Trademark Management Specialist at The Land Institute

Salina, Kansas, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

15 Sep, 26

Salary

51000.0

Posted On

17 Jun, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Trademark Management, Grain Processing, Laboratory Procedures, Data Analysis, Grower Outreach, Licensing Administration, Statistical Analysis, Database Management, Technical Writing, Interpersonal Communication, Sample Collection, R Programming, AirTable, Project Management, Lab Safety, Quality Control

Industry

Non-profit Organizations

Description

Trademark Management Specialist Who We Are + What We Do The Land Institute [http://www.landinstitute.org/] co-leads the global movement for perennial, diverse, regenerative grain agriculture at a scale that matches the enormity of the intertwined climate, water, and food security crises. An independent 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1976, the organization seeks to reconcile the human economy with nature's economy, starting with food. The transdisciplinary team of scientists, together with global partners, are developing new perennial grain crops [https://landinstitute.org/our-work/perennial-crops/], like Kernza [http://www.kernza.org/]®, and diverse cropping systems [https://landinstitute.org/our-work/ecological-intensification/] that function within nature's limits while researching the social transformation [https://landinstitute.org/our-work/perennial-cultures/] required for a just, perennial human future. How You’d Fit In + Stand Out As the Trademark Management Specialist on the Crop Stewardship team, you will support and enact the daily operations of managing the Kernza® trademark from annual monitoring of grain quality to licensing processes and follow-up. You are someone who loves a wide variety of tasks and enjoys flowing with the seasonal aspects of sample collection, processing, analysis, outreach, and planning. Your daily tasks will include intake and processing of annual grain samples from Kernza and Baki growers, using equipment such as a cleaner, dehuller, optical sorter, and mill, compiling and analyzing grain quality data, managing and maintaining the grower database, and leading trademark management and administration. You are a team player who brings passion and curiosity to the work needed to see more perennial grains on the landscape and support early adopters. You will manage multiple tasks, projects, and timelines under your program lead's direction and use knowledge and skills in analysis, administration, grower outreach and lab work to advance the program's research goals, both independently and collaboratively. Primary Responsibilities + Expectations Lab Work (40%) * Intake, log, and process numerous perennial grain samples (Kernza, Baki) submitted by growers annually * Collect and prepare bin-run or cleaned and dehulled grain subsamples for in-house TLI testing and submission to partner labs for mycotoxin testing using various grain processing equipment, such as a cleaner, dehuller, color sorter, and mill * Carry out laboratory procedures, such as grain moisture analysis, test weights, thousand kernel weight, and mycotoxin testing, consistently with a high degree of precision * Carefully record, enter, and manage laboratory data in notebooks, spreadsheets, and online databases in alignment with specific project guidelines * Ensure that equipment and supplies needed for all tasks are available, clean, and in good working order before, during, and after use Outreach and administrative support (40%) * Respond to Kernza-related inquiries, including from the info@kernza email and phone calls from the general public (3%) * Support maintenance and relevance of the Kernza.org [http://kernza.org] website by working with the communications team to make and/or coordinate website updates and edits (3%) * Manage Kernza license application processes and licensee database, including applicant outreach, review, and follow-up (5%) * Support the Crop Stewardship Program Manager with Annual Grower Survey data collection and analysis (20%) * Participate in team meetings relevant to your tasks and areas of expertise. (2%) * Maintain relationships and communication with external collaborators; help to coordinate and participate in cross-project and lab work. (5%) * Support public or private tours of The Land Institute’s research plots and facilities; remain informed and attuned to the work and the mission of the organization. (2%) Research, Data Synthesis, and Writing (10%) * Assist with data analysis * Synthesize and present project results at meetings * Research and develop protocols Organization & Management (10%) * Help to refine lab and licensing protocols based on the needs of your program * Direct & oversee the work of interns and research assistants in the lab for lab tasks, as well as assisting with any necessary training Organizational Competencies * Mission Driven: You are passionate about the mission of The Land Institute and are interested in aligning your skills and personal genius to benefit this work. * Courageous: You do not retreat or shy away from hard things. You face challenges and conflict with professionalism, grace, and resolve. * A Boundary Spanner: You bring an interdisciplinary skill set, and you model self-awareness in your own preferences. You are motivated to always be learning, and you adapt to span boundaries with people across a range of different perspectives. * Inspiring and Inspired: You are inspired by the people around you, finding and harnessing the genius in your colleagues to meet the organizational objectives, and you are inspiring others through example and by working to realize your own genius. * Growth Mindset: You have the vulnerability to know what you don’t know, admit your flaws, and learn from others to grow and develop yourself and the organization. * A Creative Collaborator: You believe in the power of a diverse collective to generate ideas and solutions. You excel at strategic thinking, being open to new perspectives, and managing innovation. You bring a playful, positive approach to the work and like meeting new people and deepening connections with those you already know. * Excited by change: You embrace nascent and evolving situations and enjoy engaging new people, ideas, and possibilities. You think about change holistically: internal, external, organizational, and cultural. You like iterating systems, building efficiency, and operationalizing design. You are willing to jump in and contribute to new projects as needed. Who you are * You hold a high school diploma * Background in agriculture, farming, ecology, or a related field * Interested in a career related to agriculture, ecology, and sustainable food systems * Good communication skills, both written and verbal. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to provide clear guidance on complex topics. * Basic math skills and numerical literacy * Computer literacy: able to use word processing and spreadsheet applications * Familiarity with statistical analyses and programming languages such as R or Interests and ability to learn new software such as R, AirTable, and other programs for statistical analysis and lab organization * Observe safety and security procedures; use equipment and materials properly * Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness; look for ways to improve and promote quality * Ability to collaborate effectively with individuals across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. * Ability to work well with others throughout the organization to build positive teamwork Qualifications that could help you succeed: * You hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Ecology, Agronomy, soil-relevant field) * Experience with soil, chemistry, or agriculture-related fields and/or lab work * Experience as part of a research lab and conducting an independent research project * Familiarity with statistical analyses and programming languages such as R Hours Generally available to work forty hours per week, via in-person and digital meetings, primarily during 8 am-5 pm Central Time on weekdays when most of our staff and collaborators are working. We are flexible for caregivers who might need to provide rides or support, attend appointments, or be available for caregiving. Location + Travel This in-person role is grounded in the Central Great Plains at our Salina, KS, campus and may require travel for events, meetings, and fieldwork. Primary travel will happen in the United States. Remote work during the off-season is possible. Environmental + Working Conditions * Work in a general office or laboratory research setting * Work with equipment can be dusty and loud, so the use of personal protective equipment will be necessary * Ability to lift up to 50 lbs Compensation + Benefits This is a regular, full-time position, starting as soon as possible, ideally July 1, 2026. The salary range for this position is $45,968 - $51,000 annually, depending on experience. The Land Institute offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary commensurate with experience. Remote-friendly work environment Paid parental leave Competitive, equitable compensation 403(b) Retirement 403(b) Employer contributions Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Employer-Provided Life Insurance Flexible Spending Account Dependent Care Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance Voluntary Life Insurance Accidental Insurance Critical Illness Insurance Employee Assistance Program Paid holidays Generous paid time off Complete laptop workstation and set up for remote work To Apply: Submit a resume/CV and cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience by June 30, 2026. The Land Institute is an equal opportunity employer and embraces the opportunity to provide employment to qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. We are pleased to provide reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Responsibilities

Manage the daily operations of the Kernza trademark, including licensing processes, grower database maintenance, and public inquiries. Perform laboratory work involving the intake, processing, and quality analysis of perennial grain samples.