Description

Positions Summary  

We seek individuals with full-time availability to serve as Research Assistants. This role involves participating in seasonal research activities across all TLI programs, including planting, harvesting, weeding, threshing, plant tissue collection, data entry, lab maintenance, and greenhouse work. Assistants work primarily eight hour days, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an hour lunch break, scheduled weekly by research programs as needed. Some individuals may be assigned to a certain lab or task as a program specific research assistant. The position provides diverse hands-on experience while requiring flexibility to perform manual, repetitive tasks both indoors and outdoors for extended periods. 

 Primary Responsibilities + Expectations:

Help researchers conduct field and lab work which may sometimes involve repetitive tasks or sitting/standing for long periods of time as well as working in extreme heat.
Follow field and lab safety procedures and voice any safety concerns when warranted
Participate in educational events such as research seminars, group training, field trips, and in-person and virtual meetings.
Participate in fieldwork with other staff, post-bacs, and trainees to gain experience working with multiple perennial grain crops.
Ask questions, share interests, and engage with other TLI employees

Apply at The Land Institute website.

Requirements

Who You Are:

• At the start of the position, you must be at least 16 years of age 
• Interest in agriculture, ecology, plants, and soils
• Intellectual curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning
• Good communication skills, both written and oral
• Basic math skills and numerical literacy
• Computer literacy: able to use word processing and spreadsheet applications
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where some guidance and standardization exist
• Ability to follow instructions, including written safety warnings
• Legible handwriting and accurate labeling are required skills
• Ability and willingness to provide and/or diligently use provided personal health and protective equipment or supplies, including drinking water, sunscreen, shade hat, insect repellent, and shoes and clothing appropriate for field work
• Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness; look for ways to improve and promote quality
• Ability to develop, maintain, and honor relationships with diverse groups of people and partners
• Ability to work well with others throughout the organization to build positive teamwork
• Prioritize and plan work activities; use time effectively
• Consistently at work and on time; punctual; ensure that work responsibilities are covered when absent
• Follow policies and procedures; complete administrative tasks correctly and on time; support organizational goals and values
• Willing to adjust schedule to meet the demands of the organization
  

Hours

Work days generally run from Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM but may occasionally need to be adjusted to accommodate weather and/or field tasks, particularly in the summer. 

Location + Travel

This role is based at the Land Institute’s main campus in Salina, KS. Occasional travel to conferences and to visit or assist other collaborators may be necessary. You must be able to provide your own transportation to 2440 E Water Well Rd each day and you must be willing to carpool in company vehicles to field sites and comply with seatbelt laws.

Environmental + Working Conditions 

This work also involves many repetitive physical tasks both in and outdoors, often in adverse weather conditions. Kansas weather is highly variable and can be uncomfortable for months at a time, especially with high humidity and temperatures coupled with limited access to shade or air conditioning. While we are mindful and intentional about our exposure to these conditions, they can be challenging and require good body awareness and proactive measures to protect oneself from dehydration and over-exposure to the sun. You must be prepared to take these measures and have the endurance to work in a challenging physical environment. We feel that the best of human company makes this work rewarding and even fun despite the degrees, but that does not make it easy.

Prolonged periods of working outdoors in adverse conditions, including temperatures in excess of 95 degrees Fahrenheit
Work in exposed field and laboratory research settings.
Work in a general office environment.
Demonstrate sustained physical fitness and the ability to lift 60 pounds safely and without assistance

Compensation + Benefits:

The compensation range is $14-18 per hour, dependent on experience, with limited benefits, including the following: 

Housing: When available, shared staff housing is provided at no cost for the temporary duration of employment
Paid sick time hours 
Monthly cell phone stipend
Paid holidays
To Apply: Interested applicants should submit a resume along with a letter of interest that addresses the following questions: 

• Why are you interested in this position?
• What are some things you would like to gain from this position?
• What experience might help you be successful in this role?
• Please include your dates/times of availability in relation to the Summer, Harvest, or Winter seasons. 

Application website: https://recruitingbypaycor.com/career/JobIntroduction.action?clientId=8a7883d08a91267f018ab3b59051223c&id=8a7887a89ac19e45019aef8fd9011b8c&source=&lang=en