NEON Field Ecology Intern - WI

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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.

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 Field Ecology Intern. This onsite role is located in Land O’Lakes, WI. The position will start in April 2026 and end in August 2026.

In the Great Lakes Domain (Domain 05), we collect data on northern hardwood forests and lakes in both managed and minimally managed landscapes of northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The data will help researchers understand how changing climate, invasive species, and land management practices, such as forestry, will impact the diversity and biogeochemistry of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the Great Lakes region.

NEON sites in the Great Lakes Domain are managed from our Land O’Lakes, WI office at UNDERC (University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center).

Field Ecology Interns 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. This position may be assigned an area of primary responsibility within the scope of data collection: botany, soils, entomology, mammalogy (except Puerto Rico and Hawaii), limnology (except Hawaii), or instrumentation;

the position 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 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, inclement weather, rough and variable terrain, stinging and biting insects, disease‑carrying ticks, toxic plants, e.g., poison ivy, and wildlife hazards. Instrument maintenance involves performing work on instrument towers ranging in height from 66 feet to 123 feet, which includes ascending and descending multiple flights of stairs.

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

We have a dynamic work environment where 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.

It is important to note that working over 40 hours a week may be required as needed, and overtime will be paid accordingly. Additionally, frequent overnight travel (e.g., 2x per month for 2‑4 nights) is required.

• Perform field and lab assignments in a…