Title: Lead Soil Scientist focused on ecosystem services in ranching landscapes

Location: Logan, UT / remote / fieldwork

Application Deadline & Start Date: Application window is January 14th - 25th. Desired start date is March 1.

To Apply: Apply here: link

Position Summary

We’re excited to welcome a Lead Soil Scientist to spearhead and expand our soil health work. The Soil Scientist will contribute to Working Land Conservation’s mission by developing and executing field-based research and applied projects. They will also guide the ongoing development of our new Ecosystem Service Laboratory.

Project Management & Research: The Soil Scientist will lead Working Lands Conservation’s emerging soil program by combining cutting-edge research with on-the-ground application. This position oversees statistical analyses and publication of existing datasets; designs and implements new soil health and soil carbon field studies; and shares results through reports, presentations, and outreach. The Soil Scientist will play a key role in developing new projects and grants; building partnerships with agencies, universities, and land stewards; and shaping the long-term vision for WLC’s soil work in the western U.S.

Management of Ecosystem Service Lab: The Soil Scientist will spearhead the operation of WLC’s Ecosystem Service lab. Over the past year, WLC opened a non-profit Ecosystem Services Lab that provides ranchers and other stakeholders with cost-effective soil, water, and plant testing so that land stewards have information to adaptively manage their landscapes. The lab contains state-of-the-art equipment including an elemental analyzer, mid-infrared spectrometer, and plate reader. Duties will include managing laboratory logistics and budgets, supervising lab staff, and delivering high-quality science in service of working landscapes.

Our Organization

Working Lands Conservation is a small, research-based non-profit located in Logan, UT. Our goal is to bring science to collaborative partnerships working to improve land management, while supporting communities and livelihoods. Through our work, we facilitate the creation of a resilient future for the communities that work, recreate, and value working lands of the western U.S.

We are a team of field ecologists and communicators. We draw on our extensive experience designing ecological studies, collecting data, and analyzing information to understand how land management contributes to landscape health and stakeholder stewardship objectives. As importantly, we realize that trust, learning, and change happen when science is shared in conversation and as stories. We thus spend as much time building relationships as we do collecting data.

We are a partner-oriented organization. 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.

The Ideal Candidate

You are, at-heart, a field ecologist who loves developing and leading research across the diverse ecosystems in the US West. At this point in your career, you possess the vision and skill-set to develop innovative research targeting the needs of land stewards, and have a wide network of partners who can help you build this vision. You believe that coupling relationship-building with smart ecological data collection is the magic sauce that can break down barriers to innovative stewardship of Western landscapes. 

Soils are your jam; and people often look at you strangely because of the joy they bring you. You’re well versed in many types of soil tests including organic carbon analysis, nutrient analysis, and soil microbial biomass and activity. Soil sampling protocols, instruments used for soil analysis (EA, MIR, plate readers), and lab management are all part of your skill-set. Though your first love is soil, you call yourself a true ecologist and are able to link the magic of soils to other vital ecosystem processes and services. As such, in addition to collecting soil samples and conducting lab analyses, you also love gathering and analyzing all types of ecological field data. You are willing to share your expertise and this enthusiasm with technicians you will mentor and other WLC staff within various projects.

You are excited about joining a small, dynamic team of scientists and communicators who are mission-driven and outcome-focused. You believe that blending academic-grade experimental design with kitchen-table relationship building roots projects in community, and leads to adaptive management with lasting impacts. You know that to thrive in a small non-profit requires nimbleness. You are flexible, are not deterred when plans change, and can draw on your problem solving skills to move projects forward. You have superb interpersonal and communication skills through which to share your vision and excitement with all those you work with. You are also grounded, having experience with project management and business systems that facilitate organization, efficiency, and communication. 

You are dedicated to contributing and fostering a workplace centered on teamwork, a commitment to excellence, and mutual respect. The ideal candidate will be a person of integrity, humor, enthusiasm, and optimism.

Primary Responsibilites

Basic Scientific Roles

  • Lead field work focused on soil health and soil organic carbon;

  • Spearhead statistical analyses and write scientific papers using existing datasets;

  • Strengthen existing partnerships and develop new soil-focused networks;

  • Write project reports and present research;

  • Lead ongoing soil-based work across projects, including travel for fieldwork, crew hiring and training, and managing logistics.

Project Development Roles

  • Develop and write grant proposals independently and with WLC team;

  • Travel as needed to develop and initiate new projects.

Management Roles

  • Manage Research Assistant(s) and Field Technician(s) on projects related to the Soil Science Program;

  • Oversee project logistics;

  • Manage the Ecosystem Service Laboratory.

General Roles

  • Collaboratively work with WLC team to further WLC’s mission;

  • Dedicate time to professional development of organizational and management skills;

  • Contribute to healthy and inclusive culture at WLC.

Specific Experience Requested

We recognize that each applicant for this role will bring unique skills, knowledge, experiences, and background to this position, lending their flair to the trajectory of the Lead Soil Scientist role. We welcome diverse experiences and perspectives in our applicant pool, and will be looking for candidates who possess many, but not necessarily all, of the following qualifications and experience:

M.S. or Ph.D. in: soil science, soil ecology, soil biogeochemistry, conservation ecology, restoration ecology, rangeland ecology or other related science-based field;

  • Experience working in a soil biogeochemistry laboratory, carrying out relevant protocols, and using the following laboratory equipment: elemental analyzer, mid-infrared spectrometer, and plate reader;

  • Strong interpersonal skills including working with multiple, diverse, stakeholder groups;

  • Proficiency with statistical analyses of ecological data;

  • Advanced skill undertaking GIS mapping;

  • Experience presenting research including writing scientific manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals;

  • Experience hiring and leading a field crew;

  • Experience living / working in a remote location;

  • Ability to (happily) spend long days in extreme conditions including cold, hot, and buggy environments;

  • Ability to work safely in remote field locations;

  • Ability to carry 20 pounds over uneven terrain;

  • Valid driver’s license.

Workplace, Travel & Compensation

Workplace & Travel:

  • Working Lands Conservation has a dedicated office and laboratory in Logan, UT, which serves as a hub for team members. All team members have dedicated workspace in the office. We also value flexibility, and team members have the option to work from home offices up to 50% of out-of-field time.

  • This position requires overnight travel to undertake field research in Utah, New Mexico, Montana, and Colorado (up to 35% time). Team members are also required to travel to day-long or multi-day conferences and workshops annually.

Compensation: This position is full-time, salaried, exempt. Multiplier provides a comprehensive compensation package, including competitive salary ($68,000 - $78,000), excellent medical and dental benefits, retirement savings, and generous vacation and sick leave policy.

Multiplier and WLC are committed to creating an inclusive, equitable, and accessible application process for all candidates. We recognize that the traditional hiring process can create barriers. If we can support your participation in the job application or interview process by providing specific assistance or accommodation, please reach out to accommodations@multiplier.org.  Requests for accommodations are confidential and will not impact your candidacy. 

Working Lands Conservation is an independent operating project of the nonprofit umbrella organization, Multiplier, a nationally recognized nonprofit with a growing portfolio of innovative initiatives that conserve and protect a sustainable and resilient world (www.multiplier.org).

How to Apply

To apply, please visit our Applicant Portal. Applications will be accepted until position is filled. Priority will be given to applications received on or before January 25th. Please include a cover letter in your application materials describing your relevant experience and qualifications. We respectfully request no follow-up calls or emails.

Multiplier and WLC are committed to creating an inclusive, equitable, and accessible application process for all candidates. We recognize that the traditional hiring process can create barriers. If we can support your participation in the job application or interview process by providing specific assistance or accommodation, please reach out to accommodations@multiplier.org.  Requests for accommodations are confidential and will not impact your candidacy. 

Working Lands Conservation is an independent operating project of the nonprofit umbrella organization, Multiplier, a nationally recognized nonprofit with a growing portfolio of innovative initiatives that conserve and protect a sustainable and resilient world (www.multiplier.org).

About Multiplier and EEO Statement

Multiplier accelerates impact for innovative projects focused on protecting and fostering a healthy, sustainable, resilient and equitable world. At Multiplier, program teams can turn game-changing ideas into planet-saving impact, and they can do it faster and better than they otherwise could.

Multiplier celebrates diversity and is committed to building teams and partnerships that represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Multiplier is also committed to providing an environment of mutual respect that is free from discrimination and harassment. Multiplier prohibits discrimination in its governance, programs, and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, marital status, amnesty, status as a covered veteran, because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from public assistance, or for any other factor that is not based on merit.