NEON Field Ecologist - Limnology - CO

Field Ecologist I – Limnology

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We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

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 to deserts to tundra (neon science.org).

We depend on our people to collect observational data and samples, to monitor automated instrumented systems that collect terrestrial and aquatic data, and to operate our airborne observation platform that captures remote sensing data of regional landscapes and vegetation.

This position is an onsite role located in Boulder, CO. 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.

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 typically 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., 2-4x per month for 1-3 nights) is required.

• Plan, schedule, supervise and perform stream channel morphology, aquatic organism abundance and diversity, biogeochemistry, seasonal climatic and hydrologic changes, and riparian phenology data collection following established, standardized field, lab, and shipping procedures.
• Operate and maintain in-situ water quality sensors. Monitor sensor health and status through various computer interface tools (i.e., PuTTY, specific sensor software, SAS, or other visual analytic tools).
• 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 NEON Research Support Services projects as assigned.
• Perform additional field and lab procedures as assigned. This may include plant phenology, diversity, productivity, and biogeochemistry; abundance, diversity, and phenology of organisms including small mammals, ticks, mosquitoes, ground beetles, and soil microbes; operations and maintenance of in-situ meteorological sensors, soil sensors, data loggers, IRGAs and other gas analyzers used to measure CO2, and energy flux.
• Ensure work hazards are identified and mitigated and support a culture of safety.
• Follow all permitting requirements and assist with permit reporting and renewals.

• Associates degree in ecology, forestry, environmental sciences, or related scientific discipline AND One (1) year of related experience OR
• Two (2) or more years of related…