University of Massachusetts Amherst

About the University of Massachusetts Amherst 

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

About UMass Cranberry Station 

Established in 1910, located 140 miles east of the main campus in the town of East Wareham, Southeastern Massachusetts, the Cranberry Station is administratively linked to the UMass Amherst Campus. It is a research and outreach center charged with the mission of enhancing the economic viability of the Massachusetts Cranberry Industry and serving the public welfare by supporting economic development and the protection of the environment. Currently, there are 15 full-time employees. The Cranberry Station enjoys an active partnership with USDA-ARS (housing 2 scientists on-site), cranberry growers and industry. The facility has 18 acres of cranberry bog for research and production, with 11 acres on site.

Job Summary

Seasonal Lab and field Departmental Assistant (April-September) supervised by scientist leading plant pathology research activities at the UMass Cranberry Station, East Wareham, MA.

Essential Functions

• Assist in plating plant samples for disease diagnosis and identification.
• Assist with experiments conducted in the field and lab.
• Assist with data collection in the field and with sample processing in the lab.
• Assist with data entry.
• Assist in general lab maintenance.

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness. In the performance of work, take initiative, be creative, and operate with self-direction.
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the UMASS Cranberry station to support research and extension priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the UMASS Cranberry Station.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Basic working knowledge of Excel spreadsheets, word processing and internet.
• Strong interest in science.
• Ability to work independently to organize multiple tasks and set priorities for action, take initiative, be creative, and operate with self-direction in a fast-paced office environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively and work productively in establishing and maintaining harmonious working relationships with a diverse population of faculty, staff and students.
• Ability to organize and prioritize goals; ability to collaborate well to formulate plans and objectives in accordance with overall college goals; ability to identify and implement process improvements.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Valid driver’s license.
• Lab safety training.
• Worker protection training.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Must be willing to work outdoors on cranberry bogs and in the lab.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds.
• Must be able to walk on uneven terrain.
• This position includes balancing, carrying, pushing/pulling, repetitive movement, standing, bending, travel to other campuses, driving, reaching, sitting, twisting, lifting, climbing, etc.

Work Schedule

• 35 hours per week.
• Monday - Friday 8:00am - 3:30pm.
• This is a temporary, non-benefited position.

Salary Information

• $19 per hour.

Additional Information

Along with the application, please submit a resume.

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. You can find these values and goals here (https://www.umass.edu/strategicplan/strategic-plan).

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.