NEON Field Technician I- Land O’ Lakes, WI -Multiple Positions Overview The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a $430 million dollar observatory project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology. For the next three decades NEON will collect a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems. NEON will use cutting edge technology including an airborne observation platform that will capture images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, re-locatable, and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who will observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data. A leading edge cyber-infrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this information. The Observatory will grow to 300+ personnel and will be the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales. Summary: This position reports to the Field Operations Manager. The Field Technician I will perform a variety of scientific and technical tasks. The Field Technician I is the biological sampling lead performing seasonal and periodic sampling activities. Seasonal field sampling is conducted with the assistance of temporary field crews. The Field Technician will provide guidance to temporary field crews and perform field and laboratory activities. This position reports to the Field Operations Manager. The Field Technician I will also assist with routine maintenance, field calibration, and repair of scientific instruments and associated infrastructure as assigned by the Manager Field Operations. Location: The Domain 5 Field Technician’s primary work location is near Land O’ Lakes, WI. This position supports sites in the Great Lakes Domain. Great Lakes sites are located at University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center in Wisconsin/Michigan, and near Tomahawk, WI. The Great Lakes Domain includes parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Follow established, standardized field procedures for sample collection; record and verify accuracy of data from sample collection; process samples in the domain lab; and send samples to external analytical labs. • Field sampling activities include the following observation and specimen collection activities: • Small mammal abundance • Small mammal-borne disease (i.e. Hantavirus) • Breeding bird population counts • Ground beetle abundance and diversity • Mosquito phenology, diversity, and disease (i.e. West Nile Virus) • Plant phenology observations • Soil and water sample collection for microbial diversity and biogeochemical analysis • Terrestrial and aquatic vegetation diversity and primary productivity measurements • Aquatic invertebrate and fish diversity and abundance • Stream morphology mapping • Operate laboratory equipment including Wiley Mill, drying oven, analytical balance, centrifugal mill, and muffle furnace. • Assist the Field Operations Manager with recruiting and training of seasonal field personnel. • Provide technical guidance to seasonal field personnel. • Perform plot establishment by locating plots with GPS navigation system, measuring and marking plots, and placing and setting traps. • Assist the Field Operations Manager with field activity audits. • Perform inspection and maintenance of laboratory and field equipment. • Assist with routine inspection, calibration, maintenance and repair of atmospheric, micrometeorological, and water quality sensors on towers, soil arrays, streams and groundwater wells. • Assist with routine maintenance to assure quality of data acquisition and connectivity equipment. • Assist with inspection and routine maintenance of civil infrastructure, including boom arms, sensor mounts, towers, boardwalks, and instrument huts. • Assist Manager Field Operations with Domain Support Facility activities (e.g., inventory and supply order management; field equipment maintenance and repair; and upkeep of office and lab areas). • Record activities and completed work according to Field Operations protocol. • Perform field assignments in a variety of conditions (e.g., weather, terrain, diverse assigned biomes). • Carry, move and lift field supplies (pack weighing up to 40 lbs.) to assigned field site (diverse and uneven terrain). • Follow NEON safety and Field Operations policy and procedures. Required Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills: • Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences or related scientific discipline. Equivalent education and experience may be considered. • Experience performing ecology and lab related activities. • Experience performing scientific data entry and data management. NEON will be selecting for specific and different experience and areas of expertise in the following: • Ability and experience trapping and collecting blood samples from small mammals; or • Ability to identify regionally specific birds (auditory and visual identification); or • Ability to identify regionally specific plants. • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions. • High level of attention to detail and accuracy. • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. • Strong work ethic and enthusiasm. • Ability to perform in strenuous outdoor activity, carry field equipment and endure different outdoor field conditions including cold and wet winter weather and extreme heat. • Depending on assignment, current and valid State issued driver’s license with insurable Department of Motor Vehicle record (parking violations, minor driving offenses excluded) as determined by NEON’s insurance provider. • Depending on site assignments, ability to travel/ hike/walk on uneven terrain to work site. • Ability and willingness to work varied field operations schedules (up to 12+ hours per day), including split-shift, part-time, pre-dawn early mornings, evenings and weekends. • Ability to hike off-trail for long distances carrying field equipment, for extended periods of time. • Ability to work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult or hazardous terrain. • Ability to ascend and descend multiple flights of stairs on instrument towers. • Ability to work on towers ranging in height from 24 feet to 300 feet and at altitudes of up to 11,000 feet (depending on assigned Domain). • Ability to withstand exposure to fumes, dust, and noise. Preferred Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills: • Previous college-level coursework in ecology, forestry or related field. • Experience backcountry hiking and navigation (maps, compass, and GPS). • Backcountry safety training course or other safety training. • Experience leading hikes, or assisting nature societies with seasonal nature observations. • Experience leading field sampling activities. All positions must possess a valid US driver’s license Must have permanent authorization for US employment. - See more at: neoninc.org/jobs/FieldTechID05#sthash.LzTtDfnJ.dpuf
Posted on: Mon, 11 Nov 2013 14:51:02 +0000
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