Soil Lab Technician (Temporary)

Job Description

Job Description

Mission :

Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell Climate) conducts science for solutions at the nexus of climate, people, and nature. We partner with leaders and communities for just meaningful impact to address the climate crisis.

Woodwell Climate is a rapidly growing, top-ranked, independent non-profit climate research institute whose mission is to advance science-based climate policies through scientific research and outreach. Our world-leading research helps individuals, organizations, corporations, communities, and nations understand the realities of climate change, recognize the impact on our planet, and embrace the urgent action needed to safeguard the future of life on Earth.

Summary

Consider joining Woodwell’s Soil Carbon Program as a temporary Soil Lab Technician for 6 weeks. In this role, you will assist in processing soil samples from two large projects both with the goal of understanding the variations in soil carbon storage across different landscapes (western Massachusetts and rangelands of the northern Great Plains). The main tasks will be drying, weighing, sieving and grinding soil samples. No soil lab experience necessary. All training will be provided on site.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to :

Using ovens to dry soil samples

Weighing soil samples using a digital balance

Sieving sample to separate roots, roots and mineral soil

Fine grinding of soil samples on an automated mixer mill

Maintain lab notes and ensure quality control of data

Must Have the Following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Background knowledge in at least one of the following disciplines : geology, chemistry, geochemistry, or soil science

Ability to follow laboratory health and safety guidelines

Ability to follow laboratory standard operating procedures

Willingness and ability to work independently

Ability to keep a clean and organized lab bench

Attention to detail

Qualifications :

H.S. diploma with work experience demonstrating ability and willingness to complete repetitive tasks; or

Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program taking relevant coursework within outlined disciplines or recent graduates welcome to apply

Physical Requirements

In the lab / office :

Ability to tolerate sustained periods of walking, standing, sitting

Ability to lift 25 pounds

Ability to communicate

Ability to kneel, bend, and carry items

Ability to sit for extended periods of time

Ability to take notes and use computer

Repetitive movements

Work Environment

The functions of this role are conducted in :

A laboratory setting

Hours of Work

This role is paid on an hourly basis for approximately 200 hours of work.

Typically, full-time employees work 40 hours during a Monday through Friday workweek.

Open to part-time spread over a longer time period

Application review will begin immediately

Desired Start Date : October 2025

Classification and Compensation : This is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt position, the hourly salary is $22 / hour W2.

Location : Woodwell Climate Research Center, 149 Woods Hole Rd, Falmouth MA

Application Instructions : To apply, please complete the application, attach your resume and cover letter addressing your experience and qualifications in relation to the responsibilities of this position in a single PDF to our career’s portal. In your cover letter, please indicate your preference for 1 month of full-time work or a part-time schedule.

Please reference your name on your resume / cover letter. Resumes without cover letters will not be reviewed.

Classification and Compensation : This is a temporary, hourly, non-exempt position, the salary will be $22 per hour.

Location : Woodwell Climate Research Center, 149 Woods Hole Rd, Falmouth MA

Application Instructions : To apply, please complete the application, attach your resume and cover letter addressing your experience and qualifications in relation to the responsibilities of this position in a single PDF to our career’s portal. In your cover letter, please indicate your preference for 1 month of full-time work or a part-time schedule. Please reference your name on your resume / cover letter. Resumes without cover letters will not be reviewed.

Please visit Woodwell's website to learn more about Woodwell’s work.

Located on a 10-acre campus near the village of Woods Hole, the Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) is a private, non-profit research center. Woodwell is a leading source of climate science that drives the urgent action needed to solve climate change. Woodwell has 100+ staff members and is excited to welcome new employees to this work.

Woodwell Climate is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. Woodwell is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.