Graduate Research Assistant-Urban Forestry

Graduate Research Assistant--Urban Tree Planting The Batten University Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences is seeking a Batten University graduate student to assist part-time with the research project “Community Based Urban Heat Island Mitigation in Portsmouth VA and Surrounding Areas”. The student will help organize community tree planting events in Portsmouth Virginia in fall 2026. The student will assist with planning and executing the campaigns, including recruiting and communicating with volunteers, community members, and partner organizations as well as selecting, transporting, and planting of trees. Additional responsibilities may include picking up trees from suppliers in Hampton Roads, creating outreach materials for the local community and schools, and GIS mapping of the study area. Some work will have the option to be remote, but the student will be required to be in the Portsmouth area for the planting campaigns which may occur on weekdays or weekends. There will also be some in person meetings and volunteer recruitment events in Portsmouth leading up to the events. The student will work 5-10 hours per week over a fifteen week period with compensation of $20/hour. Requirements ● Graduate student enrolled in good standing in Batten University’s Masters in Environmental Studies (MEnv) program. ● Minimum GPA (graduate) of 3.0. Or, for students just entering the program an undergraduate GPA of 3.2. ● Availability to assist with the project for an average of 5-10 hours per week from August 10, 2026 - December 11, 2026. ● Strong organizational and multitasking skills. ● Ability to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the MEnv program. ● Ability to stand for extended periods of time, safely lift up to 50 pounds, bend or squat, dig, and plant small and medium trees. Preferred qualifications ● Knowledge of basic tree planting techniques ● Knowledge of ArcGIS Review of applications will begin July 27, 2026 About the project: Portsmouth VA is ranked “at risk” by the Economic Innovation Group (EIG), with nearly a third of the city’s population living in zip codes deemed “distressed”. These areas also have relatively low tree cover and higher impervious surfaces, potentially leading to extreme heat stress. Urban tree planting can have a mitigating effect on heat stress and can contribute to overall wellness and attractiveness to businesses and customers. For this project, funded by a grant through the VA Department of Forestry, we measured urban heat stress in Portsmouth to better target efforts to mitigate extreme heat. Results are being shared with the community, and they are being engaged in developing local solutions. We are working with the community and city to plan and carry out an intensive tree planting program using native species for areas that emerge as most distressed based on heat & demographic factors. The goals of this project are to 1) map the urban heat islands (UHI) in Portsmouth, VA by direct on-the-ground measurement using a citizen science model, 2) identify neighborhoods in Portsmouth that are at high risk for extreme urban heat by combining the heat maps with demographic data using GIS analysis, 3) engage the community in a collaborative process to identify intervention solutions, and 4) conduct heat mitigation interventions by removing pavement and planting trees, in specific areas identified through the collaborative community engagement. Statement of Non-Discrimination Batten University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered on the basis of skills, experience, and qualifications without regard to race, religion, color, creed, gender, national and ethnic origin, age, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, the presence of non-job-related medical disability, or any other legally protected status. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.