and conservation principles.

• Ability to navigate the 2,700-plus-acre Duke Farms property as well as travel to other locations, both indoors and outdoors, in various weather conditions.

• Ability to repeatedly lift and carry up to 50 pounds to a height of 12 inches.

• Ability to work in various outdoor conditions including but not limited to heat, cold, sun exposure and wet weather with potential exposure to environmental factors such as poison ivy, ticks and mosquitoes.

• Available to work flexible hours, including weekends, evenings and holidays.

• A valid driver’s license.

We recognize that not every candidate will meet every qualification listed. If you are passionate about our mission and believe you have the skills and experience to perform the essential functions of this role, we encourage you to apply.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Anticipated hourly rate is $20.77-$25.96, and the final offer will depend on experience.

• Industry-leading benefits, including a 15% employer contribution to your 401(k), comprehensive health insurance, four weeks of paid vacation with additional paid time off and matching gift benefits of up to $20,000 per year—all designed to support employees’ well-being, productivity and engagement.

OUR VALUES

The following values underpin everything we do in pursuit of our mission across the Doris Duke Foundation:

Integrity: We must be honest and ethical in all that we undertake. As a private foundation, we are accountable to the many stakeholders affected by our work.

Excellence: We will insist on the highest standards of performance in fulfilling our mission, will ground our work in best practices and will make decisions based on the best available information.

Openness and Imagination: We will be a listening and learning organization that is responsive to ideas and opinions from a variety of sources. We value imagination and creativity, the ability to think in new ways about the work we do and how we do it.

Collaboration: We value a collaborative and supportive environment in which to advance our mission and objectives. Creating a working environment that promotes trust, honesty and respect within our organizations is as important as earning the trust and respect of our colleagues and peers in the fields in which we work.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: We believe in the essential value that a diverse set of perspectives, experiences and abilities brings to the table. Our commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice is an ongoing, active engagement reflected in our funding areas, grantees, museums, centers, board and staff. At the core of our work is a dedication to serving and learning from organizations and individuals addressing inequities and working toward a more just, healthy and inclusive society. (Learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and how we incorporate this value into our work.)

The Doris Duke Foundation is committed to inclusive hiring and equal employment opportunity. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations and communities to apply. Our recruiting and employment practices adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation in the job application process is needed, please contact us here.