Field Technician II-Botany
Location: Tuscaloosa, AL, 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 kind 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 II level.
• Field Technician II - The Field Technician II is a biological
sampling lead performing seasonal and periodic sampling activities and
sample processing. The Field Technician II will be the technical lead
for performing routine maintenance and inventory management on all
terrestrial sampling equipment. The Field Technician II will provide
guidance to temporary field crews while working in the field and
laboratory.
LOCATION
The Domain 08 Field Technician’s primary work location is near
Tuscaloosa, AL. This position supports sites in the Ozarks Complex
Domain. Ozarks Complex sites are located in Talladega National Forest
near Tuscaloosa, AL, near Demopolis, AL, and near Coffeeville, AL. The
Ozarks Complex Domain includes parts of Alabama, western Georgia,
Mississippi, Louisiana, eastern Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, southeastern
Kansas, Missouri, and western Kentucky.
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 Battelle Ecology, Inc. 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
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 frequently (e.g.
semi-monthly for 3-4 nights).
Battelle Ecology, Inc. will be selecting an individual for a Field
Technician II level. Equivalent education and experience may be
considered.
Field Technician II
• Bachelor’s Degree in ecology, environmental sciences or related
scientific discipline.
• Three (3) or more years’ related experience. Previous experience
in scheduling, training, leading and auditing the performance of field
crews required.
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, generous 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.
