Wolfe’s Neck Center & University of Maine Extension Research Scientist
Freeport, Maine
Wolfe's Neck Center /
Full-time /
Hybrid
About Wolfe's Neck Center
Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment is a fast-growing, national nonprofit organization based on a campus of over 600 acres of coastal farmland in Freeport, Maine. Our work is dedicated to creating a world where agriculture and food systems support farmer viability, thriving ecosystems, and vibrant communities. Through regenerative farmer training, demonstration, innovative research, and collaborations, Wolfe’s Neck Center works to advance agriculture - on our own campus and nationally - to accelerate holistic change in food systems, and mitigate the effects of a changing climate.
Wolfe’s Neck Center serves as a testing ground for new management technologies and techniques, while also training the next generation of farmers in rotational grazing and regenerative agricultural systems. Through collaborative research projects, on-going soil and animal health monitoring, and detailed record-keeping utilizing monitoring technologies, our organization aims to demonstrate, educate, and support broader adoption of regenerative and sustainable agricultural practices across the region as well as provide insight into climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. Our organic dairy features a herd of approximately 35 milking Jersey and Holstein cows, managed through intensive rotational grazing practices. Additionally, Wolfe’s Neck Center operates a small ~4 acre market fruit and vegetable garden.
About the University of Maine and University of Maine Cooperative Extension
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu. UMaine Cooperative Extension is the doorway to UMaine expertise. For over 100 years, Extension has been putting university research to work in homes, businesses, farms, and communities — in every corner of Maine. In addition to state offices in Orono, there is a network of county-based offices staffed by experts who provide practical, locally-based solutions for farmers, small business owners, kids, parents, consumers, and many others. Cooperative Extension strives to be an equitable, sustainable, purposeful and enjoyable place to work. We are interested in candidates who can contribute diverse experiences and perspectives to the department and campus.
Position Summary
The Research Scientist position will lead and coordinate all research and demonstration initiatives conducted on-site at Wolfe’s Neck Center (WNC), as well as work with WNC and University of Maine Cooperative Extension (UMaine Extension) staff to develop and execute an educational and outreach programming agenda to share research efforts and findings with farmers and the public. Specifically, this new role will oversee ongoing research projects while also developing a forward-looking research agenda that addresses critical agricultural challenges facing the New England farming community. To ensure that research and demonstration efforts are informed by and accessible to both agricultural producers and scientific audiences, the Research Scientist will establish and manage effective communication and information exchange channels. These may include creating a research advisory board, contributing to popular and peer-reviewed publications, organizing on-farm educational events, and presenting at agricultural trade shows, conferences, and community gatherings. Additionally, this role will supervise farming staff involved in research projects, who in turn will oversee on-site research interns. This position will report to the Managing Director of Programs at WNC, will receive support from the UMaine Extension, Program Leader, Agriculture & Natural Resources and receive mentorship and collaboration from a panel of UMaine Cooperative Extension Specialists. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job successfully. If you do not fit this description perfectly but believe that you would be a good fit for this position, please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or apply. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Position Details
- Wolfe’s Neck Center Department: Research and Demonstration
- University of Maine (UMaine) Department: Cooperative Extension
- Reports to: Wolfe’s Neck Center Managing Director of Programs with support from the UMaine Extension Program Leader, Agriculture & Natural Resources
- Position Type: Regular/full-time fiscal year appointment for two years, with the option to extend. This is a split position between Wolfe’s Neck Center (70%) and Cooperative Extension (30%) and is part of the Wolfe’s Neck Center team.
Initial Project Priorities (first two years):
- Seaweed Feed Additive Trial: Collaborate with regional partners at the University of Vermont, University of New Hampshire and Bigelow Laboratories to support WNC’s dairy team in conducting a seaweed feed additive trial, focusing on evaluating milk quality and dairy herd nutrition. This includes coordinating outreach and public engagement activities related to the trial.
- PFAS Transport and Mitigation in Dairy Systems: Work with UMaine, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF), and the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention to support trials examining milk intake transfer factors, the impact of plant and soil properties on PFAS uptake in forage crops, crop management strategies to reduce PFAS in harvested forages, and feeding and herd management options to minimize milk contamination.
- Research Prioritization Needs Assessment: Collaborate with UMaine Extension and WNC’s farmer outreach staff to design a survey and facilitate focus groups with the regional farming community that identify and refine WNC’s research priorities, shaping new projects and collaborative efforts.
General Roles & Responsibilities
- Work with WNC and UMaine Extension staff to develop and execute a collaborative research and educational programming agenda.
- Implement the final season (2025) of a seaweed feed trial with WNC’s dairy herd that is part of a collaborative research project led by the University of Vermont, the University of New Hampshire, and Bigelow Laboratory.
- Coordinate the development of an on-site research trial focused on PFAS transport in dairy systems and possible mitigation options in collaboration with researchers at UMaine Extension, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, and the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Oversee and participate in all on-site and on-farm research, ensuring the integrity of all fieldwork and data collection processes and the maintenance of clear and accurate research records.
- Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with all research partners and other stakeholders to ensure effective research collaborations and to support outreach to farmers and the public.
- Serve as the Principal Investigator (PI) in competitive funding proposal(s).
- Work with WNC’s farm team to assist with all on-site regenerative agriculture demonstration work.
- Develop and oversee research project budgets to ensure research projects and associated programming are operated according to the approved budget.
- Work with the WNC Managing Director of Programs, WNC Advancement staff, and UMaine Extension staff to assist with the development of grant proposals, and support associated grant reporting for collaborative research projects.
- Work with WNC Managing Director of Programs, WNC public education and communications staff, as well as UMaine Extension to develop and oversee communication and information exchange efforts, which could include the establishment of a research advisory board, contributions to popular and peer-reviewed publications, on-farm educational and outreach events, and presentations at agricultural trade shows, conferences, and community events.
- Supervise farming staff participating in research who in turn will be supervising all on-site research interns.
- Support the farm team in maintaining ongoing monitoring and data collection efforts for the organic dairy program and crop production systems.
- Facilitate WNC’s participation in long-term soil monitoring initiatives, such as Pasa Sustainable Agriculture’s Soil Health Benchmarking Study.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree required, Ph.D preferred in agriculture science, agroecology, ecology, plant science, soil science, environmental science, or related field.
- Working knowledge of agriculture and crop/soil interactions, with a preference for livestock and grazing-based farm operations - could be achieved through a combination of on-farm experience, farm-based research, or technical assistance.
- Documented record of conducting high-quality, applied scientific research, demonstrated by publication in peer-reviewed journals, Extension-type fact sheets, and popular press.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; proven ability to effectively communicate, both in writing and verbally, research findings and trial information.
- Familiarity with field-based research, establishing monitoring systems, sampling procedures and ability to effectively organize and manage spreadsheets and datasets.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse partners and stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, technical assistance providers, and agriculture support organizations.
- Strong organizational abilities, time management skills and ability to effectively plan across the program season.
- Willingness and ability to work many hours in various weather conditions, to perform physically strenuous duties, and to work occasionally in the evenings and on weekends.
- Ability to effectively supervise farming staff and occasionally research interns.
- Experience working with diverse audiences; knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with PFAS or similar compounds in agricultural systems.
- Experience with Cooperative Extension or other educational program development, delivery and evaluation.
- Familiarity with the grant application process and the financial management of grant funds.
Other Requirements
- Legally able to work in the United States (we cannot provide VISA sponsorship).
- This position is located on-site in Freeport, Maine, with the option to structure as a hybrid position, requiring regular, mutually agreed upon time spent on-site at our oceanfront farm and campus.
- Travel is estimated to be up to 10% of the time, with most travel occurring within the state of Maine for research meetings, additional trials, and professional events such as conferences, and workshops.
$60,000 - $70,000 a year
Benefits
The Wolfe’s Neck Center & University of Maine Extension Research Scientist position is a full-time, year-round position. The starting salary range is $60-70k, with the option to structure as a .85 FTE with the ability to fund another .15 FTE through the attainment of additional grant funding. This position is fully funded for two years with the option to extend if additional funding is secured. As a full-time employee of Wolfe’s Neck Center, this position is eligible for benefits including employer-paid health insurance premiums, dental insurance, three weeks paid vacation, Maine state holidays off, and our retirement savings plan, which includes up to 100% match of employee contributions up to 5% of eligible compensation. Up to one month of salary as additional compensation is possible if secured through external funding opportunities.
To Apply
Please apply at this link by submitting a cover letter and resume. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, Wolfe’s Neck Center and the University of Maine System do not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).
Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment welcomes a diverse pool of candidates. In accordance with federal Equal Opportunity laws, Wolfe’s Neck Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, sexual orientation including gender identity or expression, veteran status, or physical or mental disability in the hiring of its employees. Applicants are selected based on their ability to perform the essential functions of the job, prior work experience, and references from previous employers.
