NEON - Field Ecologist I - Instrumentation - CO

Battelle • Full-time • Boulder, Colorado, United States • $45.60k - $49.92k / year • 2w ago

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 Overview

Battelle 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 Summary

We are currently seeking a Field Ecologist I-Instrumentation. This position is in Boulder, CO.

The Field Ecologist is a technical lead that monitors, performs routine maintenance, field calibrations and corrective maintenance on meteorological; CO2, water, and energy flux; and water quality sensors and instrumentation. The Field Ecologist will provide training and guidance to temporary field crews while working in the field and laboratory.

Strong consideration will be given to internal applicants whose current work location is at the Domain office. Instrumentation experience will be strongly preferred for those outside of the Domain.

Location
The Southern Rockies field sites offer some of the most stunning views in the observatory. Just to the east, you'll find a land of windswept prairies, cattle ranches and enormous fields of wheat, corn, sorghum, hay, and alfalfa. This is the Central Plains, where agriculture rules. NEON sites in the Southern Rockies and Central Plains (Domain 10.13) are managed from our Boulder, CO office.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
The 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, toxic plants (e.g., poison ivy, hogweed), stinging and biting insects, and wildlife hazards. Instrument maintenance involves performing work on instrument towers ranging in height from 24 feet to 240 feet, which includes ascending and descending multiple flights of stairs. Driving off-road in 4WD vehicles is required for most field sites.

Work Schedule and Travel
Work 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. The ratio of field to lab work is about 75% field and 25% office and lab duties. Frequent overnight travel (e.g., 2-3x per month for 1-3 nights) is required. Transportation to remote work locations and per diem allowance is provided while on overnight travel.

Major Responsibilities

Operate and maintain in-situ meteorological sensors, soil sensors, water quality sensors, data loggers, IRGAs and other gas analyzers used to measure CO2, water, and energy flux at NEON field sites.
Monitor sensor health and status through various computer interface tools (i.e., PuTTY, specific sensor software, SAS, or other visual analytic tools).
Maintain and use proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and safety equipment for working at heights in remote locations (5-point harnesses, ascenders, and self-retracting lifelines, etc.).
Provide training, instruction, and technical guidance to seasonal field personnel.
Perform additional field and lab procedures as assigned. This may include plant phenology, diversity, productivity, and biogeochemistry; stream channel morphology, aquatic organism abundance and diversity, biogeochemistry, seasonal climatic and hydrologic changes, and riparian phenology; abundance, diversity, and phenology of organisms including small mammals, ticks, mosquitoes, ground beetles, and soil microbes.
Support external research projects approved through the Assignable Asset 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
Lead and participate in special projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in ecology, forestry, environmental sciences, or related scientific discipline.
One (1) 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 work on instrument towers ranging in height from 26 feet to 240 feet and at altitudes of up to 11,000 feet (depending on assigned Domain), involving the ability to ascend and descend multiple flights of stairs.
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.

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 experience performing preventive maintenance on electrical, mechanical, or pneumatic equipment.
Knowledge of troubleshooting and isolating equipment failures.
Knowledge of operating, calibrating, and maintaining in-situ sensors and data loggers.
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.

Salary

$21.97- $24.00 Hourly

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 Life
We 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 Succeed
For 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 Protocols

Battelle 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

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