Field Operations Manager Fresno, CA
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 17 Field Operations Managers primary
work location is in Fresno, CA. This position
supports sites in the Pacific Southwest
Domain. Pacific Southwest candidate sites are
located at San Joaquin Experimental Range near
Fresno, CA, in the High Sierra Ranger District
of the Sierra National Forest and at the Sierra
Nevada Aquatic Research Lab near Mammoth Lakes,
CA. The Pacific Southwest Domain includes most of California.
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:
· Bachelors 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 drivers license with
insurable Department of Motor Vehicle record
(parking violations, minor driving offenses
excluded) as determined by NEONs 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.
Bridget A. Sorget
Recruiter
NEON, Inc.
(National Ecological Observatory Network)
1685 38th Street, Suite 100
Boulder CO 80302
<http://www.neoninc.org>www.neoninc.org
Phone: 720.330.1570
Cell: 720.839.5016