Since 1993, the Harvard Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology has been an integral part of Harvard Forest’s research and education mission. In 2025, ~20 undergraduate students will join the Harvard Forest community in researching the effects of natural and human disturbances on forest ecosystems. The Assistant Program Coordinator/Resident Advisor works closely with the Summer Program Coordinator to organize the educational components of the program, and to provide the information, advising, support, and management required to create a hospitable academic work environment.

Duties and Responsibilities
This position runs from May 19 to August 15, 2025. Start date is firm and must be on-site in Petersham, MA. Working under the supervision of the Summer Program Coordinator, the Assistant Program Coordinator/Resident Advisor will be responsible for the following duties corresponding to both aspects of the role.

• Assistant Program Coordinator
  • Assist with student arrival and orientation (May 26th – 30th)
  • Inform students of Harvard Forest activities, policies, and expectations
  • Coordinate weekly evening workshops and seminars
  • Work with Summer Program Coordinator to resolve student issues
  • Organize Summer Student Symposium in early August
  • Work on various tasks as needed to facilitate summer research program
• Resident Advisor
  • Responsible for day-to-day activities related to the successful operation of a student residence
  • Hold weekly house meetings
  • Plan, organize, and direct student committees (recycling, social activities, etc.)
  • Advise students on matters concerning community development, conflict resolution and counseling

Required Skills, Training and Experience

• Excellent listening, negotiation, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication (verbal and written) and computer skills, comfortable using email and list-serves
• Capable of performing a variety of tasks simultaneously
• Work independently with moderate supervision
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Must have completed undergraduate degree as of Spring 2025

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with ethnically and culturally diverse population preferred
• Experience as a Resident Assistant/Advisor preferred
• Experience in environmental science work a plus, but note that this is an administrative, not research, position
• Regretfully we cannot offer visa sponsorship for this position.

Time Commitment and Compensation
Compensation is $18.50/hour for 40 hours per week for 13 weeks (May 19 to August 15, 2025); start date is firm and must be on-site. The assistant has a private room (room and board provided), shared office space with computer, and access to Harvard Forest vehicles. The position requires on-site residence with weeknight and weekend work.