Company description

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.

Job description

How You’d Fit In + Stand Out

As Lab Manager, you will oversee the daily activities in the soil ecology lab. This includes working with the lead scientist to develop and update project management plans, and facilitating execution of necessary tasks by lab members. This position spans management of multiple projects, hands-on participation in research activities, and analysis of results. The ability to develop and sustain systems of organization for upwards of 14 concurrent projects, including large multi-institutional grants, is critical for success in this role. Duties include: working with the lead scientist on developing and facilitating a work plan for lab members; field management; coordinating and executing soil sampling and plant harvesting; coordinating and conducting soil laboratory analyses; organizing samples and data.

Primary Responsibilities + Expectations

Organization and Management (57%)

• Develops and maintains strategies for managing both the workflow and sample pipeline in the lab 
• Oversees data entry and storage, ensuring results are organized and accurately recorded
• Provides input on plot layout, creates and maintains field maps
• Prioritizes, plans, and directs field and laboratory activities conducted by the team (technicians and general assistants) 
• Trains and leads groups of up to 6 lab members in field activities ranging from recurring measurements and upkeep to harvesting and soil sampling events 
• Manages laboratory tasks: review and revise protocols, performs calculations, trains and assists lab members for all ecology related tasks 
• Provides guidance to technicians and general assistants in the lab and supports them in learning and growing in their role

Research, Data Synthesis, and Writing (12%) 

• Researches and develops protocols
• Designs and executes research projects in collaboration with the lead scientist
• Analyses results for some projects in collaboration with the lead scientist

Field and Lab Work (28%)

• Conducts seasonal field work, including calculating rates and applying fertilizer, weeding, harvesting biomass, measuring gas emissions and plant traits, and soil sampling
• Conducts various laboratory analyses, including soil and plant nutrient and carbon content analyses, aggregate stability testing, and soil organic matter fractionation, among others 
• Ensures that equipment and supplies needed are available and that all equipment and facilities used by the program are in good working order 

Communication  (2%)

• Communicates with members of cross-functional teams both internally and externally regarding collaborative projects

Outreach (1%)

• Periodically assists with organizational responsibilities, including public tours, prairie festival, and internal educational initiatives

 

Who you are

• You hold a B.S./B.A in relevant field (Soil ecology, environmental science, agronomy, or related) + 4 years relevant work experience or 8 years relevant work experience
• Masters of Science in relevant field (Soil ecology, environmental science, agronomy, or related) + 2 years of relevant work experience or 8 years of relevant work experience preferred
• You have 1-2+ years experience with large, collaborative multi-site projects
• You are adept at maintaining and navigating cross-functional collaborations both internally with other departments and externally with other researchers 
• You have the ability to supervise general assistants and technicians in accomplishing project objectives
• You are proficient at collecting, analyzing, and communicating data related to soil health and agroecological practices
• You have experience operating farm equipment and implements (e.g. hydraulic probe truck, loading and hauling trailers, setting drills, calibrating sprayers, etc.) 
• You are a self starter who can launch new initiatives and support and improve ongoing work
• You are excellent at time management and prioritization, and ensure that work responsibilities are covered when absent

Hours

Generally available to work 40hrs per week, via in-person and digital meetings, primarily during 8 a.m.-5 p.m. CST 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. 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

• Work primarily in the field in the summer, often in extreme heat
• Work in a general office or laboratory research setting in the off-season
• Physical fitness required for soil sampling and other fieldwork, with the occasional need to lift up to 50 lbs

Compensation + Benefits

The Land Institute offers an excellent benefits package and competitive salary commensurate with experience. 

Job applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We hope an applicant could start by April 14.

The salary range for this position is $65,000 - 81,000 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.

 

 

Compensation

this position is: salaried, 50k-75k

Application instructions

Deadline

February 17, 2025