Battelle delivers when others can't. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients-whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Company OverviewBattelle manages and operates the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) program, 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 SummaryWe are currently seeking a
Senior Field Ecologist - Mammalogy, Entomology, and/or Soils. The position is in
Land O Lakes, WI.
The Field Ecologist I is a biological sampling lead performing seasonal and periodic sampling activities and sample processing related to terrestrial ecology and will be the technical lead for implementation of NEON protocols related to small mammals, beetles, ticks, mosquitoes, and/or soils. With the assistance of senior staff, the Field Ecologist I will share responsibility for training, guiding, and supervising temporary field staff in the implementation of NEON protocols. Additionally, the Field Ecologist may assist the Field Operations Manager and senior staff in other areas of domain operations, as assigned.
Strong consideration will be given to internal applicants whose current work location is at the Domain office. Mammalogy, entomology, and/or soils experience will be strongly preferred for those outside of the Domain.
LocationIn the Land O' Lakes, WI location, we collect data on northern hardwood forests and lakes in both managed and minimally managed landscapes of northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The data will help researchers understand how changing climate, invasive species, and land management practices, such as forestry, will impact the diversity and biogeochemistry of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the Great Lakes region. NEON sites in the Great Lakes Domain are managed from our Land O' Lakes, WI office at UNDERC (University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center).
Work Environment and Physical DemandsThe work involves walking, hiking, prolonged standing, bending, and kneeling. Heavy items, equipment and packs up to 40 pounds, must be lifted and carried on a routine basis. Field work includes exposure to extreme temperatures, inclement weather, rough and variable terrain, stinging and biting insects, and wildlife hazards. Driving off-road in 4WD vehicles is required for most field sites.
Work Schedule and TravelWork schedules are typically 8-10 hours per day but can occasionally be 12+ hours per day, including split shifts (off in the middle of the day), starting before dawn and/or ending after dusk, and weekends depending on the work assignment Field work typically will constitute 50-70% of hours worked during the field season (April-October), with laboratory or office work making up the remainder. During winter months, most work will be in the office or laboratory.
Frequent overnight travel within the Great Lakes Domain is required from about April- October, e.g., about 4-8 nights per month. Less frequently, travel to other NEON domains will be required, e.g., 1-2 times per year for about 1 week at a time.
Major Responsibilities - Plan, schedule, supervise and perform sampling and data collection following established, standardized field, lab, and shipping procedures related to NEON sampling. This will include a subset of NEON protocols related to small mammals, ticks, mosquitoes, beetles, and/or soils.
- Help co-lead the implementation of other NEON protocols as determined by the manager, possibly including surveys of coarse down wood, belowground biomass, and leaf litter.
- Record data accurately and completely; perform data Q/C checks and resolve errors in collaboration with staff scientists.
- Provide training, instruction, and technical guidance to seasonal field personnel.
- Support external research projects that have been approved through the NEON Research Support Services Program.
- Ensure work hazards are identified and mitigated and support a culture of safety.
- Follow all permitting requirements and assist with permit reporting and renewals.
General Responsibilities - Report activities, completed work, and issues/incidents according to NEON protocols.
- Assist with materials planning, inventory management and ordering.
- Inspect, maintain and operate field, safety, and laboratory equipment, e.g., Wiley Mill, drying oven, analytical balance, centrifugal mill, pH meter, microscope, and muffle furnace.
- Participate in public outreach events and engagements, e.g., site tours, career fairs, community science workshops and conferences.
- Assist with recruiting of seasonal field personnel.
- Provide support to Domain operations in assigned roles. Roles may include:
- Chemical Hygiene Officer
- Safety Officer
- Fleet Manager
- IT Domain-NEON HQ Liaison
- Training Domain-NEON HQ Liaison
- Outreach Domain-NEON HQ Liaison
- Domain GIS lead
- Lead and participate in special projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Qualifications - Associates degree in Ecology, Forestry, Environmental Science, Biology, or related scientific discipline AND One (1) year of related experience.
- OR
- Two (2) or more years of related experience
- Willingness to perform maintenance and field sampling outdoors in sparsely populated, remote locations, with distances ranging from 1/2 hour to 6 hours from the Domain office. Overnight travel, hiking off trail, and wading in water are typical in most locations.
- Willingness and ability 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 to hike off trail, long distances, on uneven terrain, at remote locations, in all types of weather, carrying packs weighing up to 40lbs. Ability to walk, hike, stand, bend, and kneel for prolonged periods.
- Willingness and ability to learn and perform procedures and methods outside of the primary responsibility.
- Ability to withstand exposure to fumes, dust, and noise. Field work may require frequent exposure to toxicodendrons (e.g., poison ivy and poison oak), ticks, biting insects and other natural hazards.
- Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
Preferred Qualifications - Preferred: Bachelor's Degree in Ecology, Forestry, Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field
OR
- an equivalent combination of education and experience of four (4) years, which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above, may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.
Equivalent education and experience may be considered. Previous NEON program field experience will be highly considered.The NEON program will take into consideration qualifications for specific and diverse experience in the following areas:
- Knowledge of best practices for accurate and repeatable field and laboratory measurements.
- Previous field or laboratory experience in ecology, biology, or related discipline.
- Experience live-trapping and handling small mammals.
- Taxonomic identification skills using standard tools and methods such as dichotomous keys and field guides.
- Familiarity with preparation, use or management of invertebrate teaching collections.
- Familiarity with physical and chemical properties of soils, primarily differentiating between litter, organic, and mineral soil horizons.
- Familiarity with sterile technique for microbial samples.
- Previous experience navigating in remote areas, off-trail using compass and GPS tools
- Effective problem-solving skills and the ability to organize and execute multiple activities and priorities. Ability to proactively identify and resolve resource conflicts.
- High level of attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Demonstrated optimism in adverse conditions and good judgement in identifying, mitigating, and avoiding hazards.
- Ability to identify good practices and areas for improvement in team performance.
Applicants must have authorization to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment visa at this time. Employment is contingent on background screen, drug screen, motor vehicle records check and physical. Applicants 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's insurance provider.SalaryPay rate: $17.79 - $19.91 / hour
This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience, and other relevant factors.
Benefits: Live an Extraordinary LifeWe care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.
- Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
- Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
- Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
- Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
- Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.
A Work Environment Where You SucceedFor brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity's most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.
You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:
- Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
- Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
- Collaborate with world-class experts in an inclusive environment
- Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
- Give back to and improve our communities
Vaccinations & Safety ProtocolsBattelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients' requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).
Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. 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.
The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members.
No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers
