Soil Lab Technician
Woodwell Climate Research Center
Soil Lab Technician(Temporary)
Onsite, Falmouth MA
Link to Apply
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.
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.