The Savanna Institute invites applications for an Agroforestry Research Specialist to support a multi-year research project designed to drive real-world windbreak adoption across Illinois and Iowa. We're seeking a motivated research professional to join our collaborative team studying how windbreaks impact crop yields and ecosystem benefits. This position offers the opportunity to work across multiple areas - from GIS analysis and field data collection to farmer engagement. You'll help build a network of farmer collaborators and contribute to research that addresses practical concerns about windbreaks while quantifying conservation outcomes that could unlock new adoption incentives.

Please note: This is a fixed-duration position funded through 2030. While there may be opportunities for the position to continue, we cannot guarantee continuation beyond the current project timeline.

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Duties/Responsibilities

• Geospatial Analysis: Work with staff to identify functional windbreaks using GIS tools and process farmer-submitted yield maps using R to understand windbreak impacts on crop productivity.
• Outreach and Engagement: Support network-building efforts by helping contact potential collaborators and working with our demonstration farm team to maintain engagement with farmer cooperators.
• Field Data Collection: Conduct extensive fieldwork throughout Illinois and Iowa, including tree measurements, soil sampling, and biodiversity monitoring. Extensive regional travel with frequent overnight trips is required. Plan to travel approximately one work-week of every month.  All work-related travel expenses covered.
• Laboratory Analysis: Support sample preparation and basic lab analyses as needed.
• Data Management: Help maintain and organize diverse datasets (geospatial, agronomic, field measurements, lab results) ensuring accuracy across the multi-year project.

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Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Proficiency with GIS software and geospatial analysis
• Experience with field data collection and willingness to work in outdoor conditions
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort building relationships with farmers and agricultural landowners
• Committed to scientific rigor and eager to contribute to agroforestry research

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates or Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in ecology, environmental science, agronomy, forestry, or related field
• Experience conducting ecological or agricultural research in field settings
• Experience working with agricultural producers or in agricultural extension/outreach roles
• Experience with data management and analysis in R, Python, or similar platforms

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Compensation & Benefits

$55,000 - $65,000 / year

This position is eligible for the Institute’s benefits package. Benefits for full-time employees include 20 days of paid time off annually plus 11 civic holidays, 12 weeks of parental/disability leave annually, a dependent care flex spending account, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, reimbursement of healthcare costs (including ACA marketplace premiums) via an HRA plan, and a monthly home office stipend.

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Location

Madison, WI or Champaign-Urbana, IL

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About Savanna Institute

Founded in 2013, the Savanna Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works with farmers and scientists to lay the groundwork for widespread agroforestry adoption in the Midwest US. Inspired by the native savanna ecosystems that once covered much of this region, the Savanna Institute conducts research, education, and outreach to support the growth of diverse, perennial agroecosystems.

We seek applicants who share our passion for ecological and equitable agriculture as a nature-based climate solution and who are motivated to widen the circle of who has the opportunity to inform, support, and benefit from its development.