NEON Field Ecologist - Botany - CA

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.

We are currently seeking Field Ecologist I – Botany. This position is an onsite role located in Fresno, CA.

The rugged Sierra Nevada mountain range is home to 20 wilderness areas; two national monuments; and Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks. They also host all five of the NEON field sites in Domain 17, the Pacific Southwest. The sites are located across the largest elevation gradient in the Observatory, providing a unique opportunity to collect data from the foothills to the higher elevations.

NEON sites in the Pacific Southwest Domain are managed from our Fresno, CA 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, 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 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., semi‑monthly for 3‑4 nights) is required.

• Plan, schedule, supervise and perform plant phenology, diversity, productivity, and biogeochemistry data collection following established, standardized field, lab, and shipping procedures.

• 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.

• 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 experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field

OR

• An equivalent combination of education and experience or four (4) years, which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above, may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.

• Previous NEON experience

Pay rate: $22.91 - $24.29

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…