The American Samoa Community College, a U.S. Land Grant institution, invites applications for a full-time Forestry Researcher. The position is a two-year contract, renewable upon satisfactory performance, and housed within the College’s Division of Agriculture, Community and Natural Resources. Responsibilities include both research and extension (non-formal education), as well as support for the College’s instructional programs.

The Forestry Research program aims to increase understanding of American Samoa’s forest ecosystems in support of sound, stakeholder-responsive stewardship to ensure these natural treasures are preserved for future generations. The seven islands of American Samoa remain mostly forested, with inroads for agriculture and other development limited in part by the steep, rugged terrain. Major threats to the native forests include spreading invasive exotic tree species and more recently, pressure to move agriculture, as well as roads and other infrastructure, upslope to mitigate against climate-change induced sea level rise. Traditional agroforestry production systems remain key to enhancing food security, and trees are an abundant and essential part of the village environment as well as public spaces, such as parks and school grounds.

Responsibilities:
• Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate the forestry research program based on local needs and grantor requirements
• Work closely with counterparts in the College and in other agencies to design and conduct research and extension projects addressing local community forestry needs
• Publish research findings in local technical reports as well as refereed journals
• Provide technical support and collaboration on forestry programs conducted by the College and local agencies, and provide technical support for College instructional programs
• Conduct and assist with workshops, seminars and other outreach activities to share research findings and promote improved forest conservation and management in American Samoa
• Write grants to procure support for forestry research and extension programs
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum qualifications
• Master’s degree in Forestry, Botany, or related field
• Proven research competence and two years research and/or extension experience
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in GPS/GIS with strong background in forest/agroforest management.
• Strength and stamina to conduct field work in the humid tropics.
• Pesticide applicator certification

Preferred qualifications
• Ph.D. degree in Forestry, Botany or related field
• Plant taxonomy, plant ecology, weed control expertise.
• Understanding of Samoan culture and good Samoan language skills.

Application
A detailed position description and instructions for application are available at https://amsamoa.edu/employmentopportunities.html.

Application deadline: April 7, 2023

For questions about the position, please contact Mark Schmaedick, American Samoa Community College Division of Agriculture, Community and Natural Resources m.schmaedick@amsamoa.edu. For questions about the application process, please contact the College’s Human Resources Office at ascchumanresources@amsamoa.edu.