[ECOLOG-L] Jobs: Seasonal Field Technicians (Land O’ Lakes, WI)- Multiple Positions

[David Inouye]

Seasonal Field Technicians (Land O’ Lakes, WI)- Multiple Positions
 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, 
re-locatable, 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:

This position reports to the Manager Field 
Operations. Seasonal Field Technicians assist 
with field observation; sample collection and 
handling; sample processing and sample shipment of a variety of taxa.


The Seasonal Field Technician will perform a 
variety of scientific and technical tasks. The 
Seasonal Field Technician is a biological 
sampling technician performing seasonal and 
periodic sampling activities.  Seasonal field 
sampling is conducted with direction from and 
assistance of Field Technician I, II and III.  In 
a lead role, the Seasonal Field Technician may 
provide guidance to temporary field crews. The 
Seasonal Field Technician will also perform field and laboratory activities.

This is a temporary assignment expected to begin 
in April to June 2014 and continue through August 
to September 2014.  Daily and weekly work 
schedule will fluctuate.  Work days can be up to 
twelve hours long.  Work days may be split with 
morning and evening work.  At times work will 
begin at dawn and go through dusk.  Work week can 
include weekends and occasionally may be up to 12 consecutive days.



Individuals are responsible for their own housing 
and transportation to primary work location.



Location:

The Domain 5 Seasonal Field Technician’s  primary 
work location is near Land O’ Lakes, WI.  This 
position supports sites in the Great Lakes 
Domain.  Great Lakes sites are located at 
University of Notre Dame Environmental Research 
Center in Wisconsin/Michigan, and near Tomahawk, 
WI.  The Great Lakes Domain includes parts of 
Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.



Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

·        Follow established, standardized field 
procedures for sample collection; record 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.

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

·        Perform inspection and maintenance of laboratory and field equipment.

·        Assist the Field Operations Manager with 
materials planning and ordering.

·        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.



Required Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills:

·        High School diploma or equivalent.

·        Must be at least 18 years of age.

·        Proficiency with MS Office Suite (e.g., Excel, Word).

·        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 
insurable 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.

Preferred Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills:

·         Bachelor’s degree in an associated 
scientific discipline (ecology, forestry or related field).

·        Experience conducting ecology related lab or field work.

·        Experience trapping small mammals and 
collecting blood samples (small mammal techs only).

·        Experience backcountry hiking and navigating (maps, compass, and GPS).

·        Backcountry safety training course or other safety training.

·        Experience leading field sampling 
activities, hikes, or assisting nature societies 
with seasonal nature observations.

Full-time and part-time positions available.

Must have permanent authorization for US employment.


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




Bridget A. Sorget

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