[ECOLOG-L] Job: Field operations manager, Fairbanks, NEON

[David Inouye]

Field Operations Manager – Fairbanks, AK

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:

Reporting to the Director Field Operations, the 
NEON Field Operations Manager is responsible for 
managing all personnel and activities coordinated 
from the assigned field office.  Field office 
activities include (1) preventative and 
corrective maintenance of scientific 
instrumentation, field infrastructure and 
equipment, office and laboratory equipment, (2) 
field observations, (3) specimen collection, 
handling, preparation and shipment according to 
NEON scientific protocols.  Personnel management 
includes (1) selecting, (2) training, (3) 
scheduling, and (4) performance management for 
5-10 regular full-time field technicians and 
20-30 seasonal field technicians according to 
NEON, Inc. Policies and Procedures.

Location:

The Domain 18/19 Field Operations Manager’s 
primary work location is in Fairbanks, AK.  This 
position supports sites in the Taiga and Tundra 
Domains.  Taiga Domain candidate sites are 
located at the Caribou-Poker Creeks Research 
Watershed near Chatanika, AK, south of Delta 
Junction, AK and near Healy, AK.  Tundra Domain 
candidates sites are located at Toolik Field 
Station south of Prudhoe Bay and at Barrow 
Environmental Observatory. The Taiga and Tundra Domains include most of Alaska.

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

·        Supervise all regular and seasonal field 
personnel supporting field office, lab and collection sites.

·        Perform and oversee the recruitment and 
training of regular and seasonal field personnel.

·        Ensure that safety policies, procedures, 
and practices are followed within their area of 
authority.  Reinforce positive attitudes toward 
safety and sets the example for staff by enabling 
compliance with safety requirements.

·        Coordinate logistics and schedules, 
within NEON scientific parameters, for all 
maintenance, repair and field activities.

·        Perform and oversee maintenance, repair 
and field activities according to NEON scientific protocols.

·        Administer the operation of the office 
and laboratory.  Oversees maintenance of office 
and lab areas including lab equipment and 
coordinates necessary repair or replacement.

·        Act as liaison between regional 
stakeholders, including educational and research 
organizations, local property owners and the general public and NEON, Inc.

·        Communicate NEON status and activities, 
local activities and partnerships, and regional 
issues and concerns to appropriate regional 
stakeholders and NEON staff.  Work with regional 
stakeholders to resolve issues or concerns.

·       Prepare annual operating budget for 
assigned office, lab and collection sites in 
collaboration with the Director of Field 
Operations.  Ensure NEON funds are used appropriately and within budget.

·        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).

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

·        Follow and ensure all NEON, Inc. policy 
and procedure including administrative, safety, 
and financial requirements for field station operations are followed.

 Required Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills:

·        Bachelor’s Degree biology, ecology, 
environmental science or related field. 
Equivalent education and work experience may be considered.

·        Three (3) or more years’ experience 
supervising at least 5 personnel including 
hiring, evaluating performance, implementing 
performance improvement plans and terminating employees.

·       Three (3) or more years’ experience in 
management including budgeting, monthly status reporting.

·        Three (3) or more years’ experience 
developing complex work or task schedules (e.g. 
24x7 operations with full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff).

·       Previous experience performing ecology 
related lab and field activities and/or 
maintaining scientific instrumentation (e.g. 
meteorological and aquatic sensors).

·        Previous experience communicating with 
external stakeholders such as customers, funding 
agencies, regulatory agencies, etc.

·        Ability to organize and execute multiple activities and priorities.

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

·        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.

·        Ability to travel frequently within assigned domain.

·        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.

·        Willingness 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.

·        Willingness 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:

·       Graduate study in biology, ecology, 
environmental science or related field.

·        Previous experience managing a technical 
field operations services group.

·        Previous experience leading or 
participating in outdoor activities in remote areas.

·       Familiarity with federal and state employment and safety regulations.



Must have permanent authorization for US employment.



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.