Field Technician I-Instrumentation
Location: Land O’Lakes, WI, US Worker Category :Regular Full-Time
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Battelle and its affiliate, Battelle Ecology, Inc. manages and operates
the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON™) project, which is
solely funded by the National Science Foundation. A 30+ year project
dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive
species impact ecology, the observatory’s scientists and engineers are
collecting a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental
scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems. Our
teams use cutting-edge technology, including an airborne observation
platform that captures 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 observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil
and water data. Once structures are completed, a leading edge
cyberinfrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this information.
The Observatory includes more than 500+ personnel and is the first of
its designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at
continental scales.
For more information about the project and our team, visit
www.battelle.org/neon.
JOB SUMMARY
The Field Technician reports to the Field Operations Manager and will be
hired as a Field Technician I.
• Field Technician I - The Field Technician I is a biological
sampling lead performing seasonal and periodic sampling activities and
sample processing. Seasonal field sampling is conducted with the
assistance of temporary field crews under the guidance of the Field
Technician.
LOCATION
The Domain 5 Field Technician’s primary work location is the NEON Great
Lakes Domain Support Facility located at the University of Notre Dame
Environmental Research Center, near Land O’ Lakes, WI. This position
supports multiple field sites in northern Wisconsin and the Upper
Peninsula of Michigan.________________________________________
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Field Instrumentation (primary emphasis):
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and operate environmental sensors and
instrumentation in terrestrial and aquatic field sites.
• Inspect and maintain instrumentation infrastructure including
towers, boom arms, sensor mounts, boardwalks and instrument huts at
terrestrial sites and instrumentation buoys, groundwater wells, and
weather stations at aquatic sites.
• Assist the Battelle Ecology, Inc. Systems Engineering Product
Team with instrument installation and testing, when needed.
• Maintain records of field activities, completed work, and
trouble tickets according to Field Operations protocol.
Secondary responsibilities may also include:
• Assist with monitoring, sampling collection, and sample
processing for aquatic sites, including water quality, biological
indicators, ecological communities, and physical properties.
• Assist with monitoring, sample collection, and sample processing
in terrestrial sites, including vegetation, soil, insects, and small
mammals.
General duties include:
• Report activities, completed work, and sampling problems
according to Field Operations protocols.
• Inspect, maintain and operate field, safety, and laboratory
equipment.
• Operate laboratory equipment (e.g. Wiley Mill, drying oven,
analytical balance, centrifugal mill, pH meter, microscope, and muffle
furnace).
• Assist the Field Operations Manager with recruiting and training
of seasonal field personnel.
• Provide instruction and technical guidance to seasonal field
personnel.
• Perform plot establishment by locating plots with GPS navigation
as well as measuring and marking plots.
• Assist the Field Operations Manager with materials planning,
inventory and ordering as well as day-to-day oversight of personnel and
scheduling of activities coordinated from the Domain Support Facility.
• Follow Battelle Ecology, Inc. safety and Field Operations policy
and procedures.
Physical demands: The work is physical and involves walking, hiking,
prolonged standing, walking and bending. Heavy items (e.g. equipment and
packs up to 40 pounds) must be lifted and carried on a routine basis.
Work environment: Field work includes exposure to extreme weather
conditions and terrain, pesticides, poisonous plants, biting insects,
and wild animals. Tower work involves performing work on instrument
towers ranging in height from 24 feet to 300 feet which will include
ascending and descending multiple flights of stairs. Aquatic work takes
place both on shoreline and from small watercraft.
REQUIRED: EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
All Technician Levels:
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Experience should include performing scientific data entry and
data management.
• Ability to hike off-trail to assigned field site for long
distances carrying field equipment (pack weighing up to 40 lbs.) for
extended periods of time.
• Ability and willingness to travel overnight regularly (6-8
nights per month).
Battelle Ecology, Inc. will be selecting an individual for the Field
Technician I level. Equivalent education and experience may be
considered.
Field Technician I
• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, environmental sciences or related
scientific discipline.
• One (1) or more years’ of related experience.
Battelle Ecology, Inc. will take into consideration qualifications for
specific and diverse experience in the following areas:
Leadership:
• Effective leadership skills and the ability to motivate others.
• Effective problem solving skills and the ability to determine
and act on changing priorities in a fast paced dynamic environment.
• Ability to organize and execute multiple activities and
priorities.
Skills:
• Ability to perform minor troubleshooting, calibration, and
repair of field equipment.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability and willingness to learn and adopt new technologies as
needed.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to make effective decisions that take into consideration
safety and operational standards.
Working conditions:
• 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 and willingness to work on towers ranging in height from
24 feet to 300 feet including ascending and descending multiple flights
of stairs on instrument towers.
• Perform field assignments in a variety of terrain and of weather
conditions including cold and wet winter weather and extreme heat.
• Ability to withstand exposure to fumes, dust, and noise.
• Ability and willingness to travel overnight frequently (e.g.
semi-monthly for 3-4 nights) is required.
Must possess a current and valid State issued driver’s license with
insurable Department of Motor vehicle record (parking violations, minor
driving offenses excluded) as determined by Battelle Ecology Inc.’s
insurance provider.
Must have permanent authorization for US employment. Battelle Ecology,
Inc. will not provide any kind of visa sponsorship.
This position offers competitive total rewards including 401(k), health,
vision and dental insurance, paid time off and the opportunity to work
with an organization with a great mission.
Battelle Ecology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women,
Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
