COMPANY OVERVIEW Battelle and its affiliate, Battelle Ecology, Inc. manages and operates the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON™) project, 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 designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.
JOB SUMMARY The Field Technician positions report to the Field Operations Manager. Field Technician II - The Field Technician II is a biological sampling lead performing seasonal and periodic sampling activities and sample processing. The Field Technician II will be the technical lead for performing routine maintenance and inventory management on all terrestrial sampling equipment. The Field Technician II will provide guidance to temporary field crews while working in the field and laboratory. Field Technician III - The Field Technician III is the shift lead performing and supervising seasonal and periodic sampling activities and sample processing. The Field Technician III will have primary responsibility for coordinating sampling and laboratory activities at terrestrial sampling sites. The Field Technician III will have additional roles and responsibilities assisting the Field Operations Manager with management of the Domain Support Facility, hiring and training seasonal field staff, and acting as manager in the absence of the Field Operations Manager. LOCATION The Domain 06 Field Technician’s primary work location is near Manhattan, KS. This position supports sites in the Prairie Peninsula Domain. Prairie Peninsula candidate sites are located at Konza Prairie Biological Station near Manhattan, KS and at the University of Kansas Field Station near Lawrence, KS. The Prairie Peninsula Domain includes parts of Kansas, Nebraska, southern Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, southern Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. Limnology Emphasis: Monitor and sample aquatic sites for water quality, biological indicators, physical properties of site (e.g. gaging streams, geomorphic mapping, etc.), and leading field crews to perform the aforementioned items. Test, troubleshoot and operate instruments, calibration equipment and test fixtures. Inspect and maintain aquatic sensors, gear and equipment. Assist the NEON Systems Engineering Product Team with instrument installation and testing (approximately the first 6 months). Perform aquatic vegetation diversity and primary productivity measurements. Sample for aquatic invertebrate and fish diversity and abundance. REQUIRED: EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS All Technician Levels: Ability to work in a team environment. Experience should include performing scientific data entry and data management. Ability to hike off-trail to assigned field site for long distances carrying field equipment (pack weighing up to 40 lbs.) for extended periods of time. Ability and willingness to travel overnight frequently (e.g. semi- monthly for 3-4 nights). Equivalent education and experience may be considered. Field Technician II Bachelor’s Degree in ecology, environmental sciences or related scientific discipline. Three (3) or more years’ of related experience. Field Technician III Bachelor’s Degree in ecology, environmental sciences or related scientific discipline. Five (5) or more years’ of related experience. Previous experience in scheduling, training, leading and auditing the performance of field crews required. To see full job descriptions and to apply go to: www.neonscience.org Must possess a current and valid State issued driver’s license with insurable Department of Motor vehicle record (parking violations, minor driving offenses excluded) as determined by Battelle Ecology Inc.’s insurance provider. Must have permanent authorization for US employment. Battelle Ecology, Inc. will not provide any kind of visa sponsorship. This position offers competitive total rewards including 401(k), health, vision and dental insurance, paid time off and the opportunity to work at an organization with a great mission. Battelle Ecology, Inc. provides employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, genetic information, or disability. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle Ecology, Inc.
