Field Ecology Technician - Temporary; NEON

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We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

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 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.

We are currently seeking a Temporary Field Technician. This position is in Manhattan, KS
.

Field Technicians perform seasonal and periodic sampling of physical, chemical, and biological data at one (1) to five (5) field sites, while exercising good judgement and decision-making abilities to interpret protocol requirements. Field Technicians are assigned an area(s) of primary responsibility within the scope of data collection: botany, soils, entomology, mammalogy (except Puerto Rico and Hawaii), limnology (except Hawaii), or instrumentation.

Field observations and collection are conducted using approximately 30 different protocols and multiple Standard Operating Procedures with varying schedule requirements based on local ecosystem and field conditions.

Individuals are responsible for their own housing and transportation to primary work location.

Location
In the middle of North America, the eastern forests give way to the tallgrass prairie. This is the Prairie Peninsula (Domain 06), in the heartland of the U.S. Sometimes called "America's Breadbasket," this region provides ample opportunity to study the impact of agriculture and land management practices on tallgrass prairie ecosystems. It also provides a unique view of a transitional zone between the prairies and the eastern deciduous forest.

NEON sites in the Prairie Peninsula Domain are managed from our Manhattan, KS 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 300 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.

Occasional travel (e.g., 1-2 times per year) may be required. Transportation to remote work locations and per diem allowance is provided while on overnight travel.

Start Dates:
March-May

End Dates:
November

• Perform field assignments in a variety of conditions (e.g., weather, terrain, diverse assigned biomes, etc.).
• Follow established, standardized field procedures for sample collection; record data from sample collection in handheld tablets, computers, etc.; process and ship samples.
• Navigate to field sites and sampling locations.
• Report activities and completed work…