[ECOLOG-L] Job: field technician, NEON northern plains domain

[David Inouye]

Field Technician I,  II or III -  Northern Plains - Domain 9
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 cyber infrastructure 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 Field Operations Manager, The 
Field Technician(s) will perform a variety of technical and scientific tasks.


Field Technician I

The Field Technician I will perform a variety of 
scientific and technical tasks.  The Field 
Technician I is the biological sampling lead 
performing seasonal and periodic sampling 
activities.  Seasonal field sampling is conducted 
with the assistance of temporary field 
crews.  The Field Technician will provide 
guidance to temporary field crews and perform 
field and laboratory activities. This position 
reports to the Field Operations Manager.



The Field Technician I will also assist with 
routine maintenance, field calibration, and 
repair of scientific instruments and associated 
infrastructure as assigned by the Manager Field Operations.



Field Technician II

The Field Technician II will perform a variety of 
technical and scientific tasks.  The Field 
Technician II is the technical lead performing 
routine maintenance, field calibration, and 
repair of scientific instruments and associated 
infrastructure.  After initial instrument 
installation, the Field Technician II will have 
primary responsibility for instruments and 
infrastructure at tower/aquatic sites.

The Field Technician II will also assist with 
seasonal and/or periodic sampling 
activities.   Seasonal field sampling is 
conducted with the assistance of temporary field 
crews.  The Field Technician will provide 
guidance to temporary field crews and perform 
field and laboratory activities as assigned by 
the Manager Field Operations. This position 
reports to the Manager Field Operations.

Field Technician III

The Field Technician III will perform a variety 
of technical and scientific tasks.  The Field 
Technician III is the shift lead performing and 
supervising routine maintenance, field 
calibration, and repair of scientific instruments 
and associated infrastructure.  After initial 
instrument installation, the Field Technician III 
will have primary responsibility for instruments 
and infrastructure at {tower/aquatic} sites.

The Field Technician III will also supervise and 
assist with seasonal and/or periodic sampling 
activities.   Seasonal field sampling is 
conducted with the assistance of temporary field 
crews.  The Field Technician will provide 
guidance to temporary field crews and perform 
field and laboratory activities as assigned by 
the Field Operations Manager. This position 
reports to the Manager Field Operations Manager.



Must have permanent authorization for US employment.



Multiple positions.



Location:

The Domain 9 Field Technician’s primary work 
location is near Jamestown, ND. This position 
supports sites in the Northern Plains Domain . 
Northern Plains sites are located in North Dakota 
at Woodworth, ND, at Dakota Coteau Field School 
(DCFS) near Woodworth, ND and at Northern Great 
Plains Research Laboratory (NGPRL) near Bismarck, 
ND. The Northern Plains Domain includes parts of 
North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana.



Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Field Technician I

·       Follow established, standardized field 
procedures for sample collection; record and 
verify accuracy of data from sample collection; 
process samples in the domain lab; and send 
samples to external analytical labs.

·       Field sampling activities include the 
following observation and specimen collection activities:

·       Small mammal abundance

·       Small mammal-borne disease (i.e. Hantavirus)

·       Breeding bird population counts

·       Ground beetle abundance and diversity

·       Mosquito phenology, diversity, and disease (i.e. West Nile Virus)

·       Plant phenology observations

·       Soil and water sample collection for 
microbial diversity and biogeochemical analysis

·       Terrestrial and aquatic vegetation 
diversity and primary productivity measurements

·       Aquatic invertebrate and fish diversity and abundance

·       Stream morphology mapping

·       Operate laboratory equipment including 
Wiley Mill, drying oven, analytical balance, 
centrifugal mill, and muffle furnace.

·       Assist the Field Operations Manager with 
recruiting and training of seasonal field personnel.

·       Provide technical guidance to seasonal field personnel.

·       Perform plot establishment by locating 
plots with GPS navigation system, measuring and 
marking plots, and placing and setting traps.

·       Assist the Field Operations Manager with field activity audits.

·       Perform inspection and maintenance of laboratory and field equipment.

·       Assist with routine inspection, 
calibration, maintenance and repair of 
atmospheric, micrometeorological, and water 
quality sensors on towers, soil arrays, streams and groundwater wells.

·       Assist with routine maintenance to assure 
quality of data acquisition and connectivity equipment.

·       Assist with inspection and routine 
maintenance of civil infrastructure, including 
boom arms, sensor mounts, towers, boardwalks, and instrument huts.

·       Assist Manager Field Operations with 
Domain Support Facility activities (e.g., 
inventory and supply order management; field 
equipment maintenance and repair; and upkeep of office and lab areas).

·       Record activities and completed work 
according to Field Operations protocol.

·       Perform field assignments in a variety of 
conditions (e.g., weather, terrain, diverse assigned biomes).

·       Carry, move and lift field supplies (pack 
weighing up to 40 lbs.) to assigned field site (diverse and uneven terrain).

·       Follow NEON safety and Field Operations policy and procedures.



Field Technician II

·       Perform routine inspection, calibration, 
maintenance and repair of atmospheric and aquatic 
sensors on towers, soil arrays, lakes, streams and groundwater wells.

·       Perform basic testing, troubleshooting 
and operation of instruments and calibration equipment.

·       Perform routine maintenance to assure 
quality of data acquisition and equipment connectivity.

·       Perform inspection and routine 
maintenance of site infrastructure, including 
boom arms, sensor mounts, towers, boardwalks, and instrument huts.

·       Perform inspection and maintenance of laboratory and field equipment.

·       Follow established, standardized field 
procedures for periodic collection, handling, 
processing, verifying accuracy of, and shipping 
of field samples including dust, soil, and water samples.

·       Operate laboratory equipment including 
Wiley Mill, drying oven, analytical balance, 
centrifugal mill, and ultra-low freezer.

·       Assist the Field Operations Manager with 
materials planning and ordering

·       Assist the Field Operations Manager with 
recruiting and training of seasonal field personnel.

·       Provide technical guidance to seasonal field personnel.

·       Assist with plot establishment by 
locating plots with GPS navigation system, 
measuring and marking plots, and placing and setting traps.

·       Assist the Field Operations Manager with field activity audits.

·       Follow established, standardized field 
procedures for sample collection; record and 
verify accuracy of data from sample collection; 
process samples in the domain lab; and send 
samples to external analytical labs.

·       Field sampling activities include the 
following observation and specimen collection activities:

·       Small mammal abundance

·       Small mammal-borne disease (i.e. Hantavirus)

·       Breeding bird population counts

·       Ground beetle abundance and diversity

·       Mosquito phenology, diversity, and disease (i.e. West Nile Virus)

·       Plant phenology observations

·       Soil and water sample collection for 
microbial diversity and biogeochemical analysis

·       Terrestrial and aquatic vegetation 
diversity and primary productivity measurements

·       Aquatic invertebrate and fish diversity and abundance

·       Stream morphology mapping

·       Record activities and completed work 
according to Field Operations protocol.

·       Perform field assignments in a variety of 
conditions (e.g., weather, terrain, diverse assigned biomes).

·       Carry, move and lift field supplies (pack 
weighing up to 40 lbs.) to assigned field site (diverse and uneven terrain).

·       Follow NEON safety and Field Operations policy and procedures.



Field Technician III

·       Assist Field Operations Manager in the 
supervision of personnel and activities coordinated from the field office.

·       Act as manager in the absence of the Field Operations Manager.

·       Assist the Field Operations Manager with 
recruiting and training of seasonal field personnel.

·       Lead and perform routine inspection, 
calibration, maintenance and repair of 
atmospheric, micrometeorological, and water 
quality sensors on towers, soil arrays, streams and groundwater wells.

·       Test, troubleshoot and operate 
instruments, calibration equipment and test fixtures.

·       Lead and perform routine maintenance to 
assure quality of data acquisition and connectivity equipment.

·       Lead and perform inspection and routine 
maintenance of civil infrastructure, including 
boom arms, sensor mounts, towers, boardwalks, and instrument huts.

·       Lead and perform inspection and 
maintenance of laboratory and field equipment.

·       Follow established, standardized field 
procedures for periodic collection, handling, 
processing, verifying accuracy of, and shipping 
of field samples including dust, soil, and water samples.

·       Operate laboratory equipment including 
Wiley Mill, drying oven, analytical balance, 
centrifugal mill, and ultra-low freezer

·       Assist with plot establishment by 
locating plots with GPS navigation system, 
measuring and marking plots, and placing and setting traps.

·       Perform field activity audits.

·       Follow established, standardized field 
procedures for sample collection; record and 
verify accuracy of data from sample collection; 
process samples in the domain lab; and send 
samples to external analytical labs.

·       Assist the NEON Engineering Product Team 
with instrument installation and testing 
(approximately the first 6 months).  Intensive 
hands-on tower, soil and aquatic instrument work.



Education:

·       Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental 
Sciences or related scientific discipline. 
Equivalent education and experience may be considered.

Required Experience, Knowledge, Skill, Other Qualifications:

Field Technician I

·       Experience performing ecology and lab related activities.

·       Experience performing scientific data entry and data management.

NEON will be selecting for specific and different 
experience and areas of expertise in the following:

·       Ability and experience trapping and 
collecting blood samples from small mammals; or

·       Ability to identify regionally specific 
birds (auditory and visual identification); or

·       Ability to identify regionally specific plants.

·       Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

·       High level of attention to detail and accuracy.

·       Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

·       Strong work ethic and enthusiasm.

·       Ability to perform in strenuous outdoor 
activity, carry field equipment and endure 
different outdoor field conditions including cold 
and wet winter weather and extreme heat.

·       Depending on assignment, current and 
valid State issued driver’s license with clean 
Department of Motor Vehicle record (parking 
violations, minor driving offenses excluded) as 
determined by NEON’s insurance provider.

·       Depending on site assignments, ability to 
travel/ hike/walk on uneven terrain to work site.

·       Ability and willingness to work varied 
field operations schedules (up to 12+ hours per 
day), including split-shift, part-time, pre-dawn 
early mornings, evenings and weekends.

·       Ability to hike off-trail for long 
distances carrying field equipment, for extended periods of time.

·       Ability to work in variable weather 
conditions, at remote locations, on difficult or hazardous terrain.

·       Ability to ascend and descend multiple 
flights of stairs on instrument towers.

·       Ability to work on towers ranging in 
height from 24 feet to 300 feet and at altitudes 
of up to 11,000 feet (depending on assigned Domain).

·       Ability to withstand exposure to fumes, dust, and noise.

Field Technician II

·       Two (2) or more years’ experience 
maintaining scientific instruments (e.g. aquatic, 
meteorological or atmospheric sensors).

·       Two (2) or more years’ experience 
performing scientific data entry and data management.

·       Ability to perform troubleshooting, 
calibration, and repair of scientific instrumentation.

·       Ability to organize and execute multiple activities and priorities.

·       Very effective problem solving skills and 
the ability to act on changing priorities in a fast paced dynamic environment.

·       Very effective leadership skills and the ability to motivate others.

·       Proven ability to ensure safety and operational standards are met.

·       Willingness to adopt new technologies as needed.

·       Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel).

·       Ability to travel frequently within the local domain.

Field Technician III

·       Three (3) or more years’ experience 
maintaining scientific instruments (e.g. aquatic sensors);

·       Three (3) or more years’ experience 
performing scientific data entry and data management; and

·       Two (2) years’ experience leading and 
performing ecology related laboratory and field 
activities in multiple ecosystems.

·       Ability to perform troubleshooting, 
calibration, and repair of scientific instrumentation.

·       Ability to organize and execute multiple activities and priorities.

·       Very effective problem solving skills and 
the ability to determine and act on changing 
priorities in a fast paced dynamic environment.

·       Very effective leadership skills and the ability to motivate others.

·       Displays good judgment in ensuring safety 
and operational standards are met.

·       Ability and willingness to adopt new technologies as needed.



All positions must possess a valid US driver’s license

Preferred Experience:

·       Previous experience leading and 
performing ecology related laboratory and field activities.

·       Previous experience performing ecology 
related field activities in multiple ecosystem.

·       Familiarity with performing field quality assurance procedures.

·       Prior experience leading staff in field conditions.

·       CPR/First Aid or Wilderness First Aid certification or training.

·       Familiarity with field and laboratory safety guidelines.

·       Familiarity with aquatic biological sampling and organisms.

·       Experience working in streams or lakes of North America

·       Familiarity with performing field quality assurance procedures

·       CPR/First Aid or Wilderness First Aid 
certification, Backcountry hiking and or training

Skills and Abilities:

·       Ability to lift up to 40 lbs;

·       Kneeling, bending, stooping ; hand dexterity

·       Ability to perform in strenuous outdoor 
activity, carry field equipment and endure 
different outdoor field conditions including cold 
and wet winter weather and extreme heat.

·       Depending on assignment, current and 
valid State issued driver’s license with clean 
Department of Motor Vehicle record (parking 
violations, minor driving offenses excluded) as 
determined by NEON’s insurance provider.

·       Depending on site assignments, ability to 
travel/ hike/walk on uneven terrain to work site.

·       Ability to work effectively up to 12 
hours per day and varied field operations 
schedules, including part-time and weekends.

·       Ability to hike off-trail for long 
distances carrying field equipment, for extended periods of time.

·       Ability to work in variable weather 
conditions, at remote locations, on difficult or hazardous terrain.

·       Ability to ascend and descend multiple 
flights of stairs on instrument towers.

·       Ability to work on towers ranging in 
height from 24 feet to 300 feet and at altitudes 
of up to 11,000 feet (depending on assigned Domain).

·       Ability to withstand exposure to fumes, dust, and noise.

·       Work environment is 80 – 90% outside;

·       Possible West Nile-infected mosquitoes;

·       Blood-borne pathogens;

·       Paradichlorobenzene 99.90%;

·       Small electric motors and 6V sealed lead-acid batteries;

·       Through handling of mammals possible 
exposure to Hantavirus, Sin Nombre virus (SNV) and plague;

·       Slip/trip;

·       Animal bites and scrapes;

·       Insects, plants (allergies and prickly things).

Apply at: <http://www.neoninc.org>www.neoninc.org

NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 
Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.

Bridget A. Sorget
Sr. Technical Recruiter

NEON, Inc.
(National Ecological Observatory Network)
1685 38th Street, Suite 100
Boulder CO 80302
www.neoninc.org
Phone: 720.330.1570
Cell: 720.839.5016