NEON Seasonal Field Technician

Neon Program Overview

The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a continental-scale observation facility funded by the National Science Foundation and operated by Battelle. The NEON program is designed to collect long‑term, open access ecological data to better understand how U.S. ecosystems are changing, from freshwater systems such as streams, rivers, and lakes to terrestrial systems spanning tropical forests, deserts, and tundra. We depend on our people to collect observational data and samples, monitor automated instrumented systems that collect terrestrial and aquatic data, and operate our airborne observation platform that captures remote sensing data of regional landscapes and vegetation.

We are currently seeking a Seasonal Field Technician. This position is an on‑site role located in Boulder, CO, that will start between March‑April 2026 and end in November 2026. The Southern Rockies field sites offer some of the most stunning views in the observatory. Just to the east in the Central Plains, you’ll find a land of windswept prairies, cattle ranches, and enormous fields of wheat, corn, sorghum, hay, and alfalfa.

NEON sites in the Southern Rockies and Central Plains are managed by our Boulder, CO office.

Seasonal Field Technicians perform seasonal and periodic sampling of physical, chemical, and biological data at one (1) to multiple field sites (depending on location), while exercising good judgement and decision‑making abilities to interpret protocol requirements. The position may be assigned an area of primary responsibility within the scope of data collection: botany, soils, entomology (except Puerto Rico and Hawaii), limnology (except Hawaii), or instrumentation;

it may also be assigned multiple areas of responsibility as a generalist.

Field observations and collections are conducted using approximately 30 different protocols and may include NEON Research Support Services projects with varying schedule requirements based on local ecosystem and field conditions. Individuals are responsible for their own housing and transportation to the primary work location.

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 (heat and cold), inclement weather, rough and variable terrain including high altitude (>5000ft), toxic plants (e.g., poison ivy), stinging and biting insects, and wildlife hazards. Instrument maintenance involves performing work on instrument towers ranging in height from 24 feet to 80 feet, which includes ascending and descending multiple flights of stairs.

Driving off‑road in 4WD vehicles is required for most field sites.

Work schedules are variable at the manager’s discretion. Generally, employees work 40 hours per week, with workdays ranging from 8‑10 hours per day. Occasionally, workdays may extend to 12+ hours per day, including split shifts, starting before dawn and/or ending after dusk, and weekends. The ratio of field to lab work is about 75% field and 25% office and lab duties.

Over‑time may be required as needed and will be paid accordingly. Frequent overnight travel (e.g., 2‑4 times per month for 1‑3 nights) is required.

• Perform field and lab assignments in a variety of conditions (e.g., weather, terrain, diverse assigned biomes).
• Follow established, standardized field procedures for sample collection; record data from sample collection in handheld tablets, computers, etc.; prepare and maintain equipment, process and ship samples.
• Navigate to field sites and sampling locations.
• Report activities and completed work according to protocol.
• Follow safety policy and procedures.
• Report issues with implementation of procedures and coordinate resolution.
• Assist with routine administrative duties and special projects, including Research Support Services collaborating with external Principal Investigators and other duties as assigned.

• High School diploma, OR equivalent. One month experience in…