COMPANY 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.
JOB SUMMARY
This position reports to the Manager Field Operations of the assigned domain.
Temporary Field Technicians assist with field observation; sample collection
and handling; sample processing and sample shipment of a variety of taxa.
The Temporary Field Technician will perform a variety of scientific and
technical tasks. The Temporary Field Technician is a biological sampling
technician performing seasonal and periodic sampling activities. Temporary
field sampling is conducted with direction from and assistance of Field
Technician I, II and III. The Temporary Field Technician will also perform
field and laboratory activities. The Lead Temporary Field Technician may
provide guidance to temporary field technician crews.
This is a temporary assignment, with varied work schedules (up to 12+ hours per
day) including split-shift, part-time, pre-dawn early mornings, evenings,
weekends and holidays.
Daily and weekly work schedules will fluctuate. Work days may be up to twelve
hours long. Work days may be split with morning and evening work. At times,
work may begin at dawn and go through dusk. The work week may also include
weekends, holidays and occasionally may be scheduled up to 12 consecutive days.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
*Follow established, standardized field procedures for sample collection;
record data from sample collection; process samples in the domain lab; and
prepare samples for shipment to external analytical labs.
*Field sampling activities include the following observation and specimen
collection activities:
*Rodent live trapping
*Invertebrate collections
*Sediment, soil and water sample collection
*Plant diversity observations
*Plant biomass and primary productivity measurements
*Lake/stream bathymetry and morphology
*Riparian mapping
*Operate laboratory equipment including Wiley Mill, drying oven, analytical
balance, and muffle furnace.
*Utilize GPS navigation system for locating, measuring and marking plots; and
placing and setting traps.
*Perform inspection and maintenance of laboratory and field equipment.
*Assist 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, and Skills:
*High School diploma or equivalent.
*Ability and willingness to work varied schedules (up to 12+ hours per day),
including split-shift, part-time, pre-dawn early mornings, evening and
weekends.
*Ability to work safely in variable field conditions including:
*Cold and wet weather and extreme heat
*Hiking on difficult or hazardous terrain
*Exposure to stinging insects and other animal and plant hazards
*Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
*Proficiency with MS Office Suite (e.g., Excel, Word).
*Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
*Strong work ethic and enthusiasm.
*Ability to withstand exposure to fumes, dust and noise.
Preferred Education, Experience, Knowledge, and Skills:
*Bachelor's degree in an associated scientific discipline (ecology, forestry,
botany, mammalogy, entomology, biology, wildlife biology or related field).
*Experience conducting ecology related lab or field work.
*Experience conducting field studies on rodents and collecting blood samples
(small mammal techs).
*Experience identifying plants through visual inspection and use of dichotomous
key (botany techs).
*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.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply visit: www.neoninc.org/about/careers and follow the link.
To apply to multiple positions in multiple locations, please apply to the
multiple domain posting (Boulder, CO, US +14 more), this will allow you to
select your top two locations in which you would like to be considered. To
apply to one specific location, please go to that Domain location posting.
Hiring Schedule:
Domain 1: Fitchburg, MA April-June to September-October
Domain 2: Front Royal, VA March-June to September-November
Domain 3: Gainsville, FL February-June to
September-November
Domain 4: Guanica, PR February-May to September-November
Domain 5: Land O' Lakes, WI April-June to September-October
Domain 6: Manhattan, KS March-June to September-November
Domain 7: Oak Ridge, TN March-June to September-November
Domain 8: Tuscaloosa, AL February-May to September-November
Domain 9: Jamestown, ND April-July to September-October
Domain 10/13: Boulder, CO March-May to September-November
Domain 11: Denton, TX February-May to September-November
Domain 14: Tucson, AZ - March to September-November
Domain 15: Salt Lake City, UT March-May to September-November
Domain 16: Vancouver, WA March-June to September-November
Domain 19: Fairbanks, AK April-June to September-October
*Individuals are responsible for their own housing and transportation to domain
office.
*Overnight stays will be required depending on domain location.
*The starting rate of pay is $12.00/hr.
*Must be at least 18 years of age.
*Must have permanent authorization for US employment. NEON, Inc. will not
provide any kind of visa sponsorship.
*Must have valid driver's license.
*Employment is conditioned upon successful completion of a pre- employment
screen and a post-offer/pre-employment drug/alcohol test.
*Depending on the nature (full time vs. part-time) of the assignment,
Temporary Field Technicians may be eligible for health insurance.
NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and
Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
