Research Assistant

Multiplier•Logan, UT

41d•$26•Onsite

About The Position

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 Research Assistant to participate in all aspects of our current research and applied projects. This includes working with WLC’s Lead Scientist, Lead Soil Scientist, and Field Work Manager on field-work, laboratory work, and office tasks. We expect the Research Assistant to bring knowledge and experience from past work roles to the job (e.g. could be a mix of: GIS, remote sensing, field-work experience, lab, social media). We also expect the person that fills this position will gain a wide variety of professional experiences and skills.

Requirements

Experience as a research technician focused on ecology, conservation ecology, restoration ecology, rangeland ecology, or other related science-based field
Field work experience with exposure to a range of field-based protocols
Strong interpersonal skills
Experience undertaking GIS mapping
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.

Responsibilities

Work under supervision of WLC staff scientists to accomplish seasonal field work focused on plants, water, soils, and wildlife in rangeland uplands and riparian areas
Use GIS / remote sensing skills to make maps, and undertake landscape scoping for various projects
Write project reports and present research
Travel for fieldwork.
Work under the supervision of WLC’s Scientists to complete work that contributes to office operations and research goals
Use QGIS mapping skills for various research projects
Conduct literature reviews for ongoing projects
Contribute to reports for partners
Create outreach materials stemming from WLCs research projects for partners
Contribute to WLCs instagram, facebook, and website
Maintain office supplies.
Work under the supervision of WLC’s Scientists to conduct field work on WLC’s portfolio of field-based research projects
Travel as needed for field data collection to sites in Utah, New Mexico, or other locations. This includes overnight travel. Travel schedule is expected to be 50 - 60% during field season
Execute the collection of field data under supervision of the WLC Scientists. This may include collecting data on rangeland vegetation, soils, and water
Assist the Field Work Manager in cleaning and curating data
Assist the Field Work Manager in organizing field logistics including lodging, truck maintenance, and gear maintenance.
Work under the supervision of WLC’s Lead Soil Scientist to conduct soil analysis in the WLC Ecosystem Services Laboratory in Logan
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
Run and maintain laboratory instruments after receiving instruction
Keep the laboratory clean and organized on a daily basis.
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.