Graduate Research Assistantship Opportunity
University of Massachusetts Amherst and the USDA Forest Service
Much of the forestland in the United States is family forest, owned by individuals and families. The decisions these family forest owners make about the stewardship and conservation of their land drives landscape change and shapes the public and private benefits the land produces now and in the future.
The Family Forest Research Center (FFRC) is a partnership of the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the USDA Forest Service and is engaged in applied research to inform family forest owner decisions and policy (www.familyforestresearchcenter.org).
We are seeking applications for a Master’s-level graduate research assistantship to contribute to a project looking at family forest owners’ attitudes and behaviors related to climate change. The student will gain direct experience in all aspects of survey research including literature synthesis, survey design and implementation, data analysis, and communicating results. This research will have applicability towards current efforts aimed at mitigating the impacts of global climate change ranging from policy design to educational campaigns.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, an allied field, or another field that will contribute to the research project
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Highly motivated with a passion for research and learning
• Experience with private landowners is a plus
Location: University of Massachusetts Amherst
Assistantship Dates: Fall semester 2021 through Spring semester 2023
Compensation: This is a 20-hour assistantship with pay, benefits, and tuition waiver.
Application Process: Candidates must apply to the UMass Amherst graduate school, more information can be found at: http://www.umass.edu/gradschool/.
Timeline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Those interested in applying for this position are encouraged to contact Brett Butler, Adjunct Professor, bbutler@umass.edu, (413) 459-1145.
America's Family Forest Owners by Brett J Butler, PhD
Breaking news: SAF’s new book, America’s Family Forest Owners, is coming hot off the press in a few weeks. The author, Brett J. Butler, PhD, is renowned for years of meticulous research cultivating a unique dataset on the largest forest-owning population in the country: family forest owners. Collectively, family forest owners maintain 272 million acres, 39% of the total forest land in the United States, more than any other ownership group. The fate of the nation’s forests lies largely in the hands of this diverse group. This book is the first of its kind to speak to those 10 million family forest owners.
Kathryn Fernholz, CEO and President of Dovetail Partners and Chair of the American Forest Foundation’s board of trustees says about the book, “America’s Family Forest Owners is an essential read for forestry students and others who care about America’s forests and the people that own them. This book is equally appropriate for seasoned professionals, college students, stakeholders, and general public fans of nonfiction!”
This exciting book fills a very needed gap. America’s Family Forest Owners is available for purchase on our website now! Visit the SAF bookstore to order your copy today.
New Report on the White Oak Initiative Landowner Survey
In collaboration with the American Forest Foundation and the White Oak Initiative, the FFRC conducted a survey of 20,000 landowners across the range of the white oak. Respondents were asked how they feel about their upland oak woodlands and what barriers they face to oak management practices.
New Report on the Efficacy of Vermont's Wildlife Conservation Programs
Meg Harrington wraps up her graduate work. Click to download the report.
FFRC receives USFS Chief's Award! Read more about it and watch the ceremony here.
Click to watch USFS Chiefs' Awards ceremony
