ABOUT THE 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. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

We’re excited to welcome a Soil Scientist - Field Crew Lead to spearhead and conduct field work and support our Ecosystem Services Lab through soil health analysis. This is a Term Position lasting from September 7, 2026 through December 31, 2026. The Soil Scientist will contribute to Working Land Conservation’s mission by executing field-based research and applied projects. They will also assist the Laboratory Manager with sample preparation and analysis for basic soil health parameters. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Field Crew Leadership: The Soil Scientist will oversee field operations for soil carbon and soil health projects, predominantly in Utah. This involves leading field crews, making real-time decisions about daily workflow, maintaining rigorous safety protocols in remote environments, and troubleshooting logistics on the fly when things don’t go according to plan.

Laboratory Technician Support: When not in the field, the Soil Scientist will support the Laboratory Manager as a dedicated technician. Over the past year, WLC opened a non-profit Ecosystem Services Laboratory that provides ranchers and other stakeholders with cost-effective soil, water, and plant testing so land stewards have the data needed to adaptively manage their landscapes. Duties will include following lab protocols, preparing samples for analysis, applying dilution theory for chemical procedures, assisting the Laboratory Manager with sample analysis, and maintaining a safe laboratory environment through proper chemical storage and waste management.

Field & Crew Management Duties:

• Lead field work focused on soil health and soil organic carbon across diverse Western landscapes.
• Manage end-to-end field logistics, including crew, training, daily workflow decisions, and on-site field safety.
• Troubleshoot equipment, vehicle, or scheduling issues in remote and off-grid settings.
• Manage Field Technician(s) and mentor crew members on research protocols and safety.
• Travel as needed to initiate new projects and represent WLC with regional partners.

Lab Technician Duties:

• Assist the Laboratory Manager with daily laboratory operations, sample preparation, and instrument runs.
• Follow strict laboratory protocols for soil health parameters.
• Maintain safety standards, chemical inventory, and proper hazardous waste disposal.

General Duties:

• Collaboratively work with the WLC team to further WLC’s mission.
• Dedicate time to the professional development of organizational and management skills.
• Contribute to a healthy, supportive, and inclusive culture at WLC.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

You are, at heart, a field ecologist who loves leading research across the diverse ecosystems of the US West. At this point in your career, you possess genuine leadership skills. You know how to keep a field crew motivated, safe, and productive, even when facing long days in remote conditions.

You’re comfortable both getting your hands dirty in the field and keeping the benches clean and organized in the lab. You have hands-on experience with basic soil processing (including some of the following: organic carbon analysis, nutrient analysis, respiration, N mineralization, soil microbial biomass and activity), understand solution chemistry and dilution theory, and are comfortable following lab protocols as written (and improving them along the way). Whether you are navigating a 4WD vehicle down a rough back-country road or assisting the Lab Manager with sample prep, you adapt quickly and keep cool under pressure.

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 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.

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 Soil Scientist - Field Crew Lead. 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:

• S. or equivalent experience in: soil science, soil ecology, soil biogeochemistry, conservation ecology, restoration ecology, rangeland ecology or other related science-based field;
• Experience, training, and managing a field crew, including setting daily work schedules and managing field logistics;
• Demonstrated ability to work safely in remote field locations and make sound safety decisions independently;
• Experience driving on rough roads, operating 4WD vehicles, and troubleshooting mechanical or logistical issues in the field;
• 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;
• Experience working in a soil biogeochemistry laboratory, carrying out relevant protocols, such as performing soil health analysis, managing chemical storage, using dilution theory;
• Strong communication skills and a desire to mentor technicians and work collaboratively with diverse land stewards.

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).