Agroecosystems Researcher

Compensation Range: $52,000 annually (renewal contingent on grant funding; three-year minimum anticipated)
About Stone Barns Center

Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture is a nonprofit farm, research, and education center working to catalyze an ecological food culture. For over two decades, Stone Barns Center and its partner restaurant, Blue Hill at Stone Barns, have demonstrated the power of farmer-chef collaboration to inspire change in the food system. Guided by values rooted in stewardship, collaboration, curiosity, and excellence, we work at the intersection of agriculture, culinary innovation, research, and education to help shape a more resilient food future.
Position Overview

The Agroecosystems Researcher plays a key role in advancing Stone Barns Center's ecological monitoring and climate research efforts. Reporting to the Ecological Monitoring Director and working closely with the SB-Columbia Climate School (CCS) Agroecosystems Consortium, this position supports the development and implementation of greenhouse gas (GHG) sampling, ecosystem services analysis, and agroecosystems modeling across Stone Barns sites.

This role contributes directly to multi-year, grant-funded research exploring soil carbon dynamics, greenhouse gas fluxes, biodiversity, and land management outcomes, while collaborating with academic partners and internal teams to generate rigorous, actionable research outputs.
Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive greenhouse gas sampling plan for the  field seasons in collaboration with CCS and Stone Barns Center staff
• Continue and expand gas flux sampling protocols established in 2025
• Complete analysis of 2025 greenhouse gas data and produce associated analysis products
• Collect, analyze, and interpret 2026 field data related to greenhouse gas emissions and ecosystem services
• Support ecological monitoring efforts across multiple sites, including biodiversity, soil health, and water availability assessments
• Collaborate with Columbia University students and researchers on literature reviews related to soil carbon, greenhouse gases, and soil health
• Harmonize land management and monitoring data for use as model inputs
• Contribute to process-based and balance-box modeling efforts estimating long-term soil organic carbon changes at Stone Barns sites
• Assist with manuscript preparation, reporting, and presentation of findings in collaboration with senior researchers
• Investigate relationships among multiple ecosystem service outcomes across research sites

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, agroecosystems, or a related field (or equivalent coursework and experience)
• 1-2 years of experience working in farm, field, and/or laboratory research environments
• Strong interest in the intersection of food systems, agroecosystems, and climate science
• Ability to manage research projects through completion and integrate feedback from collaborators and organizational leadership
• Familiarity with ecological data collection and analysis methods
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within interdisciplinary research teams
• Comfort working in varied outdoor conditions, including heat, rain, insects, and uneven terrain

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

This is a highly physical role requiring extended periods of standing, walking, and fieldwork. The position involves lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, bending, kneeling, squatting, and reaching. Work may occur in extreme temperatures and around farming equipment. Due to the nature of agricultural research, the schedule may include occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays. Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with applicable law.
Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Familiarity with GIS tools and database management
• Experience working within academic or consortium-based research environments
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Curiosity-driven mindset and commitment to regenerative agriculture and ecological research

Compensation & Benefits

Stone Barns Center offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical insurance, life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, retirement plans, flexible spending accounts, generous paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, and employee discounts on select farm products.
Why Join Stone Barns Center

Working at Stone Barns Center means being part of a mission-driven organization shaping the future of food and farming. You'll collaborate with farmers, researchers, educators, and academic partners in an environment that values inquiry, stewardship, and innovation. Our campus serves as a living laboratory for regenerative agriculture and ecological research, offering meaningful work that contributes to lasting change in regional and global food systems.

Stone Barns Center is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to equity and inclusion. We…