What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Technician, Soil Ecology position at The Land Institute?
Research Technician, Soil Ecology
Who We Are What We Do
The Land Institute co-leads the global movement for perennial, diverse, regenerative grain agriculture at a scale that matches the enormity of the intertwined climate, water, and food security crises. An independent 501c3 non-profit founded in 1976, the organization seeks to reconcile the human economy with nature's economy, starting with food. The transdisciplinary team of scientists, together with global partners, are developing new perennial grain crops, like Kernza®, and diverse cropping systems that function within nature's limits while researching the social transformation required for a just, perennial human future.
How You'd Fit In Stand Out
As a technician in the Soil Ecology program, you will support and direct the daily operations of activities in the field and lab. You are someone who loves a wide variety of tasks as well as enjoys flowing with the seasonal aspect of sample collection, processing, analysis, and planning. Your daily tasks will include things such as maintaining ongoing experiments by weeding, observing, harvesting, and mowing, collecting regular soil and gas samples in the field, repairing and installing equipment such as lysimeters and soil moisture probes, researching a variety of field and lab relevant topics, training and directing research assistants in the lab, offering tours and outreach to visitors, and supporting the creation and analysis of individual or lab-created projects. You are a team player who brings passion and curiosity to the work needed to see more perennial grains on the landscape.
You can capably create field and lab plans for many concurrent projects, including coordinating across multiple sites part of the same experiment. You effectively organize equipment, samples, and workflows to minimize errors and improve efficiency. You manage a variety of tasks, projects, and timelines simultaneously under the direction of the Lead Soil Ecologist, capably work both collaboratively and independently, and communicate well with all members of your team You are excited to broaden your knowledge and skills in field and lab because not only is learning a joy, but you are passionate about wanting to further the research goals of the Soil Ecology program and The Land Institute.
Primary Responsibilities Expectations
Field and Lab Work (60%)
- Help to oversee and maintain research plots through sowing and transplanting, weeding, irrigating, fertilizing, and organizing
- Sample field plots in accordance with project timelines, including soil, plant biomass, and gasses
- Process numerous soil and plant biomass samples via drying, grinding, weighing, washing, sieving, threshing, extracting, etc.
- Carry out laboratory procedures such as soil and plant nutrient, carbon, and physical characteristic measurements
- Periodically assist with research projects in other programs as needed
- Carefully record, enter, and manage field and laboratory data in notebooks, spreadsheets, and online databases in alignment with specific project guidelines
- Ensure that equipment and supplies needed for all tasks are available, clean, and in good working order before, during, and after use
Communication (10%)
Research, Data Synthesis, and Writing (12%)
Organization, Management, and Training (17%)
Outreach (1%)
Diversity Inclusion :
Who you are
Qualifications that could help you succeed :
Organizational Competencies
Hours
Generally available to work forty hours per week via in-person and digital meetings, primarily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Central Time on weekdays when most of our staff and collaborators are working. We are flexible for caregivers who might need to provide rides or support, attend appointments, or be available for caregiving.
Location Travel
This role is based in Salina, Kansas, and is primarily in person, especially during the field season. Some limited remote work during the off-season is possible. Occasional overnight travel to the Lawrence, Kansas field station and annual conferences or all-hands meetings is required.
Environmental Working Conditions
This job posting may be used to hire multiple positions and will remain open until filled. The ideal start date is as early as April 14 through June 9, 2025. This is a temporary position that will last for one year. Opportunities to continue as permanent staff may be available.
To Apply : Submit a resume or CV along with a letter of interest that addresses the following questions :
Compensation Benefits
The Land Institute offers an excellent benefits package and competitive salary commensurate with experience.
The salary range for this position is $45,968 - $61,000 annually.
The Land Institute is an equal opportunity employer and embraces the opportunity to provide employment to qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. We are pleased to provide reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Pay Range : $45,968 - $61,000 per hour
Salary : $45,968 - $61,000
