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 NEON Project Manager, the NEON Deputy Project Manager assists with day-to-day management and reporting responsibilities of the construction project, and the transition to Observatory operations, of the US National Ecological Observatory Network. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Assist in the oversight and coordination of the organizational, technical, and administrative development of the NEON Project, including Scheduling; assigning staff; allocating resources; assessing risk and its management; coordinating the various components which contribute to the project as a whole to ensure they are being delivered on time; ensuring that deadlines are met; and updating staff and keeping all interested parties in the project informed of progress and any issues which may arise. • Supports the management of the NEON Project on a day-to-day basis to ensure progress towards project goals and schedules, directly managing selected key aspects of the project • Assist in the production and review of project performance information, and monitor that progress using standard parameters, Ensuring cost, schedule and technical performance objectives are met. • Assist in the management of a dispersed network of field and data collection sites • Oversees the preparation of internal and external project reviews and reports, investigate and explain variances as needed • Assist and guide systems engineering management of interfaces between design, development and construction, and construction and operations • Direct and manage projects from beginning to end. 
 • Work with estimating to refine the project scope and communicate to the rest of the team. • Generate full-scale project schedule. 
 • Effectively communicate project expectations to team members. 
 • Effectively communicate project status with clients. 
 • Drive weekly meetings to verify goals are being met and setting new goals. 
 • Manage project budgets. 
 • Review Manpower requirements as needed with Superintendent.
 • Identify and resolve issues and conflicts with the project team. 
 • Build, develop and grow any business relationship vital to the success of the project. 
 • Implement best practices and tools for project execution and management. Education: • BS degree in a scientific, engineering, or project management discipline Required Experience: • 8-10 years experience as a Project Manager or planner for a large scale scientific or engineering project • Familiarity with standard project management software (schedule, budget, risk) • Experience in differing cultural worlds, such as business, academia, and/or science • Experience working closely with senior management and Board of Directors Preferred Experience: • PhD or Masters degree in a scientific, engineering, or project management discipline • High level of motivation to support the advancement of scientific knowledge • Ability to influence and educate other project/company leaders and negotiate appropriate decisions and outcomes Skills and Abilities: • Strong leadership, organizational, and communications skills. • Highly proficient in a broad range of scientific, educational, and technical issues; ability to synthesize and communicate these issues to different audiences • Ability to effectively direct and manage several departments and interdisciplinary teams in a fluid environment • Strong written and oral communication skills • Strong interpersonal skills • Ability to analyze and solve problems • Positive attitude • Professional demeanor • Strong work ethic • Ability to follow specific instructions • Wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected • Ability to effectively delegate work assignments, gives authority to work independently, set expectations and monitors delegated activities for success • Prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans • Ability to build effective collaborative teams Apply to: www.neoninc.org NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
