Field and Laboratory Technician - Working Lands Conservation

Department: Working Lands Conservation

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Working Lands Conservation - Logan, UT

Compensation: $22.00 / hour

Description

About the Organization:Working Lands Conservation is a small, rapidly growing, research-based non-profit location in Logan, UT. Our goal is to bring science to collaborative partnerships working to improve land management, while supporting communities and livelihoods. We strongly believe that partnerships of diverse stakeholders lead to innovative management ideas, and that producers are the foundational stewards of working landscapes. We work closely with producers, state agencies, federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and university researchers to fulfill our mission, share ideas, and inspire innovative management.  Position Summary:Anticipated position duration is from June 2 - October 3, 2025, pending candidate availability. We are looking for a B.S. level Field and Laboratory Technician to bring their skills to our growing team. The Field and Laboratory Technician will work primarily on our flagship project – the Three Creeks Grazing Project. The work includes the 1) collection of monthly vegetation data; 2) harvesting and processing of vegetation biomass; 3) physical and chemical processing of soil samples as well as their analysis on various instruments; and 4) collection and analysis of water quality samples. Other work may include the same tasks listed previously but for other ongoing projects. As such, the Field and Laboratory Technician will gain field and laboratory experiences that transcends any one subfield of conservation ecology.  

Key Responsibilities

• Travel as needed for field data collection.
• Coordinate and execute the collection of monthly riparian stubble height data;
• Contribute to the collection of end-of-season vegetation biomass;
• Coordinate and execute the physical and chemical processing of soil samples for bulk density, total, labile, and size-fractionated soil organic carbon, inorganic nitrogen and net nitrogen availability, microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, and other metrics of soil health;
• Run and maintain laboratory instruments including but not limited to an elemental analyzer, mid-infrared reflectance spectrometer, and a microplate reader;
• Work within a laboratory safely abiding by all protocols regarding the use of personal protective equipment and the handling of hazardous materials;
• Keep detailed laboratory notes, neat and orderly laboratory data sheets, and up-to-date inventories;
• Keep the laboratory clean and organized on a daily basis.
• Other duties that are reasonable and consistent with this position.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Experience or strong interest in the following would make for an ideal candidate:

• Ecology, soil science, and / or biogeochemistry;
• Field-based vegetation, soil, and water sampling;
• Laboratory-based wet chemistry;
• Laboratory-based instrumentation.

Benefits

Working Lands Conservation and Multiplier provides a comprehensive compensation package, including competitive salary ($22/hr), excellent medical and dental benefits, retirement savings, and generous vacation and sick leave policy.