Policy Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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.