Overview The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a $430 million dollar observatory project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology. For the next three decades NEON will collect a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems. NEON will use cutting edge technology including an airborne observation platform that will capture images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, relocatable, and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who will observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data. A leading edge cyberinfrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this information. The Observatory will grow to 300+ personnel and will be the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.
Summary: Reporting to the Aquatics Supervising Scientist, The Aquatic Technician supports the Aquatic Team in their effort to prepare the NEON Observatory for Operations by providing technical experience in the areas of illustrations, CAD/blueprint designs, GIS analysis, and website management. The Technician assists the team in a variety of activities including design of Aquatic sensor installations, supporting the developing of standardized operating procedures for field data collection, lab analysis, data QA/QC, and assisting in the development of a training program. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Assist the Aquatic Team with documenting the design work for installation of water quality instrumentation into streams and lakes and groundwater well installations • Diagram blueprint-level construction ready designs for instrumentation and wells under the direction of the Aquatic scientists and engineers • Assist, as needed, with diagram creation for field and lab protocol documents; GIS analysis of lake bathymetric and stream morphometric maps; videography and diagrams for a training program; and • Research to gather historical data and information on NEON Aquatic sites, including water chemistry and flow; plant, insect, and fish species lists; aerial photographs; maps • Produce reports of NEON site designs • Collaborate with the staff to investigate other possible publications Education: • Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering field Required Experience: • At least 1 year experience with blueprint-level design (e.g. CAD drawings) • At least 2 years experience with an illustration program (e.g. Adobe Illustrator) • Documented ability to produce blueprint-level diagrams for science or engineering project • Previous experience working with scientists in a science-based endeavor • Experience with university library and literature research, including Web of Science • Previous experience with data management software (e.g. excel) Preferred Experience: • Basic experience of GIS (ArcINFO and ArcView) • Experience with the videography process, including storyboarding and filming • Knowledge of biology, ecology and biogeochemistry of freshwater streams and lakes • Experience designing or maintaining websites Skills and Abilities: • Ability to independently gather information from federal and state agencies’ online data portals • Demonstrated ability to write technical documents • Strong communication and interpersonal skills Apply to: www.neoninc.org NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
