Biogeochemistry Laboratory Manager

Multiplier•Logan, UT

14d•Hybrid

About The Position

Working Lands Conservation is a small, research-based non-profit located in Logan, UT, focused on improving land management through science and collaboration. The organization aims to create resilient Western landscapes and support communities. They employ a team of field ecologists and communicators who use their expertise in ecological studies, data collection, and analysis to understand land management's impact on landscape health and stewardship. Working Lands Conservation emphasizes partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including producers, agencies, and researchers, believing that collaboration fosters innovative management ideas. The Laboratory Manager will play a key role in developing and operating the new Ecosystem Services Laboratory, which offers cost-effective soil, water, and plant testing to stakeholders for adaptive landscape management. The laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments. The role involves managing laboratory logistics and budgets, supervising technicians, conducting analyses, delivering scientific services, and contributing to the laboratory's business plan.

Requirements

M.S. or Ph.D. in: soil science, conservation ecology, restoration ecology, rangeland ecology or other related science-based field;
Experience working in a soil biogeochemistry laboratory, carrying out relevant protocols, managing lab safety and using the following laboratory equipment: elemental analyzer, mid-infrared spectrometer, and plate reader;
Experience training and managing lab technicians;
Experience working with diverse stakeholders such as ranchers, agency managers, and academic scientists;
Experience developing and executing business plans;
Proficiency with statistical analyses of ecological data;
Experience sharing results in easy-to-digest reports;
Strong interpersonal skills including working with multiple, diverse, stakeholder groups;
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

You are a scientist who loves providing quality soil, plant, and water data to stakeholders managing diverse ecosystems in the US West.
At this point in your career, you possess the skill set to communicate effectively with land stewards of all types, and have a wide network of partners.
You believe that coupling relationship-building with smart ecological data interpretation is the magic sauce that can break down barriers to innovative stewardship of Western landscapes.
You love working in a laboratory setting and have years of experience doing so in labs that have processed soils.
This includes managing laboratory logistics such as placing orders, upkeeping lab safety requirements, and managing and training staff.
You’re well versed in many types of soil tests including organic carbon analysis, nutrient analysis, and soil microbial biomass and activity.
You enjoy sharing complex results in simple terms because you believe that well-explained data can empower ranchers and farmers to make informed management decisions.
You are willing to share your expertise and enthusiasm with technicians you will mentor and 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 grounds 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.

Responsibilities

Work with WLCs Executive Director and Lead Soil Scientist to develop and execute a business plan for the Ecosystems Services Laboratory, including developing analysis packages based on stakeholder demand and determining pricing;
Spearhead development of NRCS partnership;
Network with potential clients and maintain these relationships, ensuring WLC is responsive to client needs;
Develop marketing strategy and materials for the laboratory and its services;
Maintain NAPT/PAP certification for the Ecosystems Services Laboratory;
Travel as needed to promote the Ecosystem Services Laboratory.
Develop and write grant proposals to support laboratory operations independently and with the WLC team.
Receive and prepare soil samples for analysis for WLC’s research projects and external contracts;
Run and maintain laboratory equipment;
Meet with clients (ranchers, agency managers, etc) to understand their goals for soil analyses, and to learn how to best translate analyses into digestible information that can be used by clients for management;
Develop reports to effectively share laboratory results with stakeholders;
Conduct field work to collect data as needed.
Manage WLC's Ecosystem Service Laboratory including purchasing, inventory, safety, and machine upkeep;
Hire, train, and manage technicians.
Collaboratively work with the WLC team to further WLC’s mission;
Dedicate time to professional development of organizational and management skills;
Contribute to a healthy and inclusive culture at WLC.
Other duties that are reasonable and consistent with this position.