Field Technician I - Botany
Location: Oak Ridge, TN Worker Category :Regular Full-Time
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Battelle and its affiliate, Battelle Ecology, Inc. manages and operates
the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEONTM)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.
JOB SUMMARY
The Field Technician reports to the Field Operations Manager and will be
hired as a Field Technician I level depending on skills, experience, and
education.
• 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
Based in the Appalachian-Cumberland Plateau, the research conducted at
Domain 07 is primarily located within the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians
and Blue Ridge Mountain physiographic provinces. The domain is comprised
of three research sites: 1] Core site (ORNL) at Oak Ridge, TN, 2] remote
site (GRSM) at Great Smokey Mountains National Park, TN, and 3] remote
site (MLBS) at Mountain Lake Biological Station near Pembroke, VA.
The terrain at all three sites ranges from ridge-and-valley medium-cover
deciduous forest with elevations ranging from 800 to 1200 feet, to
heavily forested mountainous terrain with elevations ranging from 876’
to 6643’.
Domain 07 is host to one of the largest and most diverse stands of
temperate old-growth forest in North America. Along with the splendor of
the observation sites, Domain 07 also has trying aspects such as
challenging off-trail hiking terrain, stinging insects, venomous snakes,
and the occasional contact with a curious black bear or a territorial
wild boar.
The climate of the domain ranges from the temperate in the spring and
fall to the discordant in mid-summer and winter. While winters are cool,
frequent snow events and ice storms can make travel problematic. Peak
sampling in the summer can also be cumbersome with temperatures in the
90s and high humidity
Nearby Knoxville is a regional destination for outdoor enthusiasts. If
you love outdoors and crave a variety of outdoor activities, then D07 is
the place to be.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Botany emphasis:
• Lead, perform and coordinate plant phenology, diversity,
biogeochemistry and productivity measurements.
• Identify local flora to species using techniques including:
general observation, field references, dichotomous key, comparison with
identified specimens, or other identification methods. Local species
identification skills are used to complete activities such as plant
diversity observations, classification of phenological stages of local
flora, and sorting of plants and debris into functional group or
category.
• Collect and process samples for activities such as clip harvest,
biomass, canopy foliage and leaf area index measurements as well as
vegetation structure measurements.
• Map and measure structural metrics of free-standing woody stems.
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 field office.
• Follow NEON safety and Field Operations policy and procedures.
Field activities may include:
• Follow established, standardized field protocols for sample
collection and handling; record and verify accuracy of data from sample
collections; process samples in the laboratory; send samples to external
analytical labs. Train and lead field crews performing the
aforementioned items.
• Perform other field sampling activities as assigned including:
ground beetle collection (pitfall trapping), mosquito collection (CO2
light traps, tick collection (dragging and flagging) and soil core
collection.
• Test, troubleshoot and operate tower, soil and aquatic
instruments, calibration equipment and test fixtures.
• Inspect and maintain civil infrastructure including boom arms,
sensor mounts, towers, boardwalks and instrument huts.
• Monitor and sample aquatic sites for water quality, biological
indicators and physical properties of site (e.g. gaging streams,
geomorphic mapping).
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
.
REQUIRED: EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
• 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 frequently (e.g.
semi-monthly for 3-4 nights).
Battelle Ecology, Inc. will be selecting an individual for a 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
at an organization with a great mission.
Battelle Ecology, Inc. provides employment and opportunities for
advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual
merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin,
sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, genetic
information, or disability. Our goal is for each staff member to have
the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve
personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive
programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all
qualified employees at all levels within Battelle Ecology, Inc.
