Overview The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.) is a nonprofit science corporation dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology. Currently under design is the NEON project - an observatory comprising more than 60 environmental and biological monitoring locations distributed throughout twenty domains across the United States, Hawaii, Alaska & Puerto Rico. The observatory network will be the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales over multiple decades.
Position Summary Two temporary Field Technicians are needed to collect insects for the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) (http://www.neoninc.org/) at sites in the Northeast - located at the Harvard Forest in Petersham, MA. The Harvard Forest has been a Long-Term Ecological Research site since 1988 and is host to atmospheric, hydrological, ecological, and biodiversity studies. The NEON focus at Harvard Forest is on climate change and land-use change. Harvard Forest is the northernmost participant in NEON’s nitrogen deposition research, which extends southwest from New England to Alabama. The 2010 research will focus on a subset of the full NEON activities and represents a prototype effort to characterize the site. Timeline This temporary assignment is expected to run June 7 – July 30. Work will be full days Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of each week during this period. The work schedule will be 3 days on/four days off with 8-10h days anticipated. Project Duties Field technicians will install pitfall traps (involves digging small holes and placing traps), check, empty, and reset traps weekly, maintain traps and other field equipment. Technicians will receive training prior to beginning fieldwork. Upon successful completion of training, technicians will work as a pair, independently collecting insects. Technicians will carry a GPS unit and a PDA for data entry. Required Qualifications • A valid, current driver's license • Personal vehicle capable of driving on muddy or gravel roads • Proof of auto insurance • Must be at least 18 years of age. • Must be US Citizen Preferred Qualifications • Currently working toward BS, MS, Ph.D. degree in Ecology or Biology or another related field • Experience as a field technician • Experience with backcountry hiking and navigation (maps, compass, and GPS) • Experience leading hikes, or assisting nature societies with seasonal nature observations • Wildlife safety training course or another safety training course Skills and Abilities: • Ability to follow instructions, a strong work ethic, and enthusiasm • Able to supply personal gear (adequate clothing and boots, etc.) • Ability to work independently and as part of a team • Proficient in MS Office including Excel and Word • Attention to detail and accuracy Physical Abilities • Ability to hike with packs up to 25 lbs (carrying traps and other field equipment) to field sites off-trail for distances of up to 3 miles • Ability to work in adverse weather conditions and in all types of terrains Compensation $12/hr plus mileage (reimbursed). Apply online at www.neoninc.org by 23 April 2010. Be sure to include your resume, cover letter including dates of availability and at least three references. NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
