[ECOLOG-L] National Ecological Observatory - Aquatic Instrumentation Scientist

2018-10-22 Thread Laura Reynolds
Battelle 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 kind designed to detect and enable 
forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.

We are currently seeking Aquatic Instrumentation Scientist. This 
position is located in Boulder, CO.

 POSITION SUMMARY:
The Aquatic Instrumentation Scientist will be part of an Aquatic Team 
that is responsible for operating, maintaining, and improving a national 
program to assess physical, chemical, and biological changes in lakes, 
rivers, and streams over 30 years.  The Team currently documents field 
and lab methods, maintains and improves algorithms for data QA/QC and 
uncertainty estimates, and trains personnel in order to produce high 
quality data products for the research, education, and decision-making 
community.
Specifically, the Aquatic Instrumentation Scientist will work with an 
interdisciplinary team of ecologists, engineers, and other scientists to 
develop, test, and implement statistically valid quality control and 
assurance procedures for data products that will enable researchers to 
investigate the impact of climate change, land-use change, invasive 
species, and unsustainable water use on freshwater ecosystems of North 
America. The Aquatic Instrumentation Scientist is responsible for 
evaluating, updating, and maintaining detailed sampling designs and 
analytical protocols for the aquatic instrumented subsystem (AIS) of the 
NEON project. This position will require collaboration with the NEON 
Engineering Team for development of engineering-level documentation of 
the AIS components, including AIS infrastructure redesign efforts. The 
position will develop data analysis packages to monitor, evaluate and 
test sensor data across a nationally distributed sensor network, and 
update algorithm theoretical basis documents, command, configuration, 
and control documents for sensor installations, and update the 
scientific rationale for the NEON AIS, as needed. The Staff Scientist 
will define and improve approaches for quantifying and tracking 
uncertainty, calculating error budgets, and developing models for trend 
detection. The position will develop, document, and analyze data for 
data comparison, availability, and validation tests for NEON AIS data 
products. Ultimately, the position will develop automated procedures for 
detecting fluctuations or erratic readings that may indicate a problem 
due to sensor installation or field conditions that require attention. 
This position will play a key role in communications with the aquatic 
Technical Working Groups and the larger aquatic science community. In 
collaboration with the Aquatic Sciences Manager, this position will help 
identify and propose new initiatives to further Battelle business 
opportunities.   
This position requires a broad experience base in freshwater ecology, 
with a specific focus on experience and knowledge of monitoring 
instrumentation in aquatic systems.  Further, experience in programming 
languages such as R or Python is strongly preferred. The ideal candidate 
will have at least five years of research experience. 

 MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
•   Lead the development and implementation of data QA/QC plans and 
algorithms for the Aquatic Instrumented Subsystem (AIS). Code data 
processing and testing procedures and write sensor-related quality 
assurance and algorithm basis documents. 
•   Update the command, configuration, and control documents for 
aquatic sensors and data generating devices.
•   Assist in training program for field based crews for 
instrumentation installation, maintenance and procedure plans, and 
optimization.
•   Document and support the scientific rationale for the NEON AIS, 
validate decisions against that design.
•   Participates in the larger NEON science community (e.g., 
attending conferences and working groups), supporting the active 
engagement between the Observatory and the broader science community to 
promote scientific advancements in continental- scale 

[ECOLOG-L] National Ecological Observatory - Field Ecologist II - California

2018-09-12 Thread Laura Reynolds
Battelle 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 kind designed to detect and enable 
forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.

LOCATION
The NEON Project's Domain 17-CA primary work location is in Fresno, CA. 
This position supports sites in the Pacific Southwest Domain, which 
covers most of CA. Pacific Southwest sites are located at the San 
Joaquin Experimental Range and on the High Sierra Ranger District of the 
Sierra National Forest near Fresno, CA. These sites are distributed 
along an elevation gradient from the Sierra foothills to about 9000’ in 
the Sierras. Vegetation ranges from oak savannah and scrub at the lower 
elevations, coniferous forest (including giant Sequoias) and granite 
domes in the mid to upper elevations, and alpine vegetation and barren 
peaks at the highest elevations. The office is located less than 3 hours 
from Yosemite and Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks, the Pacific 
Coast, and the San Francisco area.  
JOB SUMMARY

Field Ecologists reports to the Field Operations Manager.
•   Field Ecologist II - The Field Ecologist II is a biological 
sampling lead performing seasonal and periodic sampling activities and 
sample processing, and will be the technical lead for performing routine 
maintenance and inventory management on all terrestrial sampling 
equipment. The Field Ecologist II will provide guidance to temporary 
field crews while working in the field and laboratory.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Botany emphasis:
•   Lead, perform and coordinate plant phenology, diversity, 
biogeochemistry and productivity measurements.
•   Identify local flora to species using techniques including: 
general observation, field references, dichotomous key, comparison with 
identified specimens, or other identification methods. Local species 
identification skills are used to complete activities such as plant 
diversity observations, classification of phenological stages of local 
flora, and sorting of plants and debris into functional group or 
category.
•   Collect and process samples for activities such as clip harvest, 
biomass, canopy foliage and leaf area index measurements as well as 
vegetation structure measurements.
•   Map and measure structural metrics of free-standing woody stems.


General duties include:
•   Report activities, completed work, and sampling problems 
according to Field Operations protocols.
•   Inspect, maintain and operate field, safety and laboratory 
equipment.
•   Operate laboratory equipment (e.g. Wiley Mill, drying oven, 
analytical balance, centrifugal mill, pH meter, microscope, and muffle 
furnace).
•   Assist the Field Operations Manager with recruiting and training 
of seasonal field personnel.
•   Provide instruction and technical guidance to seasonal field 
personnel.
•   Perform plot establishment by locating plots with GPS navigation 
as well as measuring and marking plots.
•   Assist the Field Operations Manager with materials planning, 
inventory and ordering as well as day-to-day oversight of personnel and 
scheduling of activities coordinated from the field office.
•   Follow NEON Project safety and Field Operations policy and 
procedures.

Field activities may include:
•   Follow established, standardized field protocols for sample 
collection and handling; record and verify accuracy of data from sample 
collections; process samples in the laboratory; send samples to external 
analytical labs. Train and lead field crews performing the 
aforementioned items.
•   Perform other field sampling activities as assigned including: 
ground beetle collection (pitfall trapping), mosquito collection (CO2 
light traps, tick collection (dragging and flagging) and soil core 
collection.
•   Test, troubleshoot and operate tower, soil and aquatic 
instruments, calibration equipment and test fixtures.
•   Inspect and maintain civil infrastructure including boom arms, 
sensor mounts, towers, boardwalks and 

[ECOLOG-L] National Ecological Observatory - Asst. Domain Manager - Montana

2018-09-11 Thread Laura Reynolds
Battelle 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 kind designed to detect and enable 
forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.

JOB SUMMARY
The NEON Field Operations Assistant Manager is responsible for 
supervision of personnel and activities coordinated from the assigned 
field office. Field office activities include (1) preventative and 
corrective maintenance of scientific instrumentation, field 
infrastructure and equipment, office and laboratory equipment, (2) field 
observations, (3) specimen collection, handling, preparation and 
shipment according to NEON scientific protocols. Performs personnel 
management that includes (1) selecting, (2) training, (3) scheduling, 
and (4) performance management for 2 regular full-time field technicians 
and 8-12 seasonal field technicians according to Battelle/NEON Policies 
and Procedures under the supervision of the Field Operations Manager.


LOCATION
The Domain 12/15 Assistant Manager Field Operations primary work 
location is in Bozeman, MT. This position supports sites in the Northern 
Rockies Domain primarily as well as assisting in overseeing sites in the 
Great Basin Domain. The Northern Rockies site is located in Yellowstone 
National Park and the Great Basin sites are located in Utah. This 
position will be based out of Bozeman, MT with occasional travel to 
Utah.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
•   Supervise regular and seasonal field personnel supporting field 
office, lab and collection sites.
•   Perform and oversee the recruitment and training of regular and 
seasonal field personnel as assigned within a domain.
•   Ensure that safety policies, procedures, and practices are 
followed within their area of authority.
•   Reinforce positive attitudes toward safety and sets the example 
for staff by enabling compliance with safety requirements.
•   Coordinate logistics and schedules, within NEON scientific 
parameters, for all maintenance, repair and field activities.
•   Perform and oversee maintenance, repair and field activities 
according to NEON scientific protocols for assigned sites within a 
domain.
•   Assist with administering the operation of the office and 
laboratory. Assists in overseeing maintenance of office and lab areas 
including lab equipment and coordinates necessary repair or replacement.
•   Act as liaison between regional stakeholders, including 
educational and research organizations, local property owners and the 
general public and Battelle.
•   Communicate NEON status and activities, local activities and 
partnerships, and regional issues and concerns to appropriate regional 
stakeholders and Battelle staff. Work with Manager of Field Operations 
and regional stakeholders to resolve issues or concerns.
•   Assist in the preparation of annual operating budget for 
assigned office and ensures NEON funds are used appropriately and within 
budget in collaboration with the Manager of Field Operations.
•   Record activities and completed work according to protocol.
•   Perform field assignments in a variety of conditions (e.g., 
weather, terrain, diverse assigned biomes).
•   May carry, move and lift field supplies (pack weighing up to 40 
lbs.) to assigned field site (diverse and uneven terrain).
•   Follow and ensure all policies and procedures including 
administrative, safety, and financial requirements for field station 
operations are followed.

REQUIRED: EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
•   Bachelor’s Degree biology, ecology, environmental science or 
related field. Equivalent education and work experience may be 
considered.
•   Eight (8) or more years’ of related experience.

•   Leadership:

o   Effective leadership skills and the ability to motivate others.
o   Effective problem solving skills and the ability to determine 
and act on changing priorities in a fast paced dynamic environment.
o   Ability to organize and execute multiple activities and 
priorities.


[ECOLOG-L] National Ecological Observatory - Senior Field Ecologist - Alaska

2018-08-08 Thread Laura Reynolds
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 kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change 
at continental scales.

JOB SUMMARY

Field Ecologists reports to the Field Operations Manager.
•   Senior Field Ecologist - The Senior Field Ecologist is the shift 
lead performing and supervising seasonal and periodic sampling 
activities and sample processing, and will have primary responsibility 
for coordinating sampling and laboratory activities at terrestrial 
sampling sites. The Senior Field Ecologist 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.


Instrumentation (tower) emphasis:
•   Test, troubleshoot and operate instruments, calibration 
equipment and test fixtures.
•   Inspect and maintain civil infrastructure including boom arms, 
sensor mounts, towers, boardwalks and instrument huts.
•   Record activities, completed work and trouble tickets according 
to Field Operations protocol.

General duties include:
•   Report activities, completed work, and sampling problems 
according to Field Operations protocols.
•   Inspect, maintain and operate field, safety and laboratory 
equipment.
•   Operate laboratory equipment (e.g. Wiley Mill, drying oven, 
analytical balance, centrifugal mill, pH meter, microscope, and muffle 
furnace).
•   Assist the Field Operations Manager with recruiting and training 
of seasonal field personnel.
•   Provide instruction and technical guidance to seasonal field 
personnel.
•   Perform plot establishment by locating plots with GPS navigation 
as well as measuring and marking plots.
•   Assist the Field Operations Manager with materials planning, 
inventory and ordering as well as day-to-day oversight of personnel and 
scheduling of activities coordinated from the field office.
•   Follow NEON Project safety and Field Operations policy and 
procedures.

Field activities may include:
•   Follow established, standardized field protocols for sample 
collection and handling; record and verify accuracy of data from sample 
collections; process samples in the laboratory; send samples to external 
analytical labs. Train and lead field crews performing the 
aforementioned items.
•   Perform other field sampling activities as assigned including: 
ground beetle collection (pitfall trapping), mosquito collection (CO2 
light traps, tick collection (dragging and flagging) and soil core 
collection.
•   Test, troubleshoot and operate tower, soil and aquatic 
instruments, calibration equipment and test fixtures.
•   Inspect and maintain civil infrastructure including boom arms, 
sensor mounts, towers, boardwalks and instrument huts.
•   Monitor and sample aquatic sites for water quality, biological 
indicators and physical properties of site (e.g. gaging streams, 
geomorphic mapping).

Physical demands:
The work is physical and involves walking, hiking, prolonged standing, 
walking and bending. Heavy items (e.g. equipment and packs up to 40 
pounds) must be lifted and carried on a routine basis.

Work environment:
Fieldwork includes exposure to extreme weather conditions and terrain, 
pesticides, poisonous plants, biting insects, and wild animals. Tower 
work involves performing work on instrument towers ranging in height 
from 24 feet to 300 feet, which will include ascending and descending 
multiple flights of stairs.

REQUIRED: EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

The NEON Project will be selecting a Field Ecologist I, II or Senior 
Field Ecologist. Equivalent education and experience may be considered. 
•   Senior Field Ecologist 
o   Bachelor’s Degree in ecology, environmental sciences or related 
scientific discipline.
o   Five (5) or more years’ related experience. 
o   

[ECOLOG-L] Battelle - NEON Project - Airborne Imaging Spectrometer Calibration Scientist

2018-06-26 Thread Laura Reynolds
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 kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change 
at continental scales.

LOCATION: Boulder, CO

JOB SUMMARY

The Remote Sensing Team within NEON operates three Airborne Observation 
Platform (AOP) payloads as an integral part of the observatory 
infrastructure.  Each payload consists of advanced remote sensing 
instrumentation, including a high-fidelity imaging spectrometer, a 
waveform-LiDAR and a high-resolution digital camera, in order to provide 
long-term, quantitative information on land use, vegetation structure 
and canopy chemistry over the NEON sites locations and other sites of 
opportunity.

The Remote Sensing Team is currently seeking a calibration scientist who 
will be responsible for the instrument calibration and data quality 
assessment of three airborne NEON Imaging Spectrometer (NIS) systems. 
The position is located in Boulder, CO, and will report to the Remote 
Sensing Team Lead. The Calibration Scientist will lead the laboratory-
based radiometric and spectral calibration, and field-based calibration 
validation of the NIS systems. This includes quantifying the calibration 
uncertainty and developing improvements to the calibration equipment and 
protocols. 

The Calibration Scientist will also work closely with the Remote Sensing 
Science Team to refine procedures for verifying the quality of Level-0 
NIS data, develop novel algorithms to support the calibration and 
production of NIS data products, and assist in routine processing of NIS 
data products. The successful candidate will produce reports and 
publications of NEON designs, procedures, and protocols and is highly 
encouraged to collaborate with NEON staff and the research community in 
the application of airborne remote sensing to continental-scale ecology. 
The ideal candidate should have considerable knowledge and experience 
with the fundamental principles and calibration of airborne and/or 
spaceborne hyperspectral imaging systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

•   Perform the spectral and radiometric calibration of three 
airborne hyperspectral imaging systems that were built by NASA JPL and 
are equivalent to the AVIRIS-NextGen spectrometers.
•   Conduct calibration validation fieldwork. 
•   Collaborate with calibration experts to quantify the uncertainty 
of the current calibration protocols, and subsequently develop 
improvements to the calibration methodology.
•   Define, procure, and develop specialized equipment for spectral 
and radiometric calibration.
•   Support continued development of collection protocols of 
calibration data and lead algorithmic enhancements for improving quality 
of calibration results.
•   Assess the quality of NIS-derived data products and contribute 
to their improvement.
•   Collaborate with the Remote Sensing Systems Team to ensure NIS 
functionality and readiness ahead of flight campaigns.
•   Collaborate with the Remote Sensing Science Team to generate 
data products derived from multiple sensors.
•   Collaborate with the Flight Operations Team to direct NIS flight 
calibration activities and advise on flight collection standards and 
protocols.
•   Maintain the calibration equipment in a clean and organized 
fashion.
•   Generate internal NEON documents describing the calibration 
procedures and uncertainty.
•   Participate in routine processing of NIS data.
•   Participate in the larger NEON science community, including 
participating in collaborations with the external research community and 
attending meetings/conferences.

REQUIRED: EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

•   Bachelor’s Degree in optics, physics, engineering, or equimalent 
discipline and minimum 5 years related experience.  OR
•   Master’s Degree in optics, physics, engineering, or equimalent 
discipline and minimum 2 years related experience.  OR
•   PhD Degree 

[ECOLOG-L] NEON Project - Field Ecologist II Instrumentation - Jamestown, North Dakota

2018-05-23 Thread Laura Reynolds
Field Ecologist II Instrumentation  

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 kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change 
at continental scales.

JOB SUMMARY

Field Ecologists reports to the Field Operations Manager.
•   Field Ecologist II (Sr. Technician C6047B) - The Field Ecologist 
II is a biological sampling lead performing seasonal and periodic 
sampling activities and sample processing, and will be the technical 
lead for performing routine maintenance and inventory management on all 
terrestrial sampling equipment. The Field Ecologist II will provide 
guidance to temporary field crews while working in the field and 
laboratory.

LOCATION

The NEON Project’s Domain 09 encompasses all of North Dakota, and parts 
of South Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, and Montana.  We work in central 
North Dakota, near Jamestown and in Mandan.  The topography is rolling 
prairie pothole and Missouri River breaks.  This area is the breeding 
ground and migration corridor for many species of waterfowl, as well as 
shorebirds and grassland nesting birds.  White tailed deer are common, 
and it is possible to see moose, badger, beaver, fox and coyote.   The 
climate is continental, meaning the summers are often quite warm with 
frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and winters are very cold and windy.  
Mosquitoes and ticks are numerous and omnipresent.  The domain office is 
located in Jamestown, North Dakota. Jamestown is a small town with 
access to fishing, hiking and biking trails and terrific birding 
opportunities.  Fargo and Bismarck are larger cities both an hour and a 
half drive.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Instrumentation (tower) emphasis:
•   Test, troubleshoot and operate instruments, calibration 
equipment and test fixtures.
•   Inspect and maintain civil infrastructure including boom arms, 
sensor mounts, towers, boardwalks and instrument huts.
•   Assist the NEON Project Systems Engineering Product Team with 
instrument installation and testing (approximately the first 6 months).
•   Record activities, completed work and trouble tickets according 
to Field Operations protocol.

General duties include:
•   Report activities, completed work, and sampling problems 
according to Field Operations protocols.
•   Inspect, maintain and operate field, safety and laboratory 
equipment.
•   Operate laboratory equipment (e.g. Wiley Mill, drying oven, 
analytical balance, centrifugal mill, pH meter, microscope, and muffle 
furnace).
•   Assist the Field Operations Manager with recruiting and training 
of seasonal field personnel.
•   Provide instruction and technical guidance to seasonal field 
personnel.
•   Perform plot establishment by locating plots with GPS navigation 
as well as measuring and marking plots.
•   Assist the Field Operations Manager with materials planning, 
inventory and ordering as well as day-to-day oversight of personnel and 
scheduling of activities coordinated from the field office.
•   Follow NEON Project safety and Field Operations policy and 
procedures.

Field activities may include:
•   Follow established, standardized field protocols for sample 
collection and handling; record and verify accuracy of data from sample 
collections; process samples in the laboratory; send samples to external 
analytical labs. Train and lead field crews performing the 
aforementioned items.
•   Perform other field sampling activities as assigned including: 
ground beetle collection (pitfall trapping), mosquito collection (CO2 
light traps, tick collection (dragging and flagging) and soil core 
collection.
•   Test, troubleshoot and operate tower, soil and aquatic 
instruments, calibration equipment and test fixtures.
•   Inspect and maintain civil infrastructure including boom arms, 
sensor mounts, towers, boardwalks and instrument huts.
•   Monitor and sample aquatic sites 

[ECOLOG-L] NEON Operations Project Manager - job opportunity

2018-05-23 Thread Laura Reynolds
Battelle 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 kind designed to detect and enable 
forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.

JOB DESCRIPTION:
 
The NEON Operations Project Manager will serve as part of the Battelle 
leadership team responsible for the successful day-to-day 
performance/operation of the National Ecological Observatory Network 
(NEON). This position will support the NEON Observatory Director/Chief 
Scientist regarding execution and management of NEON Operations project 
scope, cost and schedule performance. The NEON Operations Project 
Manager will oversee a complex, multi-year project in a requiring 
coordination of geographically dispersed teams, operation of a 
continental network of sensor with associated communications systems, 
and provisioning of observatory data through a Cyber infrastructure with 
a public facing data portal. Collaboration will be required in the 
performance of these functions with the NEON Chief Scientist/Observatory 
Director, who is responsible for leading and setting the Observatory 
direction through close coordination with the ecological science 
community and ensuring that the Observatory fulfills its scientific and 
educational mission. This will include strategic project planning 
consistent with client (NSF) and the Ecological research community’s 
expectations for operations, development and implementation of project 
execution plans, and management of project cost, schedule and 
performance.
 
 
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
•   Serves as a member of the Battelle leadership team to advocate, 
support, and ensure the scientific and educational objectives of the 
Observatory, through efficient and responsive Operations management and 
execution of the Observatory Collections plan, are being met.
 
•   Represents Battelle in engagements with NSF, other Federal 
Agencies, Congress and other key external stakeholders in order to 
communicate status and other details concerning Observatory Operations.  
 
•   Directs utilization of Battelle policies, processes and 
procedures to collect and review financial and performance information 
to determine NEON Operations project status, identify significant 
variances, and initiate corrective actions to achieve project 
objectives.
 
•   Ensures key deliverables (monthly and annual reports, project 
execution plan, CONOPS, etc) are developed, completed and submitted to 
the client in accordance with required submittal dates.
 
•   Assesses impacts of scope, schedule and budget change requests 
and ensures that the requisite action is taken. Ensures that the NEON 
Operations project is maintained within the scope, budget and schedule 
of the baseline agreement and changes the baseline when appropriate 
client-directed changes are approved. 
 
•   Proactively communicates with clients to ensure they are an 
integral part of the NEON Operations project for clarification of 
requirements and regular assessment of implementation progress. Builds 
client relationships to sustain and expand business opportunities. 
Influences client opinion on future project direction. Influences 
customer’s plans and priorities as related to the project. Identifies 
value opportunities for Battelle with the client and establishes 
opportunity development capture plans. Positions Battelle to win all 
such opportunities.
 
•   Actively contributes to business development and proposal 
activities including the formulation of win and bid strategies. 
Establishes review procedures to ensure that proposed technical work can 
be accomplished as described within proposed cost, time and quality 
constraints. Coordinates the efforts of the proposal team to formulate 
an offering that persuasively presents the technical and management 
approach that meets the client needs and documents the value created.
 
•   Guides project and task managers and staff in using 
configuration management and control processes to manage NEON Operations 
project change. 

[ECOLOG-L] Battelle - NEON Project - Domain Manager Hawaii job opportunity

2018-05-14 Thread Laura Reynolds
Battelle is guided by a founding mission. We invest our knowledge, 
talents and resources, helping our customers achieve their most 
important goals. We apply scientific rigor and creativity, succeeding 
where others may fail and we invest in our communities, making the world 
better for generations to come. All of us share a common purpose: to 
solve the greatest challenges of today and tomorrow.

 Our 22,000 employees work at the forefront of scientific innovation to 
tackle critical challenges in security, human health, manufacturing, 
energy and environmental management. Battelle’s work is grounded in the 
belief that science, technology and a passion for excellence can make 
industries more competitive and the world a better place.

The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) Program is currently 
seeking a Field Operations Manager. This position is located in Hilo, HI 
and manages NEON operations at Pu'u Maka'ala Natural Area Reserve..

 Occasional travel outside the region will be required.

NEON is a continental-scale ecological observation facility sponsored by 
the National Science Foundation that gathers and synthesizes data on the 
impacts of climate change, land use change and invasive species on 
natural resources and biodiversity. The observatory is designed to 
collect high-quality, standardized data from field sites across the 
continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

JOB DESCRIPTION
This position manages a broad scope of scientific inquiry, managing a 
multi-disciplinary team of field scientists who collect measurements 
related to botany, invertebrates, soils, micrometeorology, and eddy flux 
at one NEON site in Domain 20 - Hawaii (Pacific Tropical).

 MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
•   Plan, schedule, conduct and ensure accurate execution, within 
NEON scientific parameters and annual budget, of all maintenance, repair 
and field sampling activities for 1 NEON field site.
o   Coordination for instrument maintenance is required for 
approximately 40 different sensors, data acquisition system, power 
distribution system and supporting infrastructure (i.e. tower, 
instrument hut, boardwalks).
o   Coordination for field observations and collection are conducted 
using approximately 15 different protocols and multiple SOP’s with 
varying schedule requirements based on local ecosystem and current field 
conditions.
•   Recruit, train and manage all regular and temporary personnel 
supporting field office, lab and field site tasks.
•   Act as liaison between regional stakeholders, including 
educational and research organizations, local property owners and the 
general public and NEON Headquarters. 
•   Communicate NEON status and activities, local activities and 
partnerships, and regional issues and concerns to appropriate regional 
stakeholders and NEON staff. Work with regional stakeholders to resolve 
issues or concerns.
•   Plan and participate in local/regional community engagement 
activities (i.e. local/regional conferences or meetings, invited talks).
•   Ensure compliance with NEON safety policy and procedures.
•   Ensure appropriate equipment, materials and supplies are 
available to support required field activities. Ensure accuracy and 
efficient use of funds within assigned region.
  
THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS 
POSITION:
•   Bachelors’ Degree in life science field.
•   5 years previous experience supervising personnel including 
participating in hiring, training, and evaluating performance.
•   Previous experience developing and managing budgets and 
schedules.
•   Previous experience performing ecology related lab and field 
activities and/or maintaining scientific instrumentation (e.g. 
meteorological and aquatic sensors).
•   Previous experience communicating with external stakeholders 
such as customers, funding agencies, regulatory agencies, etc.
•   Requires critical human relation skills to understand, select, 
develop and motivate others.
•   Permanent U.S. Work Authorization required
 
THE FOLLOWING IS DESIRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS 
POSITION:
•   Previous experience managing a technical field operations group.
•   Graduate study in biology, ecology, environmental science or 
related field.
•   Previous experience leading or participating in outdoor 
activities in remote areas.

Apply at: 
https://performancemanager8.successfactors.com/sfcareer/jobreqcareer?
jobId=65202=battelle=

Or you can go to Battelle.org 

BENEFITS
Battelle’s competitive benefits program includes comprehensive medical 
and dental care, matching 401K, paid time off, flexible spending 
accounts, disability coverage, and other benefits that help provide 
financial protection for you and your family.

“Battelle provides employment and opportunities for advancement, 
compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, 
without regard to 

[ECOLOG-L] National Ecological Observatory - Seasonal Techs needed for UT, CA, FL

2018-05-03 Thread Laura Reynolds
Battelle and its affiliate, Battelle Ecology, Inc. manage and operate 
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.

We are currently seeking Temporary Field Technicians for the following 
locations. 
Salt Lake City, UT – term beginning of June – end of Sept
Gainesville, FL – term May/June – Nov/Dec
Fresno, CA – term end of May – end of Oct

JOB SUMMARY
Temporary Field Technicians perform seasonal and periodic sampling of 
physical, chemical and biological data at one (1)-five (5) field sites, 
while exercising good judgement and decision-making abilities to 
interpret protocol requirements. Temporary Field Technicians are 
assigned an area of primary responsibility within the scope of data 
collection: botany, entomology, mammalogy (except Puerto Rico and 
Hawaii), or limnology (except Hawaii).
 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 current field 
conditions.
 Daily and weekly work schedules will fluctuate.  Workdays can be up to 
twelve hours long and may be split with both morning and evening work, 
with work, at times, beginning at dawn and going through to dusk.  
Workweeks can include weekends and occasionally may be up to 12 
consecutive days.
Individuals are responsible for their own housing and transportation to 
primary work location, and must have permanent authorization for US 
employment.

To see full job description for each of these positions and to apply go 
to:  www.neonscience.org 

Must have permanent authorization for US employment. Battelle Ecology, 
Inc. will not provide any kind of visa sponsorship.
Employment is contingent on background screen, drug screen, motor 
vehicle records check and physical.

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 BEI’s insurance provider.
 
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.


[ECOLOG-L] National Ecological Observatory - Field Ecologist II - Alabama

2018-05-03 Thread Laura Reynolds
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 kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change 
at continental scales.

JOB SUMMARY

Field Ecologists reports to the Field Operations Manager.
•   Field Ecologist II - The Field Ecologist II is a biological 
sampling lead performing seasonal and periodic sampling activities and 
sample processing, and will be the technical lead for performing routine 
maintenance and inventory management on all terrestrial sampling 
equipment. The Field Ecologist II will provide guidance to temporary 
field crews while working in the field and laboratory.

LOCATION

The NEON Domain 8 support facility is based in Tuscaloosa, home to the 
University of Alabama.  This relatively small town has all the 
atmosphere, sports and entertainment options you would expect to find as 
the host of a top university.   Birmingham is less than an hour’s drive 
away, with Atlanta and New Orleans both a four-hour drive away, making 
weekend trips to these great cities very doable. Tuscaloosa receives an 
abundance of sunlight with short moderate winters, while summers are 
very hot, humid, long and punctuated by inland storms and tropical 
events. 

High levels of heat and moisture can also produce volatile weather 
patterns, such as convective storms which generate lightning, often 
resulting in wildfires. Our Core Site in the Oakmulgee District of the 
Talladega National Forest is characterized as a fire dependent, longleaf 
pine ecosystem. The role of riverine flooding is also fundamental to all 
our seasonal monitoring and sampling efforts which are conducted 
directly within the swamps and bottomland hardwood forests. The Black 
Warrior and Tombigbee River watersheds are the primary aquatic focus for 
this domain. While conducting all terrestrial and aquatic sampling, 
teams consistently travel into three diverse landscapes with frequent 
overnight stays.   Days and work-weeks are long, with the majority of 
activities conducted outside but generally balanced with laboratory 
time.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Botany emphasis:
•   Lead, perform and coordinate plant phenology, diversity, 
biogeochemistry and productivity measurements.
•   Identify local flora to species using techniques including: 
general observation, field references, dichotomous key, comparison with 
identified specimens, or other identification methods. Local species 
identification skills are used to complete activities such as plant 
diversity observations, classification of phenological stages of local 
flora, and sorting of plants and debris into functional group or 
category.
•   Collect and process samples for activities such as clip harvest, 
biomass, canopy foliage and leaf area index measurements as well as 
vegetation structure measurements.
•   Map and measure structural metrics of free-standing woody stems.


General duties include:
•   Report activities, completed work, and sampling problems 
according to Field Operations protocols.
•   Inspect, maintain and operate field, safety and laboratory 
equipment.
•   Operate laboratory equipment (e.g. Wiley Mill, drying oven, 
analytical balance, centrifugal mill, pH meter, microscope, and muffle 
furnace).
•   Assist the Field Operations Manager with recruiting and training 
of seasonal field personnel.
•   Provide instruction and technical guidance to seasonal field 
personnel.
•   Perform plot establishment by locating plots with GPS navigation 
as well as measuring and marking plots.
•   Assist the Field Operations Manager with materials planning, 
inventory and ordering as well as day-to-day oversight of personnel and 
scheduling of activities coordinated from the field office.
•   Follow NEON Project safety and Field Operations policy and 
procedures.

Field activities may include:
•   Follow established, standardized field protocols for sample 
collection and handling; 

[ECOLOG-L] National Ecological Observatory - Field Ecologist I - Tennessee

2018-04-19 Thread Laura Reynolds
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.

We are currently recruiting for Field Ecologist I - Aquatics - Oak 
Ridge, TN Domain.

The Field Ecologist I is a biological sampling lead performing seasonal 
and periodic sampling activities and sample processing. Seasonal field 
sampling is conducted with the assistance of temporary field crews under 
the guidance of the Field Ecologist.

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 Project 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:

o   Bachelor’s degree in ecology, environmental sciences or related 
scientific discipline.
o   One (1) or more years’ of related experience.


To see the full job description and to apply go to:  
http://www.neonscience.org/.

Must have permanent authorization for US employment. Battelle Ecology, 
Inc. will not provide any kind of visa sponsorship.

Employment is contingent on background screen, drug screen, motor 
vehicle records check and physical.

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.

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.


[ECOLOG-L] National Ecological Observatory - Field Ecologist II job - Arizona

2018-04-13 Thread Laura Reynolds
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 Field Ecologist II is a biological sampling lead performing seasonal 
and periodic sampling activities and sample processing, and will be the 
technical lead for performing routine maintenance and inventory 
management on all terrestrial sampling equipment. The Field Ecologist II 
will provide guidance to temporary field crews while working in the 
field and laboratory.

Instrumentation (tower) emphasis:
•   Test, troubleshoot and operate instruments, calibration 
equipment and test fixtures.
•   Inspect and maintain civil infrastructure including boom arms, 
sensor mounts, towers, boardwalks and instrument huts.
•   Assist the NEON Project Systems Engineering Product Team with 
instrument installation and testing (approximately the first 6 months).
•   Record activities, completed work and trouble tickets according 
to Field Operations protocol.

Location:  Tuscon, AZ
Status:  Fulltime

Required:

o   Bachelor’s Degree in ecology, environmental sciences or related 
scientific discipline.
o   Three (3) or more years’ of related experience.

To see full job description and to apply go to:  
http://www.neonscience.org/

Must have permanent authorization for US employment. Battelle Ecology, 
Inc. will not provide any kind of visa sponsorship.

Employment is contingent on background screen, drug screen, motor 
vehicle records check and physical.

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.

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.



[ECOLOG-L] Battelle - Air Quality Scientist - job opportunity

2018-01-08 Thread Laura Reynolds
Battelle is guided by a founding mission. We invest our knowledge, 
talents and resources, helping our customers achieve their most 
important goals. We apply scientific rigor and creativity, succeeding 
where others may fail and we invest in our communities, making the world 
better for generations to come. All of us share a common purpose: to 
solve the greatest challenges of today and tomorrow.
 
Our 22,000 employees work at the forefront of scientific innovation to 
tackle critical challenges in security, human health, manufacturing, 
energy and environmental management. Battelle’s work is grounded in the 
belief that science, technology and a passion for excellence can make 
industries more competitive and the world a better place.
 
We are currently seeking an Air Quality Scientist to fill a role in the 
Environmental Business Line.  This position is located in Columbus, OH.
 
JOB DESCRIPTION
 
•   Manage and support environmental projects specifically related 
to air quality sampling and analysis.
•   Conduct technical work and produce quality results in a timely 
manner.  Prepare in-depth technical reports and PowerPoint presentations 
in support of air quality projects.
•   Design and conduct field and laboratory experiments, including 
preparing sampling and test plans, required to address client’s needs.
•   Lead air sampling and air quality audits to ensure client 
compliance with specific state and federal ambient air quality 
standards.
•   Provide technical advice (internally and externally) to ensure 
project execution at the highest quality.
•   Develop and implement internal research and development projects 
that enhance capability and/or support the development of new technical 
approaches.
•   Participate with an air assessment team to increase company 
visibility and scientific credibility by presenting work in client 
meetings, scientific forums, conferences and in publications.
•   Lead and support the development of proposals to government and 
industrial clients.   
 
THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS 
POSITION:
 
•   U.S. Citizenship 
•   A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in chemistry or related field and 
at least 8 years of experience in the field of air assessment/air 
quality, or M.S. in chemistry or related field and 4 years of 
experience, or a PhD in chemistry or related field. 
•   Ability to demonstrate a broad familiarity with air sampling and 
analysis instrumentation for the collection and measurement of criteria 
pollutants, VOCs, carbonyls, SVOCs such as PAHs, and particulate matter 
(PM10, PM2.5, speciated PM, UFP, etc.)
•   Experienced with the preparation of QAPPs, SOPs, TADs, other 
quality systems and technical guidance documents that govern and 
describe air monitoring and sample analysis activities.
•   A demonstrated background in analytical chemistry methods 
development and the design, planning, execution, and interpretation of 
the results from air monitoring field studies and projects.
•   Expertise in data visualization and analysis with programs such 
as IGOR, MatLab, and/or R.
•   Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
•   Excellent writing, communication, interpersonal skills, 
analytical, and leadership skills, as demonstrated by technical reports, 
published papers, theses, and the like.
•   Desire to meet with clients and present Battelle’s air 
assessment capabilities and services.
•   Ability to travel domestically, including participating in field 
work, approximately one week per month.
 
THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS ARE DESIRABLE FOR THIS POSITION:
 
•   Experience in conducting onsite technical systems audits of air 
monitoring laboratories and sites, such as those in the NCore, SLAMS, 
CSN, NATTS, and PAMS national networks.
 
 Apply to:  www.battelle.org/careers

BENEFITS
 
Battelle’s competitive benefits program includes comprehensive medical 
and dental care, matching 401K, paid time off, flexible spending 
accounts, disability coverage, and other benefits that help provide 
financial protection for you and your family.
 
“Battelle 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.”


[ECOLOG-L] National Ecological Observatory Network - Temporary Field and Lead Technician job opportunities

2017-12-04 Thread Laura Reynolds
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Battelle and its affiliate, Battelle Ecology, Inc. manage and operate 
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 kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change 
at continental scales.

We are currently seeking multiple Temporary Field Technicians and 
Temporary Lead Field Technicians.

Locations: Across the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii and 
Puerto Rico.

JOB SUMMARY – Temporary Field Technician
Temporary Field Technicians perform seasonal and periodic sampling of 
physical, chemical and biological data at one (1)-five (5) field sites, 
while exercising good judgement and decision-making abilities to 
interpret protocol requirements.

JOB SUMMARY – Temporary Lead Field Technician
Lead Temporary Field Technicians perform and supervise seasonal and 
periodic sampling of physical, chemical and biological data at one (1)-
five (5) field sites, while exercising good judgement and decision-
making abilities to interpret protocol requirements.

Apply:  To see the full job description and to apply go to: 
http://www.neonscience.org


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.


[ECOLOG-L] NEON Project Manager, Operations - Boulder, CO

2017-06-14 Thread Laura Reynolds
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a shared-use, 
continental scale research platform for ecological research, consisting 
of geographically distributed networked infrastructure. Networks of 
sensors coupled to a network of human observers and airborne 
observations, will be linked to computational, analytical and modeling 
capabilities. Battelle, under multiple Cooperative Support Agreements 
awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is in the midst of 
executing a program requiring completion of Observatory Construction, 
and  transition of completed sites to Operations. The completed 
Observatory is expected to be in initial operations in 2018, and full 
operations in 2019.
 
JOB DESCRIPTION:
 
The NEON Project Manager, Operations will serve as the Battelle 
authority responsible for the successful day-to-day 
performance/operation of the National Ecological Observatory Network 
(NEON). This position will be the primary POC and interface to the NSF 
regarding execution of NEON Operations project scope, cost and schedule 
performance, and similarly, to Battelle senior management. The NEON 
Project Manager, Operations  will manage a complex, multi-year project 
in a matrix organization, requiring coordination of geographically 
dispersed teams. This will include strategic project planning consistent 
with client (NSF) expectations for operations, development and 
implementation of project execution plans, and management of project 
cost, schedule and performance.
 
The NEON Project Manager, Operations will perform these functions 
collaboratively with the NEON Program Manager, until Observatory 
Construction has been completed and a sufficient transition to 
Operations has occurred, at which time the NEON Program Manager position 
will be eliminated. Further collaboration will be required in the 
performance of these functions with the NEON Chief Scientist/Observatory 
Director, who is responsible for leading the Observatory science program 
through close coordination with the ecological science community and 
ensuring that the Observatory fulfills its scientific and educational 
mission. 
 
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
•   Serves as a member of the Battelle leadership team to advocate, 
support, and ensure the scientific and educational objectives of the 
Observatory, through efficient and responsive Operations management and 
execution of the Observatory Collections plan, are being met.
 
•   Represents Battelle in engagements with NSF, other Federal 
Agencies, Congress and other key external stakeholders in order to 
communicate status and other details concerning Observatory Operations.  
 
•   Directs utilization of Battelle policies, processes and 
procedures to collect and review financial and performance information 
to determine NEON Operations project status, identify significant 
variances, and initiate corrective actions to achieve project 
objectives.
 
•   Ensures key deliverables (monthly and annual reports, project 
execution plan, CONOPS, etc) are developed, completed and submitted to 
the client in accordance with required submittal dates.
 
•   Assesses impacts of scope, schedule and budget change requests 
and ensures that the requisite action is taken. Ensures that the NEON 
Operations project is maintained within the scope, budget and schedule 
of the baseline agreement and changes the baseline when appropriate 
client-directed changes are approved. 
 
•   Proactively communicates with clients to ensure they are an 
integral part of the NEON Operations project for clarification of 
requirements and regular assessment of implementation progress. Builds 
client relationships to sustain and expand business opportunities. 
Influences client opinion on future project direction. Influences 
customer’s plans and priorities as related to the project. Identifies 
value opportunities for Battelle with the client and establishes 
opportunity development capture plans. Positions Battelle to win all 
such opportunities.
 
•   Actively contributes to business development and proposal 
activities including the formulation of win and bid strategies. 
Establishes review procedures to ensure that proposed technical work can 
be accomplished as described within proposed cost, time and quality 
constraints. Coordinates the efforts of the proposal team to formulate 
an offering that persuasively presents the technical and management 
approach that meets the client needs and documents the value created.
 
•   Guides project and task managers and staff in using 
configuration management and control processes to manage NEON Operations 
project change. Establishes strategies for using cost and schedule 
performance data analysis in making project decisions to ensure timely 
and cost-effective delivery of specified services and products. Ensures 
change management policies and processes to evaluate changes, examine 
options, and make responsible decisions 

[ECOLOG-L] NEON Observatory Director.Chief Scientist job opportunity Boulder, CO

2017-04-20 Thread Laura Reynolds
Battelle operates the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), 
which is solely funded by the National Science Foundation. NEON is a 30+ 
year project designed to provide data for scientists to better 
understand and forecast the impacts of climate change, land use change 
and invasive species on continental scale ecology. NEON collects data 
and samples using a combination of field sampling, sensors, and airborne 
remote sensing measurements across the US. 

The NEON Observatory Director/Chief Scientist will serve as the 
scientific lead of the Observatory and is responsible for facilitating 
community-led transformative research using the Observatory platform. 
This position will lead the Observatory science program through close 
coordination with the ecological science community and ensure that the 
Observatory fulfills its scientific and educational mission. In 
addition, this position will build impactful external activities with 
collaborators nationally and internationally.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. with at least 15 years of experience and an 
established record of outstanding scholarly achievement in ecology, 
advancing ecological thought and managing complex research programs. 

To see the full job description and to submit your resume/CV and cover 
letter to:  battelle.org/careers

Battelle 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. 


[ECOLOG-L] Manager Field Operations - Florida

2017-04-07 Thread Laura Reynolds
Battelle is guided by a founding mission. We invest our knowledge, 
talents and resources, helping our customers achieve their most 
important goals. We apply scientific rigor and creativity, succeeding 
where others may fail and we invest in our communities, making the world 
better for generations to come. All of us share a common purpose: to 
solve the greatest challenges of today and tomorrow.
 
Our 22,000 employees work at the forefront of scientific innovation to 
tackle critical challenges in security, human health, manufacturing, 
energy and environmental management. Battelle’s work is grounded in the 
belief that science, technology and a passion for excellence can make 
industries more competitive and the world a better place.

The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) Program is currently 
seeking a Field Operations Manager. This position is located in 
Gainesville, FL and manages NEON operations at Ordway-Swisher Biological 
Station (Gainesville, FL), Disney Wilderness Preserve (Poinciana, FL), 
and Jones Ecological Research Center (Newton, GA).
 
Occasional travel outside the region will be required.

NEON is a continental-scale ecological observation facility sponsored by 
the National Science Foundation that gathers and synthesizes data on the 
impacts of climate change, land use change and invasive species on 
natural resources and biodiversity. The observatory is designed to 
collect high-quality, standardized data from field sites across the 
continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

Gainesville, FL is home to the University of Florida and Santa Fe 
College. Located in north-central Florida, Gainesville 
(http://www.visitgainesville.com/) is 2 hours from both the Atlantic and 
Gulf Coast. Gainesville boasts world-class fishing, snorkeling, 
canoeing, diving and kayaking and offers plenty of opportunity to enjoy 
the unique natural environment of the Florida peninsula.
 
JOB DESCRIPTION
This position manages a broad scope of scientific inquiry, managing a 
multi-disciplinary team of field scientists who collect measurements 
related to botany, mammalogy, limnology, micrometeorology, eddy flux and 
water quality at three NEON sites in Domain 03-Florida (Southeast).
 MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
•   Plan, schedule and ensure accurate execution, within NEON 
scientific parameters and annual budget, of all maintenance, repair and 
field sampling activities for 3 NEON field sites.
o   Coordination for instrument maintenance is required for 
approximately 40 different sensors, data acquisition system, power 
distribution system and supporting infrastructure (i.e. tower, 
instrument hut, boardwalks).
o   Coordination for field observations and collection are conducted 
using approximately 30 different protocols and multiple SOP’s with 
varying schedule requirements based on local ecosystem and current field 
conditions.
•   Recruit, train and manage all regular and temporary personnel 
supporting field office, lab and field site tasks.
•   Act as liaison between regional stakeholders, including 
educational and research organizations, local property owners and the 
general public and NEON Headquarters. 
•   Communicate NEON status and activities, local activities and 
partnerships, and regional issues and concerns to appropriate regional 
stakeholders and NEON staff. Work with regional stakeholders to resolve 
issues or concerns.
•   Plan and participate in local/regional community engagement 
activities (i.e. local/regional conferences or meetings, invited talks).
•   Ensure compliance with NEON safety policy and procedures.
•   Ensure appropriate equipment, materials and supplies are 
available to support required field activities. Ensure accuracy and 
efficient use of funds within assigned region.
 
 
THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS 
POSITION:
•   Bachelors’ Degree in life science field.
•   5 years previous experience supervising personnel including 
participating in hiring, training, and evaluating performance.
•   Previous experience developing and managing budgets and 
schedules.
•   Previous experience performing ecology related lab and field 
activities and/or maintaining scientific instrumentation (e.g. 
meteorological and aquatic sensors).
•   Previous experience communicating with external stakeholders 
such as customers, funding agencies, regulatory agencies, etc.
•   Requires critical human relation skills to understand, select, 
develop and motivate others.
•   Permanent U.S. Work Authorization required
 
THE FOLLOWING IS DESIRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS 
POSITION:
•   Previous experience managing a technical field operations group.
•   Graduate study in biology, ecology, environmental science or 
related field.
•   Previous experience leading or participating in outdoor 
activities in remote areas.

Apply: 

[ECOLOG-L] Data Science (Education) Lead - job opportunity Battelle/NEON Project

2017-03-10 Thread Laura Reynolds
Battelle is guided by a founding mission. We invest our knowledge, 
talents and resources, helping our customers achieve their most 
important goals. We apply scientific rigor and creativity, succeeding 
where others may fail and we invest in our communities, making the world 
better for generations to come. All of us share a common purpose: to 
solve the greatest challenges of today and tomorrow.
 
Our 22,000 employees work at the forefront of scientific innovation to 
tackle critical challenges in security, human health, manufacturing, 
energy and environmental management. Battelle’s work is grounded in the 
belief that science, technology and a passion for excellence can make 
industries more competitive and the world a better place.
 
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) project is focused on 
building and operating an NSF-sponsored Observatory that that gathers 
and synthesizes data on the impacts of climate change, land use change 
and invasive species on natural resources and biodiversity.
 
We are currently seeking a Data Science Lead. This position located in 
Boulder, CO at the NEON project headquarters.
 
JOB DESCRIPTION

The Data Science Lead is responsible for developing web-based, data 
science tutorials, informational resources, and tools for helping 
scientists and students use large, ecological datasets (NEON and NEON-
like data), including online data management and analysis tools, subsets 
of large datasets, and algorithms/code to process and visualize data. In 
addition, the Data Science Lead will develop and lead workshops, courses 
and seminars for scientists, faculty and students focused on using 
large, ecological datasets for scientific research and teaching. He/she 
will work closely with Battelle/NEON project research scientists, 
science community, and university faculty to develop resources that 
support the use of diverse ecological datasets, including NEON data, for 
research and student learning.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Research, develop and/or oversee content for the NEON Data 
Skills web portal (neondataskills.org), including content related to
o   continental-scale ecology,
o   NEON and NEON-like data,
o   activities that teach key data management and analysis skills 
using data subsets, code and GUI-based data analysis tools.
•   Identify key data products (including both NEON and external 
datasets) and science topics to be used as part of online data science 
activities, in collaboration with Battelle/NEON project research 
scientists and science community at-large.
•   Develop, test and implement algorithms/code and tools that can 
be used to analyze NEON data and/or subsets of NEON-like data to support 
online resources and tools as well as workshops and courses.
•   Lead, develop, teach and coordinate data science workshops, 
webinars and online courses focused on NEON-related topics and/or 
ecological data for scientists, students and faculty
•   Build partnerships with college/university faculty, researchers 
and other stakeholders to design, develop and implement data science 
content
•   Participate in designing and implementing evaluation and 
assessment strategies for data resources and programs
•   Support/assist in developing and implementing strategic plans 
for business development in data science/skills area
•   Prepare technical sections of proposals; may manage proposals or 
major sections of large proposals
•   Lead and/or oversee project teams developing data science 
tutorials, informational resources, and tools for helping scientists and 
students use large, ecological datasets
•   Participate in scientific conferences, peer review panels, 
meetings and other appropriate events to network, share resources, and 
establish/maintain partnerships

 
THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS 
POSITION:

•   Ph.D. in ecology, natural sciences, environmental science, data 
science or related area and 0-3 years of experience OR equivalent 
combination of education and experience.
•   Experience working with key data analysis tools needed to work 
with large, ecological datasets such as R, Python, Octave, QGIS, ArcGIS, 
etc.
•   Experience working with large scientific datasets
•   Experience developing online resources and/or activities focused 
on using big data in scientific analyses
•   Experience developing and implementing data science-based 
programs, online and in-person, with college-level students and faculty
•   Demonstrated ability to understand and translate complex data 
science topics to a variety of audiences
•   Demonstrated skills in data management and data analysis of a 
variety of data types
•   Ability to speak in public to a diversity of audiences including 
scientists, science educators, college/university faculty, college-level 
students, and funding agency (NSF) program directors
•   

[ECOLOG-L] NEON Field Technician II - Botany job opportunity in Alaska

2017-02-28 Thread Laura Reynolds
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 kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change 
at continental scales.

JOB SUMMARY
The Field Technician reports to the Field Operations Manager and will be 
hired as a Field Technician II level.
•   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.

LOCATION
The Domain 18/19 Field Technician’s primary work location is in 
Fairbanks, AK. This position supports sites in the Taiga and Tundra 
Domains. Taiga Domain candidate sites are located at the Caribou-Poker 
Creeks Research Watershed near Chatanika, AK, south of Delta Junction, 
AK and near Healy, AK. Tundra Domain candidates sites are located at 
Toolik Field Station south of Prudhoe Bay and at Barrow Environmental 
Observatory. The Taiga and Tundra domains include most of Alaska. 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Botany emphasis:
•   Lead, perform and coordinate plant phenology, diversity, 
biogeochemistry and productivity measurements.
•   Identify local flora to species using techniques including: 
general observation, field references, dichotomous key, comparison with 
identified specimens, or other identification methods. Local species 
identification skills are used to complete activities such as plant 
diversity observations, classification of phenological stages of local 
flora, and sorting of plants and debris into functional group or 
category.
•   Collect and process samples for activities such as clip harvest, 
biomass, canopy foliage and leaf area index measurements as well as 
vegetation structure measurements.
•   Map and measure structural metrics of free-standing woody stems.

General duties include:
•   Report activities, completed work, and sampling problems 
according to Field Operations protocols.
•   Inspect, maintain and operate field, safety and laboratory 
equipment.
•   Operate laboratory equipment (e.g. Wiley Mill, drying oven, 
analytical balance, centrifugal mill, pH meter, microscope, and muffle 
furnace).
•   Assist the Field Operations Manager with recruiting and training 
of seasonal field personnel.
•   Provide instruction and technical guidance to seasonal field 
personnel.
•   Perform plot establishment by locating plots with GPS navigation 
as well as measuring and marking plots.
•   Assist the Field Operations Manager with materials planning, 
inventory and ordering as well as day-to-day oversight of personnel and 
scheduling of activities coordinated from the field office.
•   Follow Battelle Ecology, Inc. safety and Field Operations policy 
and procedures.

Field activities may include:
•   Follow established, standardized field protocols for sample 
collection and handling; record and verify accuracy of data from sample 
collections; process samples in the laboratory; send samples to external 
analytical labs. Train and lead field crews performing the 
aforementioned items.
•   Perform other field sampling activities as assigned including: 
ground beetle collection (pitfall trapping), mosquito collection (CO2 
light traps, tick collection (dragging and flagging) and soil core 
collection.
•   Test, troubleshoot and operate tower, soil and aquatic 
instruments, calibration equipment and test fixtures.
•   Inspect and maintain civil infrastructure including boom arms, 
sensor mounts, towers, boardwalks and instrument huts.
•   Monitor and sample aquatic sites for water quality, biological 
indicators and physical properties of site (e.g. gaging streams, 
geomorphic mapping).

Physical 

[ECOLOG-L] Aquatic Instrumentation and Oceanography Manager job Battelle/NEON Project

2017-02-24 Thread Laura Reynolds
Battelle is guided by a founding mission. We invest our knowledge, 
talents and resources, helping our customers achieve their most 
important goals. We apply scientific rigor and creativity, succeeding 
where others may fail and we invest in our communities, making the world 
better for generations to come. All of us share a common purpose: to 
solve the greatest challenges of today and tomorrow.

Our 22,000 employees work at the forefront of scientific innovation to 
tackle critical challenges in security, human health, manufacturing, 
energy and environmental management. Battelle’s work is grounded in the 
belief that science, technology and a passion for excellence can make 
industries more competitive and the world a better place.

Battelle’s Ecology Business is seeking an Aquatic Instrumentation and 
Oceanography Manager, located in Boulder, CO. Battelle’s Ecology 
Business supports the broader mission of the Infrastructure and 
Environment Business Unit, with management operations located in 
Columbus, OH.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Director of Science, the Manager is primarily 
responsible for directly managing staff within the Aquatic 
Instrumentation and Oceanography team and the technical activities of 
projects/programs. The Ecology Business predominately serves the 
National Science Foundation as Managing Organization to complete the 
construction, commissioning, and initial operations of the National 
Ecological Observatory Network (NEON). NEON will enable scientists to 
understand and forecast interactions between life and the environment, 
including changes in climate, land use and invasive species, throughout 
the United States. In this capacity, the Manager will lead technical 
activities and provide technical and scientific expertise in multiple 
natural science fields such as ecology, civil engineering, hydrology, 
and water quality for the construction and operations of NEON’s Aquatic 
Instrumented Systems that are deployed at wadeable streams, non-wadeable 
streams and rivers, and lakes.
•   Develops and manages schedule, budget, risks, and documentation.
•   Identifies risks to meeting scheduled activities, and implements 
solutions to mitigate risk and meet timelines.
•   Responsible for efficient project management practices and 
leading teams within a professional work environment, including 
coordinating a variety of simultaneous tasks.
•   Provides strategic, scientific rationale for aquatic components 
of the NEON project
•   Assists in the development and oversight of aquatic site 
infrastructure deployments.
•   Serves as the point of contact to resolve operations issues 
related to implementation of aquatic instrumentation
•   Manages the documentation of maintenance plans, equipment design 
and data collection, verifying that all activities are documented.
•   Contributes to training material and field manuals for field and 
lab procedures.
•   Collaborates with the NEON Data Products and Cyberinfrastructure 
teams and other science staff to develop algorithms to deliver data 
products and specifications for data ingest and publication formats 
associated with the collection of instrumented aquatic data.
•   Supports active engagement between the Observatory and the 
broader science community and promotes scientific advancements in 
continental-scale ecology relevant to the observatory mission.
•   Establishes staff goals and objectives and prepares and delivers 
performance reviews.
•   The manager will also contribute to the development of an 
externally funded research program and other new business opportunities, 
particularly those in the aquatic sciences.


THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS 
POSITION: 

•   PhD in Ecology, Hydrology, Oceanography, Biology, or related 
field and 1 year of experience with methods in aquatic ecology, OR 
equivalent Combination of degree and experience. 
•   MS in Ecology, Hydrology, Oceanography, Biology, or related 
field and 3 years of experience with methods in aquatic ecology. 
•   Experience with instrumented sampling methods in aquatic 
systems.
•   Supervisory/leadership experience, sufficient to demonstrate the 
ability to manage a diverse group of engineers, scientists, and 
technicians.
•   Experience in managing budgets and schedules for a large scale 
scientific project.
•   Demonstrated experience in scientific writing and review.
•   Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills.

THE FOLLOWING IS DESIRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS 
POSITION:
•   PhD in Ecology, Hydrology, Oceanography, Biology, or related 
field and 5 or more years of experience with methods in aquatic ecology. 
•   MS in Ecology, Hydrology, Oceanography, Biology, or related 
field and 8 or more years of experience with methods in aquatic ecology. 
•   Experience with both freshwater and oceanic aquatic 

[ECOLOG-L] NEON D14 AZ Field Technician III job Limnology primary Instrumentation secondary

2017-02-22 Thread Laura Reynolds
Battelle and its affiliate, Battelle Ecology, Inc. manage and operate 
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 kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change 
at continental scales.

JOB SUMMARY
The Field Technician reports to the Field Operations Manager and will be 
hired at a Field Technician III level.
•   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 14 Field Technician’s primary work location is near Tucson, 
AZ. This position supports sites in the Desert Southwest Domain. Desert 
Southwest sites are located at Santa Rita Experimental Range near 
Tucson, Jornada LTER near Las Cruces, NM and near Phoenix, AZ. The 
Desert Southwest Domain includes western Texas, southern Arizona, 
southern New Mexico, southern Nevada, and Southern California.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The primary responsibility for the position will be to lead aquatics 
sampling efforts at Sycamore Creek.   This site will present a unique 
set of scheduling and sampling challenges due to flash flooding and 
seasonally dry conditions.  As the only full-time aquatics hire in this 
domain, the ideal candidate will have experience carrying out 
standardized biological sampling protocols, maintaining aquatic 
instrumentation.  The position will additionally require taking part in 
terrestrial sampling and tower maintenance activities at Santa Rita and 
Jornada Experimental Ranges.   

Limnology primary 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.

Instrumentation (tower) secondary emphasis:
•   Test, troubleshoot and operate instruments, calibration 
equipment and test fixtures.
•   Inspect and maintain civil infrastructure including boom arms, 
sensor mounts, towers, boardwalks and instrument huts.
•   Assist the NEON Project Systems Engineering Product Team with 
instrument installation and testing (approximately the first 6 months).
•   Record activities, completed work and trouble tickets according 
to Field Operations protocol.


General duties include:
•   Report activities, completed work, and sampling problems 
according to Field Operations protocols.
•   Inspect, maintain and operate field, safety and laboratory 
equipment.
•   Operate laboratory equipment (e.g. Wiley Mill, drying oven, 
analytical balance, centrifugal mill, pH meter, microscope, and muffle 
furnace).
•   Assist the Field Operations Manager with recruiting and training 
of seasonal field personnel.
•   Provide instruction and technical guidance to seasonal field 
personnel.
•   Perform plot establishment by locating plots with GPS navigation 
as well as measuring and marking plots.
•   Assist the Field Operations Manager with materials planning, 
inventory and ordering as well as day-to-day oversight of personnel and 
scheduling of activities coordinated from the field 

[ECOLOG-L] Field Technician II and III Limnology job opportunities with NEON

2017-02-17 Thread Laura Reynolds
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. 

[ECOLOG-L] Field Technician II and III Instrumentation job opportunities with NEON

2017-02-17 Thread Laura Reynolds
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 Technicians reports 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

Instrumentation (tower) emphasis:

Test, troubleshoot and operate instruments, calibration equipment and 
test fixtures.
Inspect and maintain civil infrastructure including boom arms, sensor 
mounts, towers, boardwalks and instrument huts. 
Assist the NEON Systems Engineering Product Team with instrument 
installation and testing (approximately the first 6 months). 
Record activities, completed work and trouble tickets according to Field 
Operations protocol.

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, 

[ECOLOG-L] Staff Scientist - Data Products job with the National Ecological Observatory Network

2017-02-15 Thread Laura Reynolds
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Battelle and its affiliate, Battelle Ecology, Inc. manage and operate 
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

Location: Boulder, Colorado

JOB SUMMARY
The Staff Scientist – Data Products will manage the efforts for 
developing and delivering the micrometeorology data product through an 
internal working group (working Integrated Product Team - wIPT) 
responsible for delivering Eddy-Covariance data products.  
Responsibilities include: ensuring delivery of data products and 
associated documentation, including design, specification, 
implementation, testing, and publication. This position requires 
understanding Battelle Ecology, Inc.’s data and sample acquisition 
systems and their scientific design and goals, and assessing and 
realizing the utility of algorithms necessary to enable community use of 
the products. The Staff Scientist will also be expected to interact with 
external working groups and advisory panels, liaising with the larger 
ecological modeling and micrometeorology communities to ensure Battelle 
Ecology, Inc.’s chosen approaches are appropriate.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
•   Support the development of Battelle Ecology, Inc.’s eddy 
covariance data products, including managing cost and schedule.
•   Provide technical guidance on the development of Battelle 
Ecology, Inc. data products, particularly eddy covariance data products.
•   Coordinate porting/testing/validation of all Micrometeorology 
science code into operational cyberinfrastructure, including development 
of standardized plans for transferring science code into the 
cyberinfrastructure
•   Coordinate implementation, dataflow and data formats for public 
access 
•   Support working groups and product teams (internally and 
externally) to address cross-cutting science issues associated with 
sensor and algorithm deployment, implementation, maintenance and QA/QC 
•   Provide expertise and feedback in designing, developing, and 
implementing state-of-the-art tools for manipulating, processing, and 
analyzing Battelle Ecology, Inc. wide variety of data.

REQUIRED: EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
•   Ph.D. with applicable experience in an environmental science 
field, such as community land modeling, micrometeorology, 
biometeorology, ecosystem science, or atmospheric sciences
•   Two or more years’ experience (may be postdoctoral)
•   Sound understanding of a wide range of sensors and measurement 
techniques, and their associated data acquisition and analysis 
procedures 
•   In-depth knowledge of quantitative uncertainty analyses, time-
domain, frequency-domain and QA/QC procedures Experience with combining 
data of different types and from multiple spatial & temporal scales
•   Proficiency in one or more programming languages, such as 
Fortran90+, Java, Python, C/C++
•   Experience with common statistics packages, such as R or SAS
PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
•   Demonstrated experience leading teams
•   Demonstrated experience working with interdisciplinary teams
•   Knowledge of soil, tower, and airborne sensors and measurement 
techniques and their associated data acquisition and analysis 
procedures.
•   Demonstrated experience working at the micro- to meso-
meteorological scale
•   Ability to develop dataflow designs for different and 
contrasting types of data
•   Experience in operationalizing science code and working with 
large, complex data sets
•   Design of data visualization tools 
•   Demonstrable knowledge of two or more ecological sciences 
relevant to Battelle Ecology, Inc.
•   Peer-reviewed journal publications and a record of professional 
accomplishment related to the Battelle Ecology, Inc. mission

Apply to: www.neonscience.org


Battelle Ecology, Inc. provides employment and opportunities for 
advancement, compensation, training, 

[ECOLOG-L] Aquatic Instrumentation and Oceanography Manager job with NEON

2017-01-31 Thread Laura Reynolds
Battelle is guided by a founding mission. We invest our knowledge, 
talents and resources, helping our customers achieve their most 
important goals. We apply scientific rigor and creativity, succeeding 
where others may fail and we invest in our communities, making the world 
better for generations to come. All of us share a common purpose: to 
solve the greatest challenges of today and tomorrow.

Our 22,000 employees work at the forefront of scientific innovation to 
tackle critical challenges in security, human health, manufacturing, 
energy and environmental management. Battelle’s work is grounded in the 
belief that science, technology and a passion for excellence can make 
industries more competitive and the world a better place.

Battelle’s Ecology Business is seeking an Aquatic Instrumentation and 
Oceanography Manager, located in Boulder, CO. Battelle’s Ecology 
Business supports the broader mission of the Infrastructure and 
Environment Business Unit, with management operations located in 
Columbus, OH.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Director of Science, the Manager is primarily 
responsible for directly managing staff within the Aquatic 
Instrumentation and Oceanography team and the technical activities of 
projects/programs. The Ecology Business predominately serves the 
National Science Foundation as Managing Organization to complete the 
construction, commissioning, and initial operations of the National 
Ecological Observatory Network (NEON). NEON will enable scientists to 
understand and forecast interactions between life and the environment, 
including changes in climate, land use and invasive species, throughout 
the United States. In this capacity, the Manager will lead technical 
activities and provide technical and scientific expertise in multiple 
natural science fields such as ecology, civil engineering, hydrology, 
and water quality for the construction and operations of NEON’s Aquatic 
Instrumented Systems that are deployed at wadeable streams, non-wadeable 
streams and rivers, and lakes.
•   Develops and manages schedule, budget, risks, and documentation.
•   Identifies risks to meeting scheduled activities, and implements 
solutions to mitigate risk and meet timelines.
•   Responsible for efficient project management practices and 
leading teams within a professional work environment, including 
coordinating a variety of simultaneous tasks.
•   Provides strategic, scientific rationale for aquatic components 
of the NEON project
•   Assists in the development and oversight of aquatic site 
infrastructure deployments.
•   Serves as the point of contact to resolve operations issues 
related to implementation of aquatic instrumentation
•   Manages the documentation of maintenance plans, equipment design 
and data collection, verifying that all activities are documented.
•   Contributes to training material and field manuals for field and 
lab procedures.
•   Collaborates with the NEON Data Products and Cyberinfrastructure 
teams and other science staff to develop algorithms to deliver data 
products and specifications for data ingest and publication formats 
associated with the collection of instrumented aquatic data.
•   Supports active engagement between the Observatory and the 
broader science community and promotes scientific advancements in 
continental-scale ecology relevant to the observatory mission.
•   Establishes staff goals and objectives and prepares and delivers 
performance reviews.
•   The manager will also contribute to the development of an 
externally funded research program and other new business opportunities, 
particularly those in the aquatic sciences.

THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS 
POSITION:

•   B.S. in Ecology, Hydrology, Oceanography, Biology, or related 
field.
•   Five (5) years’ experience with methods in aquatic ecology.
•   Experience with instrumented sampling methods in aquatic 
systems.
•   Supervisory/leadership experience, sufficient to demonstrate the 
ability to manage a diverse group of engineers, scientists, and 
technicians.
•   Experience in managing budgets and schedules for a large scale 
scientific project.
•   Demonstrated experience in scientific writing and review.
•   Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills.

THE FOLLOWING IS DESIRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS 
POSITION:

•   MS and 10+ years of expereince  in Ecology, Hydrology, 
Oceanography, Biology, or related field.
•   Experience with both freshwater and oceanic aquatic systems.
•   Experience working with groups involved in terrestrial and 
aquatic ecological environments.
•   Experience working in a collaborative scientific enterprise.
•   Demonstrated success in obtaining external funding.


Apply to: www.neonscience.org

BENEFITS

Battelle’s competitive benefits program includes comprehensive medical 
and 

[ECOLOG-L] Manager Field Operations job opportunity with NEON

2017-01-31 Thread Laura Reynolds
Battelle is guided by a founding mission. We invest our knowledge, 
talents and resources, helping our customers achieve their most 
important goals. We apply scientific rigor and creativity, succeeding 
where others may fail and we invest in our communities, making the world 
better for generations to come. All of us share a common purpose: to 
solve the greatest challenges of today and tomorrow.

Our 22,000 employees work at the forefront of scientific innovation to 
tackle critical challenges in security, human health, manufacturing, 
energy and environmental management. Battelle’s work is grounded in the 
belief that science, technology and a passion for excellence can make 
industries more competitive and the world a better place.

The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) Program is currently 
seeking a Field Operations Manager. This position is located in 
Tuscaloosa, AL and manages NEON operations in Talladega National Forest 
(Brent, AL), Dead Lake (Demopolis, AL) and Lenoir Landing/Choctaw 
National Wildlife Refuge (Coffeeville, AL).

Occasional travel outside the region will be required.

NEON is a continental-scale ecological observation facility sponsored by 
the National Science Foundation that gathers and synthesizes data on the 
impacts of climate change, land use change and invasive species on 
natural resources and biodiversity. The observatory is designed to 
collect high-quality, standardized data from field sites across the 
continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

Tuscaloosa, AL is located along the banks of the Black Warrior River in 
west-central Alabama. Home to University of Alabama and the Crimson 
Tide, Tuscaloosa (http://visittuscaloosa.com/) serves as a regional 
center for business, education and healthcare in West Alabama and offers 
a variety of cultural and recreational activities from performing arts 
to tailgating. Nearby Lake Lurleen State Park offers camping, 
picnicking, fishing piers, boat rentals and a boat launch.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This position manages a broad scope of scientific inquiry, managing a 
multi-disciplinary team of field scientists who collect measurements 
related to botany, mammalogy, limnology, micrometeorology, eddy flux and 
water quality at six NEON sites in Domain 08-Ozarks Complex.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

•   Plan, schedule and ensure accurate execution, within NEON 
scientific parameters and annual budget, of all maintenance, repair and 
field sampling activities for 6 NEON field sites.
o   Coordination for instrument maintenance is required for 
approximately 40 different sensors, data acquisition system, power 
distribution system and supporting infrastructure (i.e. tower, 
instrument hut, boardwalks).
o   Coordination for field observations and collection are conducted 
using approximately 30 different protocols and multiple SOP’s with 
varying schedule requirements based on local ecosystem and current field 
conditions.
•   Recruit, train and manage all regular and temporary personnel 
supporting field office, lab and field site tasks.
•   Act as liaison between regional stakeholders, including 
educational and research organizations, local property owners and the 
general public and NEON Headquarters. 
•   Communicate NEON status and activities, local activities and 
partnerships, and regional issues and concerns to appropriate regional 
stakeholders and NEON staff. Work with regional stakeholders to resolve 
issues or concerns.
•   Plan and participate in local/regional community engagement 
activities (i.e. local/regional conferences or meetings, invited talks).
•   Ensure compliance with NEON safety policy and procedures.
•   Ensure appropriate equipment, materials and supplies are 
available to support required field activities. Ensure accuracy and 
efficient use of funds within assigned region.

THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS 
POSITION:

•   Bachelors’ Degree in life science field or equivalent work 
experience.
•   5 years previous experience supervising personnel including 
participating in hiring, training, and evaluating performance.
•   Previous experience developing and managing budgets and 
schedules.
•   Previous experience performing ecology related lab and field 
activities and/or maintaining scientific instrumentation (e.g. 
meteorological and aquatic sensors).
•   Previous experience communicating with external stakeholders 
such as customers, funding agencies, regulatory agencies, etc.
•   Requires critical human relation skills to understand, select, 
develop and motivate others.
•   Permanent U.S. Work Authorization required

THE FOLLOWING IS DESIRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS 
POSITION:

•   Previous experience managing a technical field operations group.
•   Graduate study in biology, ecology, environmental science or 
related field.
•   Previous experience 

[ECOLOG-L] Hydrologist Job Opportunity with the National Ecological Observatory Network

2016-12-15 Thread Laura Reynolds
Hydrologist
Location: Boulder, CO, US   

COMPANY OVERVIEW
Battelle and its affiliate, Battelle Ecology, Inc. manages and operates 
the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEONTM)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 kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change 
at continental scales.

JOB SUMMARY
The hydrologist will manage the maintenance and implementation of 
detailed observational sampling designs and analytical protocols for the 
hydrologic and geomorphologic data products, including stream discharge 
dynamics and stream morphology maps. Additional responsibilities will 
include: overseeing construction of shallow, subsurface water quality 
monitoring wells (e.g. groundwater wells), designed to define and track 
regional flowpaths and water quality at NEON Aquatic site, as well as 
developing and documenting sensor related data processing (e.g. sensor 
drift statistics; data QA, gap-filling and correction). The Hydrologist 
will work with an interdisciplinary team of ecologists, mechanical and 
electrical engineers, software developers, and other scientists to 
design, develop, test, and implement statistically valid protocols to 
produce data products that will enable researchers to investigate the 
impact of climate change, land-use change, invasive species, and 
unsustainable water use on freshwater ecosystems of North America.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
•   Maintain and revise, as needed, procedures for hydrologic and 
geomorphology data in freshwater streams
•   Co-develop algorithms for automated data processing of 
observational and instrumental data streams
•   Coordinate and oversee all aspects of construction of 
groundwater wells for the remaining NEON Aquatic sites
•   Document sensor maintenance standard operating procedures (SOPs) 
for an in situ sensors
•   Collaborate with the NEON Calibration (CVAL) Team to define 
sensor field and lab calibration procedures
•   Co-develop and implement data QA/QC, gap-filling, and algorithms 
for high level data products
•   Travel to NEON sites to oversee construction efforts
•   Co-develop sampling and sensor maintenance training program for 
field crews
•   Participate in the larger NEON science community, including 
participating in research and collaborations and attending 
meetings/conferences

REQUIRED: EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

•   MSc in hydrology or related field AND 5+ years of experience in 
hydrology or hydrogeology
Or BSc in hydrology or related field AND 8+ years of experience in 
hydrology or 
hydrogeology
•   Specialization in a hydrology with emphasis on environmental 
monitoring of freshwater systems, hydrogeology, geomorphology, or the 
role of groundwater in surface water chemistry
•   Field-based experience maintaining and calibrating sensors used 
in freshwater ecosystems.
•   Demonstrated experience quality checking, correcting, and 
verifying data from in-situ sensors, including defining and correcting 
sensor drift
•   Significant field experience working in streams 
•   Demonstrated experience working in a collaborative scientific 
and engineering enterprise
•   Experience communicating in oral and demonstrated ability to 
write technical and scientific documents
PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
•   Demonstrated experience working in freshwater ecosystems of 
North America.
•   Experience designing and constructing groundwater well 
installations
•   Experience with sensor installations in large, navigable rivers 
and in small lakes 
•   Working knowledge of aquatic ecological function and/or 
geomorphology of freshwater ecosystems
•   Experience working with federal and state agencies and NGO’s.


Apply to: www.neonscience.org 

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, 

[ECOLOG-L] Job Opportunity - Remote Sensing/Ecology - NEON - Boulder, CO

2012-05-01 Thread Laura Reynolds
Overview:
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), Inc., is a $430 
million dollar NSF-funded project dedicated to understanding how changes 
in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology and ecological 
processes.  For the next three decades, NEON will collect a comprehensive 
range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 representative 
ecoclimatic domains.  NEON will use multiple methods for data collection, 
including an airborne observation platform that will capture spectral and 
LiDAR data 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 will observe and sample 
populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and aquatic data.  
Linking these observations is a stable and extensible cyberinfrastructure 
that will calibrate, store and publish this raw data, as well as support 
the production of derived science products that address NEON’s grand 
challenges.  The Observatory will eventually employ up to 300 personnel 
nationwide and will be the first of its kind designed to detect and enable 
forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.

Position Summary:
As a member of the Data Products Group (DPG), the Staff Scientist will be 
responsible for contributing to the development and generation of all data 
products that will be released by NEON to the community.  This 
collaborative effort requires a broadly-trained scientist well-versed in 
and eager to learn the breadth of NEON scientific efforts, since the DPG 
works with the NEON’s science, cyberinfrastructure, and education teams, 
as well as the external community, to define and create the data products 
and manage their lifecycle.   

Specifically, this Staff Scientist position will act as the subject-matter 
expert supporting the development of NEON data products derived from 
and/or informed by waveform LiDAR and hyperspectral data collected by 
NEON’s Airborne Observation Platform (AOP).  This position, within the 
Data Products Group, will work closely with the members of the AOP team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Develop novel algorithms for processing LiDAR and hyperspectral 
data and producing related data products, in support of developing 
inferences related to ecological science;
•   Contribute to developing the science rationale for NEON data 
products, prototyping algorithms for their generation, and engaging all 
stakeholders in vetting the produced materials.  The candidate will help 
to define NEON’s strategy to scale ecological data across multiple 
temporal and spatial scales in support of continental-scale ecological 
science;
•   Engage the user community through meetings, workshops, and working 
groups, to ensure the utility and veracity of NEON data products.

Education:
•   PhD, ScD, or equivalent degree in atmospheric science, 
biogeochemistry, ecology, physics, or related fields is required.
•   Postdoctoral experience is preferred, but not required

Required Experience:
•   Application of remote sensing theory to biological and/or physical 
systems
•   Expertise with common software packages (e.g., IDL/ENVI)
•   Experience building novel algorithms in support of LiDAR and/or 
hyperspectral data processing.
•   Experience integrating remote sensing data with a variety of 
ground-based data, including measurements of biophysical variables and 
observations of flora and fauna.
•   Familiarity with a variety of remote sensing platforms (e.g. 
MODIS, AVIRIS, Landsat)

Preferred Experience:
•   Familiarity with data processing workflows in a production 
environment
•   Programming  analysis software experience (C/C++, Java, Python, 
MATLAB, IDL, R, etc.)
•   Teaching experience

Skills and Abilities:
•   Skilled at scientific writing and review
•   Strong communication and interpersonal skills
•   Experience working in a collaborative scientific enterprise
•   Open to undertaking responsibilities beyond those associated with 
individual research projects
•   Ability to work independently and as part of an active science team
•   Problem solver who can successfully apply experience, judgment, 
and creativity to both short- and long-term challenges, independently and 
within a larger team

Apply to:  www.neoninc.org 

NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans 
and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. 


[ECOLOG-L] Job Opportunity - NEON Project Manager/NEON, Inc. Chief Operating Officer

2012-02-24 Thread Laura Reynolds
Overview
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a $434 million 
dollar observatory project supported by the National Science Foundation, 
and 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, 
relocatable, 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 cyberinfrastructure 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. A 501(c)(3) non-profit 
corporation NEON, Inc. is responsible for the construction and operation 
of the Observatory.

Summary:
Reporting to the NEON, Inc. Chief Executive Officer, the NEON Project 
Manager/Chief Operating Officer (PM/COO) is responsible for the day-to-day 
management, budgeting, scheduling and reporting responsibilities of the 
construction project and the transition to Observatory operations, and 
manages selected corporate function departments, including IT. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Lead the oversight and coordination of the organizational, 
technical, and administrative development of the NEON construction 
project, including budgeting and scheduling; assigning staff; allocating 
resources; assessing risk and its management; coordinating the various 
components which contribute to the project as a whole to ensure they are 
being delivered on time; ensuring that deadlines are met; and updating 
staff and keeping all interested parties in the project informed of 
progress and any issues which may arise.
•   Manage the NEON Project on a day-to-day basis to ensure progress 
towards project goals and schedules, and is responsible for all aspects of 
the project.
•   Control and be responsible for all aspects of the NEON 
construction budget and schedule, acting as a co-principal investigator on 
the construction and operations awards with the NEON CEO. 
•   Coordinate corporate departmental operations, including functional 
support of the NEON construction project and Observatory operations, and 
related corporate activities.
•   Oversee development and implementation of an operations model for 
NEON, the review of an operations prototype, and the transition from 
construction to full operations.
•   Oversee the production and review of project performance 
information, and monitor that progress using standard parameters, ensuring 
cost, schedule and technical performance objectives are met.
•   Oversee the preparation of internal and external project reviews 
and reports, investigate and explain variances as needed.
•   Coordinate and support systems engineering management of 
interfaces between design, development and construction, and construction 
and operations. 
•   Direct and manage projects from beginning to end. #8232; 
•   Work with project controls to refine the project scope and 
communicate to the rest of the team. 
•   Effectively communicate project expectations to team members. #8232; 
•   Effectively communicate project status with clients.  #8232; 
•   Drive weekly meetings to verify goals are being met and setting 
new goals. #8232; 
•   Review staffing requirements as needed with project leads.
•   Identify and resolve issues and conflicts with the project team. 
amp;#8232; 
•   Build, develop and grow any business relationships vital to the 
success of the project. #8232; 
•   Implement best practices and tools for project execution and 
management.
•   Manage corporate IT and other operations activities.
•   Participate in corporate management and strategic planning for 
NEON, Inc. 

Education:
•   Advanced degree in a scientific, engineering, or project 
management discipline 


Required Experience:
•   8-15 years experience as a Project Manager or planner for a large 
scale scientific or engineering project.
•   Familiarity with National Science Foundation MREFC project 
management and reporting requirements; previous experience with NSF 
construction projects. 
•   Familiarity with standard project management software (schedule, 
budget, risk).
•   Experience in differing cultural worlds, such as business, 
academia, and/or science.
•   Experience working closely with senior management and Board of 
Directors.


Skills and Abilities:
•   Strong leadership, organizational, and communications 

[ECOLOG-L] 2 job opportunities with NEON in Boulder, CO

2012-02-23 Thread Laura Reynolds
2 positions 

Sr. Science Educator – focused on Universities
Sr. Science Educator – focused on Programs for general public

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, relocatable, 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 cyberinfrastructure 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:
The Senior Science Educator- Programs is responsible for developing web-
based educational content and a variety of programs for general public 
audiences, informal and formal educators, and citizen scientists.
The Sr. Science Educator - Universities is responsible for developing web-
based educational content and a variety of programs for college-level 
students and faculty.
Location: 
Boulder, CO


For full job descriptions on these two positions and to apply go to: 
www.neoninc.org

NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans 
and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.


[ECOLOG-L] Job Opportunity - Sr. Science Educator - Programs

2012-02-22 Thread Laura Reynolds
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, relocatable, 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 cyberinfrastructure 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:
The Senior Science Educator- Programs is responsible for developing web-
based educational content and a variety of programs for general public 
audiences, informal and formal educators, and citizen scientists. The NEON 
web portal will include content related to specific NEON science 
initiatives as well as resources for informal and formal K-12 educators, 
citizen scientists, and decision-makers . In addition, this position has 
primary responsibility for developing professional development programs 
for informal and formal K-12 educators, coordinating efforts to integrate 
NEON data into museum exhibits and programs, and working with the NEON 
citizen science team to develop resources and activities. As a member of 
the Education and Public Engagement team at NEON, this position will also 
help NEON build partnerships with local, regional and national 
organizations such as museums, teacher associations, and community 
organizations. The Chief of Education and Public Engagement will supervise 
this position. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Research, develop and/or coordinate content for the NEON web 
portal, including general educational content related to continental-scale 
ecology and NEON science questions, activities for educators to use to 
engage their students with NEON data, and online learning experiences for 
general public, citizen science and decision-maker audiences.
•   Develop and prototype programs and activities that can be used by 
local informal and formal educators with their K-12 students
•   Develop and coordinate professional development opportunities for 
informal and formal K-12 educators
•   Develop and prototype a NEON museum/science center project in 
collaboration with partner institutions
•   Under the direction of the NEON Citizen Science Program Director, 
develop citizen science resources, activities and initiatives
•   Develop and coordinate workshops, seminars and online courses 
focused on NEON-related topics for educator, general public, and decision-
maker audiences
•   Build partnerships with local, regional, and national organization 
and institutions (e.g, museums, professional societies, science/nature 
centers, national/state parks) to implement NEON programs 
•   Participate in designing and implementing evaluation and 
assessment strategies for educational resources and programs
•   Participate in strategic planning activities for Education and 
Public Engagement division as well as NEON overall
•   Represent NEON at conferences, meetings and other appropriate 
events to network, share resources, and establish/maintain partnerships
•   Participate in other NEON activities as necessary

Education:
•   Master’s degree in natural sciences, environmental science and/or 
science education with strong ecological background

Required Experience:
•   5+ years developing science-based programs and activities for 
general public, educators, citizen scientists and/or decision makers
•   3+ years experience developing online educational resources and/or 
activities
•   3+ years experience implementing science-based programs, online 
and in-person, with general public, educators, citizen scientists and/or 
decision makers

Preferred Experience:
•   Experience working with and/or developing programs that target 
populations traditionally underrepresented in science, technology, 
engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields
•   Basic familiarity in using Dreamweaver, InDesign, Photoshop and/or 
other design software
•   Ability to use current generation social networking tools 
(Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, etc.) to engage potential participants in 
desired activities
•   Experience using course management systems for online teaching 
such as Moodle or Blackboard
•   Experience developing and funding projects through grant proposals 
to federal agencies (e.g, NSF, NASA, NOAA), 

[ECOLOG-L] Sr. Science Educator - Universities

2012-02-22 Thread Laura Reynolds
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, relocatable, 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 cyberinfrastructure 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
The Sr. Science Educator - Universities is responsible for developing web-
based educational content and a variety of programs for college-level 
students and faculty. The NEON web portal will include content related to 
specific NEON science initiatives as well as activities for faculty to use 
to engage their students in working with NEON data. In addition, this 
position has primary responsibility for developing a NEON internship 
program, a research experience for undergraduates program, a graduate-
level course focused in continental-scale ecology, workshops and seminars 
for scientists, and professional development opportunities for college 
faculty. As a member of the Education and Public Engagement team at NEON, 
this position will also help NEON build partnerships with universities, 
federal agencies and professional science organizations. The Chief of 
Education and Public Engagement will supervise this position. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Research, develop and/or coordinate content for the NEON web 
portal, including general educational content related to continental-scale 
ecology and NEON science questions, activities for faculty to use to 
engage their students with NEON data, and online learning experiences for 
college-level audiences.
•   Develop and coordinate a program for undergraduate students to 
engage in research experiences that use NEON data under the direction of 
college and university faculty from throughout the research community.
•   Develop and prototype a NEON internship program that targets a 
diverse student population.
•   Develop and coordinate a graduate course focused on continental-
scale ecology and using NEON resources (i.e., data products and 
infrastructure).
•   Develop and coordinate workshops, seminars and online courses 
focused on NEON-related topics for faculty and college students
•   Build partnerships with college/university faculty and other 
stakeholders to design, develop and implement NEON programs
•   Participate in designing and implementing evaluation and 
assessment strategies for educational resources and programs
•   Participate in strategic planning activities for Education and 
Public Engagement division as well as NEON overall
•   Represent NEON at conferences, meetings and other appropriate 
events to network, share resources, and establish/maintain partnerships
•   Participate in other NEON activities as necessary

Education
•   Ph.D. in ecology, natural sciences, environmental science and/or 
science education with strong ecological background

Required Experience
•   5+ years developing science-based programs and activities for 
college-level students and faculty
•   3+ years experience developing online educational resources and/or 
activities
•   3+ years experience implementing science-based programs, online 
and in-person, with college-level students and faculty

Preferred Experience:
•   Experience working with and/or developing programs that target 
populations traditionally underrepresented in science, technology, 
engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields
•   Basic familiarity in using Dreamweaver, InDesign, Photoshop and/or 
other design software
•   Ability to use current generation social networking tools 
(Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, etc.) to engage potential participants in 
desired activities
•   Experience using course management systems for online teaching 
such as Moodle or Blackboard
•   Experience developing and funding projects through grant proposals 
to federal agencies (e.g, NSF, NASA, NOAA), foundations and/or 
local/regional funding organizations


Skills and Abilities:
•   Proven organizational and time-management skills
•   Ability to balance self-directed work while being an effective 
member of an interdisciplinary team
•   Ability to communicate effectively while working in a team 
environment
•   

[ECOLOG-L] Job Opportunity - Staff Scientist - Meteorological/Ecophysical

2011-08-08 Thread Laura Reynolds
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, relocatable, 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 cyberinfrastructure 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.

Position Summary
Reporting to the Senior Supervising Scientist of the Fundamental 
Instrument Unit (FIU), the FIU Staff Scientist will support science 
project development and management activities for the FIU component of the 
NEON Observatory.  The FIU consists of an automated suite of 
meteorological, atmospheric, soil and ecophysiological measurements.  The 
FIU is responsible for developing innovative data products and QA/QC 
algorithms, sensor deployment in the field, a mobile sensor platform, 
field procedures, training materials for field staff, developing new site 
designs and ongoing technology assessments.  

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Coordinate, design and execute a mobile research platform for the 
NEON Observatory
•   Coordinate, design and execute technical transfer and procedures 
for the NEON Observatory
•   Communicate key science issues and technical transfer to a wide 
range of audiences, including scientists and non-experts alike. 
•   Develop FIU data quality assurance, quality control procedures, 
and uncertainty analyses
•   Design and coordinate FIU dataflows with other related NEON groups

Required Experience:
•   3 or more years experience in meteorological, ecophysical or 
related work
•   Strong experience working with quantitative uncertainty analyses 
and time-series analyses
•   Experience delivering a final product from concept through testing 
to completion
•   Experience working in a collaborative scientific or engineering 
enterprise

Education:
•   Doctoral degree in an environmental science field, such as 
biometeorology, ecosystem science, micrometeorology, soil ecology, or 
other related field

Preferred Experience:
•   Post doctoral experience 
•   Field work in related field of study
•   Some work experience with production data flow 
•   Knowledge of a wide range of meteorological related sensors, and 
measurement techniques and their associated data acquisition and analysis 
procedures,
•   Design of metadata, and data handling tools
 Skills and Abilities:
•   Ability to incorporate components specific to the incumbent’s area 
of expertise into a challenging Observatory-based design
•   Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written and 
oral forms
•   Demonstrated critical thinking with respect to scientific writing 
and review
•   Ability to travel (infrequently) to remote field locations, and 
travel to conferences
•   Ability to develop the dataflow designs for different and 
contrasting data types

To Apply: go to www.neoninc.org

NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans 
and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. 


[ECOLOG-L] Staff Scientist - job opportunity NEON - Boulder, CO

2011-06-23 Thread Laura Reynolds
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, relocatable, 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 cyberinfrastructure 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.

Position Summary
Reporting to the Manager of Data Products, the Ecoinformatics Staff 
Scientist will be responsible for contributing to the development and 
generation of all data products of the NEON Observatory, working with the 
NEON’s science, cyberinfrastructure, and education teams, as well as the 
external community, to define and create data products and manage their 
lifecycle. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Apply ecoinformatics and statistics expertise to a wide variety of 
problems related to data product development for the NEON Observatory
•   Apply Bayesian statistical techniques to model-data assimilation, 
inference of continental-scale drivers of ecophysical processes, and 
analysis of metagenomic data derived from NEON biotic samples
•   Contribute to the development of the science rationale for data 
products, developing and prototyping algorithms for their generation
•   Engage stakeholders in vetting data product produced materials
•   Ensure the utility and veracity of NEON data products by engaging 
the user community in meetings, workshops, and working groups
 
Required Experience:
•   Broadly-trained scientist well-versed in or eager to learn the 
breadth of NEON scientific efforts 
•   Expertise in the application of statistical theory to biological 
and/or physical systems
•   Expertise with common statistical software packages (e.g., R)
•   Familiarity with data processing workflows in a production 
environment
•   Experience working in a collaborative scientific enterprise

Preferred Experience:
•   Postdoctoral experience in a scientific research environment
•   Teaching experience



Education:
•   PhD, ScD, or equivalent degree in ecology, ecoinformatics, 
biogeochemistry, statistics, applied mathematics, or related fields


Skills and Abilities: 
•   Skilled at scientific writing and review
•   Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Apply to:  www.neoninc.org 

NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans 
and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. 


[ECOLOG-L] Biology Lab Technician job opportunity - Boulder, CO

2011-05-27 Thread Laura Reynolds
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, relocatable, 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 cyberinfrastructure 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:
The CVAL and Biology Research Technician works in the Calibration, 
Validation, and Audit Laboratory (CVAL).  The CVAL audit lab is 
responsible for the auditing of external analytical laboratories for  
soil, vegetation and invertebrate samples analysis.  Reporting to the 
Manager of Cal/Val Lab, the CVAL and Biology Research Technician will 
provide support in developing, process testing, and maintaining of the 
CVAL audit laboratory. In addition, the Technician will work with the CVAL 
team to perform environmental sensor calibrations and validations. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Assist in the maintenance and operation of the CVAL laboratory, 
including general upkeep and organization, and maintenance of stock of 
regularly used materials and supplies
•   Prepare and process soil, vegetation and invertebrate samples for 
audit activities of external laboratories
•   Manage the storage and shipping of CVAL test audit samples
•   Receive and sort external analytical laboratory data, and perform 
initial QA/QC on data from external laboratories
•   Execute procedures to complete calibration and validation on 
environmental sensor assemblies
•   Perform calibration activities on environmental sensors using 
manual and/or automated calibration fixtures
•   Prepare reports and materials to assist the CVAL team in 
presenting CVAL designs and audit results to external groups 

Education:
•   Bachelors Degree in Biology, or  Ecology, or related field of study
Required Experience:
•   2 years of research and/or laboratory sample processing experience
•   Specific lab experience with soils, invertebrates, or plants

Skills and Abilities:
•   Attention to detail and accuracy
•   Demonstrated strong organizational and multitasking skills
•   Strong communication and interpersonal skills
•   Able to travel

Physical Abilities:
•   Able to lift at least 40 pounds.
•   Able to work outdoors in all types of weather, environmental 
conditions and remote locations.
•   Able to climb tall towers and work at elevations.


Apply to: www.neoninc.org

NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans 
and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. 


[ECOLOG-L] Job Opportunity - Geospatial Field Technician(s) - multiple locations

2011-05-09 Thread Laura Reynolds
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a nonprofit science 
corporation 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, 
relocatable, 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 cyberinfrastructure will calibrate, store and 
publish this information.  The Observatory will be the first of its kind 
designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at 
continental scales.

Term Appointment:
These are temporary full-time positions.  The positions are available for 
start in June 1, 2011 with an anticipated completion date of September 
30st, 2011.  

Summary
The Field Technician(s) will travel and ground-truth abiotic and biotic 
characterizations of specific sites across a variety of landscapes. Work 
at these field sites may include long workdays, sometimes under harsh 
environmental conditions.  Typically, travel will occur during the 
workweek in 10 days up to 3 week blocks, but at times may include travel 
over weekends.  

Location – travel will be to the following locations- candidates can be 
located anywhere geographically within the United States as long as they 
are willing to travel.
Alabama: Talladega National Forest
Colorado: Niwot Ridge, Rocky Mountain National Park, Sterling
Massachusetts: Harvard Forest, Plum Island -Burlington, MA
New Hampshire: Bartlett Forest
Tennessee: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Utah: Red Butte Canyon
Washington: Wind River Experimental Forest
Wyoming/Montana: Yellowstone National Park

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
•   Work as a member of a team to evaluate and validate the NEON study 
design for long-term monitoring of terrestrial organisms
•   Visit potential sample locations in the field at NEON study sites 
to ground-truth abiotic and biotic characterizations of specific sites 
across a variety of landscapes 
•   Navigate a variety of wilderness and managed landscapes with 
safety, precision, and efficiency 
•   Acquire and manage spatially-explicit photographs and data, 
including the transfer of data to and from a GPS unit to a computer
•   Extensive travel - 90% of time will be spent traveling between 
June and September 2011

Required Experience
•   Valid driver’s license – must be 21 to drive
•   Must be US Citizen
•   Proof of auto insurance
•   Extensive experience hiking in remote wilderness landscapes (maps, 
compass, GPS) away from roads and trails
•   Experience working with Microsoft office products including Word amp; 
Excel

Preferred Experience
•   Currently working toward BS, MS, Ph.D. degree in Ecology, 
Geography, or Biology or another related field
•   Experience as a field technician 
•   Experience leading hikes, or assisting nature societies with 
seasonal nature observations
•   Emergency response/first aid training such as wilderness first aid 
or wilderness first responder
•   Wildlife safety training course
•   Leadership role in an extended field data collection effort
•   Proven history of organizing spatial and site-specific information 
•   Experience working with vegetation maps and other ecological data 
•   Experience with field validation or accuracy assessment of 
ecological models, soil, and vegetation maps  
•   Experience working with GPS Pathfinder Office software

Skills and Abilities
•   Ability to follow instructions, a strong work ethic, and enthusiasm
•   Able to supply personal gear (adequate clothing and boots, etc.)
•   Ability to work independently and as part of a team
•   Attention to detail and accuracy
•   Ability to successfully work through problems with minimal 
supervision
•   Strong communication and interpersonal skills
•   Ability to work independently and as a member of an active science 
team
•   Proven ability to work well as a member of team in challenging 
situations and environments

Physical Abilities
•   Ability to hike with pack up to 25 lbs (carrying field equipment) 
to evaluate field sites off-trail for distances up to three miles
•   Ability to work in adverse weather conditions and in all types of 
terrain



Apply online at www.neoninc.org 


NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans 
and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. 


[ECOLOG-L] Job opportunity - Instrumentation Scientist

2011-05-02 Thread Laura Reynolds
Overview
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a nonprofit science 
corporation 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, 
relocatable, 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 cyberinfrastructure will calibrate, store and 
publish this information.  The Observatory will be the first of its kind 
designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at 
continental scales.

This is a fulltime position; however, we will also accept applications 
from candidates who are interested in taking a sabbatical from their 
current position. 

Summary:
The Instrument Engineer/Scientist will be part of the Aquatic Team that is 
responsible for developing a national program to assess physical, 
chemical, and biological changes in streams and lakes over 30 years.  The 
Team will define sensor installation designs; oversee sensor construction; 
review/revise science measurements; document field procedures; document 
data product procedures; train personnel; and perform data QA/QC in order 
to produce high quality data products for the research, education, and 
decision making communities.

Specifically, the Instrument Engineer/Scientist is responsible for 
designing and documenting sensor installations/mounts for NEON aquatic 
sites.  The aquatic sensor suite includes water quality multisondes, 
nutrient analyzers, water height and flow sensors, distributed water 
temperature and PAR sensors, and atmospheric chemistry and micromet 
sensors. NEON aquatic sites include small wadeable streams, large 
navigable rivers, and small lakes throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico – 
sites span a gradient of environmental conditions: extreme low-flows to 
tropical-flood cycles.  In the first year, the Instrument 
Engineer/Scientist will be responsible for developing and documenting 
a “playbook” of sensor installations, including to-scale blueprints, 
materials lists, and construction requirements.  Subsequently, this 
position will be responsible for modifying the designs from the playbook 
for site-specific installations and providing technical oversight during 
the construction phase.  Modifications to the design playbook will also be 
documented (e.g. similar to well files for groundwater well 
installations).  This position is not responsible for power or 
communication designs to the sensors, but may collaborate with the NEON 
Engineering Team to optimize these aspects of the work.

In addition, the Instrument Engineer/Scientist will document sensor 
maintenance and field-calibration plans, in collaboration with NEON’s 
Engineering and Calibration (CVAL) Teams.  This position will develop, 
document and implement detailed designs and analytical protocols for in-
situ sensor related data products (e.g. sensor drift statistics; data QA, 
gap-filling  and correction; algorithms for high level data products). The 
Instrument Engineer/Scientist will work with an interdisciplinary team of 
ecologists, mechanical and electrical engineers, computing engineers, and 
other scientists to design, develop, test, and implement statistically 
valid protocols to produce data products that will enable researchers to 
investigate the impact of climate change, land-use change, invasive 
species, and unsustainable water use on freshwater ecosystems of North 
America.  

The Instrument Engineer/Scientist is expected to produce reports and 
publications of NEON designs, procedures, and protocols and is encouraged 
to collaborate with the research community to investigate continental 
scale ecology.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Design and document sensor installations for water quality in-situ 
sensors in small, wadeable streams, navigable rivers, and small lakes.
•   Document sensor maintenance standard operating procedures (SOPs). 
•   Collaborate with the NEON Calibration (CVAL) Team to define 
aquatic sensor field and lab calibration procedures. 
•   Co-develop and implement data QA/QC, gap-filling, and correction 
plans. 
•   Oversee construction of sensor installations 
•   Travel to NEON sites as part of the design effort and to oversee 
sensor construction efforts.
•   Develop sensor maintenance training program for field crews.
•   Review and revise scientific data products related to in-situ 
sensors.
•   Participate in the larger NEON science community, including 
participating in independent research 

[ECOLOG-L] Job Opportunity - Biogeochemist

2011-02-17 Thread Laura Reynolds
Overview
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a nonprofit science 
corporation 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, 
relocatable, 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 cyberinfrastructure will calibrate, store and 
publish this information.  The Observatory will be the first of its kind 
designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at 
continental scales.

Summary:

The Biogeochemist will be responsible for the conceptual basis of the data 
products and development of the field and lab protocols, QA/QC, 
calibration and uncertainty tracking for these data products.  These data 
products will be collected across the nation and over time, producing a 
unique time-space record of how biogeochemistry is changing, and how those 
changes reflect effects in climate, land use and species composition. The 
Biogeochemist will work with NEON scientists and other experts to develop 
appropriate data formats for public data access, coordinate information 
sharing with relevant communities, work with collaborating laboratories 
and NEON scientists to facilitate publication of results, and collaborate 
with other NEON scientists to prepare reports and develop recommendations 
for best practices, future analyses and data processing.  
 
The Biogeochemist will participate in the larger NEON science community, 
including participating in independent research and collaborations and 
attending meetings and conferences to involve the broadest possible user 
community.  The Biogeochemist will work closely with NEON’s entire science 
team, including aquatic biogeochemists, flux measurement experts, and 
NEON’s modeling group.  While much of the Biogeochemist’s work will be 
defining procedures and protocols for data products, many of the 
applications of these data products will be in complex analyses and 
models, so a background in biogeochemical modeling is desirable.

Education:
•   PhD in biogeochemistry, ecology, ecosystem science, evolutionary 
biology, or related field.
•   Specific knowledge in physiological ecology or ecosystem ecology.

Required Experience:
•   Specific knowledge of biogeochemical analyses including stable 
isotopes.  
•   5 years experience or familiarity with planning surveillance 
schemes, analyzing data and refining approach based on results.

Preferred Experience:
•   Experience working with chemical analyses of plants and/or soils.
•   Experience analyzing large scale biogeochemical datasets
•   Experience working with biogeochemical modeling

Skills and Abilities:
•   Skilled at scientific writing and review
•   Strong communication and interpersonal skills
•   Experience working in a collaborative scientific enterprise
•   Open to undertaking responsibilities beyond those associated with 
individual research projects
•   Ability to work independently and as part of an active science team
•   Problem solver who can successfully apply experience, judgment, 
and creativity to both short- and long-term challenges

Physical Abilities: 
•   The candidate may be exposed to conditions in the field, and 
therefore must be able to traverse uneven ground such as dirt banks, 
stream beds, and shallow ponds carrying equipment and materials up to 40 
lbs. 

Apply to:  www.neoninc.org

NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans 
and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. 


[ECOLOG-L] NEON - STREON Scientist job - Revised Skill Requirements

2010-11-16 Thread Laura Reynolds
Overview
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.) is a nonprofit 
science corporation 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 that will capture 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 will observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and 
collect soil and water data.  A leading edge cyberinfrastructure will 
calibrate, store and publish this information.  The Observatory will be 
the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of 
ecological change at continental scales.

The Observatory will also operate a long-term experiment - STREON: a 
chronic nutrient enrichment and predator exclusion experiment that will be 
operated at ten of the NEON Aquatic sites.  

Summary:
The STREON Scientist will be part of an Aquatic/STREON Team that is 
responsible for developing a national program to assess physical, 
chemical, and biological changes in streams and lakes over 30 years.  The 
Team will define measurements, document field and lab methods, train 
personnel, and perform QA/QC in order to produce high quality data 
products for the research, education, and decision making community.

Specifically, the STREON Scientist is responsible for development, 
documentation and implementation of detailed sampling designs and 
analytical protocols of the STREON experiment.   This position will 
require collaboration with the NEON Engineering Team for development and 
engineering-level documentation of the experiment components (nutrient 
addition station, in-situ baskets, recirculation chambers, flumes, 
predator-exclusion system).  The position will co-develop and  documents 
sampling designs and audit procedures for aquatic flora and fauna and 
freshwater chemistry, in conjunction with the Aquatic Team.  As STREON is 
the first Observatory experiment, the STREON Scientist will play a key 
role in communications with the STREON Technical Working Group and the 
larger stream community.  The STREON Scientist will work with an 
interdisciplinary team of ecologists, engineers, and other scientists to 
design, develop, test, and implement statistically valid protocols to 
produce data products that will enable researchers to investigate the 
impact of climate change, land-use change, invasive species, and 
unsustainable water use on freshwater ecosystems of North America.  
The STREON Scientist is expected to produce reports and publications of 
NEON procedures and protocols and is encouraged to collaborate with the 
research community to investigate continental scale ecology.
This position requires a broad experience base in freshwater ecology, 
including experience and knowledge of biogeochemical cycles of streams, 
isotopic chemistry, biodiversity, foodweb response to nutrient enrichment, 
the role of microbes in detrital-based foodwebs, and regime and state 
shift theory in aquatic systems.  The ideal candidate will have at least 
ten years of research and leadership experience beyond the PhD.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Develop and document experiment components of the STREON experiment
•   Develop a data collection and audit program for the STREON 
experiment, including experiment sampling protocols for algae, 
macrophytes, invertebrates, and fish. 
•   Development and implementation of data QA/QC plan. 
•   Develop training program for field crews.
•   Document the scientific rationale for STREON-related measurements 
and methods.
•   Co-develop detailed sampling designs for microbial communities and 
stream morphology.
•   Co-coordinate activities of the STREON Technical Working Group.
•   Collaborate with NEON engineers and scientists to define audit 
sampling procedures.
•   Participate in the larger NEON science community, including 
participating in independent research and collaborations and attending 
meetings/conferences.
Education:
•   PhD in stream ecology or related field.  Specialization in stream 
food-web structure and function, stream community ecology, or related 
ecology with emphasis on biological-chemical-physical linkages of stream 
ecosystems.  
•   5+ years experience beyond post-doctoral level in stream ecology 
or closely related field. 
Required Experience:
•   5+ years research experience in freshwater stream ecology, with 
emphasis in the role of food-web structure and function, biogeochemistry, 
and microbial ecology.
•   Significant field experience working in streams of North America.  
•   Significant experience communicating to 

[ECOLOG-L] STREON Scientist - NEON job opportunity - Boulder, CO

2010-11-05 Thread Laura Reynolds
Overview
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.) is a nonprofit 
science corporation 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 that will capture 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 will observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and 
collect soil and water data.  A leading edge cyberinfrastructure will 
calibrate, store and publish this information.  The Observatory will be 
the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of 
ecological change at continental scales.

The Observatory will also operate a long-term experiment - STREON: a 
chronic nutrient enrichment and predator exclusion experiment that will be 
operated at ten of the NEON Aquatic sites.  

Summary:
The STREON Scientist will be part of an Aquatic/STREON Team that is 
responsible for developing a national program to assess physical, 
chemical, and biological changes in streams and lakes over 30 years.  The 
Team will define measurements, document field and lab methods, train 
personnel, and perform QA/QC in order to produce high quality data 
products for the research, education, and decision making community.

Specifically, the STREON Scientist is responsible for development, 
documentation and implementation of detailed sampling designs and 
analytical protocols of the STREON experiment.   This position will 
require collaboration with the NEON Engineering Team for development and 
engineering-level documentation of the experiment components (nutrient 
addition station, in-situ baskets, recirculation chambers, flumes, 
predator-exclusion system).  The position will co-develop and  documents 
sampling designs and audit procedures for aquatic flora and fauna and 
freshwater chemistry, in conjunction with the Aquatic Team.  As STREON is 
the first Observatory experiment, the STREON Scientist will play a key 
role in communications with the STREON Technical Working Group and the 
larger stream community.  The STREON Scientist will work with an 
interdisciplinary team of ecologists, engineers, and other scientists to 
design, develop, test, and implement statistically valid protocols to 
produce data products that will enable researchers to investigate the 
impact of climate change, land-use change, invasive species, and 
unsustainable water use on freshwater ecosystems of North America.  
The STREON Scientist is expected to produce reports and publications of 
NEON procedures and protocols and is encouraged to collaborate with the 
research community to investigate continental scale ecology.
This position requires a broad experience base in freshwater ecology, 
including experience and knowledge of biogeochemical cycles of streams, 
isotopic chemistry, biodiversity, foodweb response to nutrient enrichment, 
the role of microbes in detrital-based foodwebs, and regime and state 
shift theory in aquatic systems.  The ideal candidate will have at least 
ten years of research and leadership experience beyond the PhD.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Develop and document experiment components of the STREON experiment
•   Develop a data collection and audit program for the STREON 
experiment, including experiment sampling protocols for algae, 
macrophytes, invertebrates, and fish. 
•   Development and implementation of data QA/QC plan. 
•   Develop training program for field crews.
•   Document the scientific rationale for STREON-related measurements 
and methods.
•   Co-develop detailed sampling designs for microbial communities and 
stream morphology.
•   Co-coordinate activities of the STREON Technical Working Group.
•   Collaborate with NEON engineers and scientists to define audit 
sampling procedures.
•   Participate in the larger NEON science community, including 
participating in independent research and collaborations and attending 
meetings/conferences.
Education:
•   PhD in stream ecology or related field.  Specialization in stream 
food-web structure and function, stream community ecology, or related 
ecology with emphasis on biological-chemical-physical linkages of stream 
ecosystems.  
•   10+ years experience beyond post-doctoral level in stream ecology 
or closely related field. 
Required Experience:
•   15+ years research experience in freshwater stream ecology, with 
emphasis in the role of food-web structure and function, biogeochemistry, 
and microbial ecology.
•   Significant field experience working in streams of North America.  
•   Significant experience communicating to 

[ECOLOG-L] Data Products Team Lead - NEON Job Opportunity - Boulder, CO

2010-11-05 Thread Laura Reynolds
Overview
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.), a nonprofit 
science corporation dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, 
land use and invasive species impact ecology, has an immediate opening for 
a Data Products Team Lead.  We are currently designing the NEON project – 
an observatory comprising more than 60 atmospheric, environmental and 
biological monitoring sites distributed throughout twenty domains across 
the United States, Hawaii, Alaska  the Caribbean, monitored and 
controlled in real-time from our headquarters in Boulder, Colorado. 
The primary outputs of the NEON Observatory are ecological Data Products, 
including the measurements taken by NEON’s sensor infrastructure and the 
results of NEON biological samples, and higher-level integrated Data 
Products based upon the measurements and resulting from complex 
algorithms.   The high level Data Products will translate NEON in situ and 
remote observations into continental-scale estimates and forecasts using 
simulation and statistical approaches.  The Data Products Team Lead will 
lead a critical effort within NEON and should be an international leader 
in environmental science and modeling, and have broad knowledge of 
ecological modeling and data analysis. 
Location
This position will be based in Boulder CO.

Summary
The DP Team Lead will be responsible for leading the development and 
publishing the NEON Observatory High Level Data Product algorithms, 
including defining, documenting and implementing the algorithms used to 
convert NEON’s environmental data into information that can be used by the 
scientific community and the general public. We are looking for a leading 
quantitative ecologist interested in playing a major role in the future of 
the field designing computational intensive, tera-scale data analyses 
within the NEON context.  
NEON High Level Data Products include biophysical, biogeochemical, 
geospatial, population/community and genomic/metagenomic variables.  NEON 
data products will be developed by collaborative teams, including 
extensive interaction with the scientific community.  This is an 
autonomous role, requiring an experienced highly-motivated individual who 
is flexible and enthusiastic. The person will be responsible for direct 
management, including technical leadership and supervision, of a group of 
scientists, and will regularly report to project management and 
stakeholders, and organize and participate in internal and external 
reviews. The Data Products Team Lead will report directly to the NEON 
Project Manager.  A Data Products Oversight Committee (chaired by the NEON 
Director) will provide strategic and implementation advice to the Data 
Products Team Lead. The person will be encouraged to play a leading role 
in studies and related publications of new Observatory measurements and 
Data Products, in support of our mission. 
We are looking a problem solver who can successfully apply experience, 
judgment, and creativity to both short- and long-term challenges, and get 
the job done on-time and within-budget in a high-pressure environment. 
NEON data cover an extremely broad range of topics including microbial 
genomes, traditional organism based field measurements, instrumental 
measurements of atmospheric and aquatic physical and chemical 
environments, airborne remote sensing and satellite and census based 
geographic products.  Therefore, we seek a scientist with a very broad 
experience in quantitative environmental science with a profound knowledge 
of at least one of the major NEON subject areas: modeling/analysis of 
biodiversity, biogeochemistry, invasive species, infectious disease, 
ecohydrology, climate and land use. The incumbent will represent NEON 
nationally and internationally in ecological and eco-informatics, and 
should be an effective speaker and writer.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Intellectual and operational leadership of the Data Products 
activity within NEON, and interacting with the broad scientific community 
regarding the state, improvement, extension and enhancement of the Data 
Products activity.
•   Selecting and developing talent to deliver NEON Observatory Data 
Products, organizing and managing data product team to develop data 
product algorithms. 
•   Define requirements for, design and implementation of the 
algorithms supporting the conversion of NEON Observatory measurements into 
Data Products for the ecological community. 
•   Plan and manage workflow components in support of the NEON project.
•   Support NEON Observatory operations, and participate in RD 
projects to prepare for future programs and projects and Data Products.
•   Understand and where necessary define administrative and project 
management processes essential to the Data Products Team, including 
planning, tracking and reporting to assess project performance. 
•   Interface with NEON science product teams and 

[ECOLOG-L] Biometeorologist/Meteorologist/Atmospheric Modeler: - NEON Post doc opportunity

2010-08-05 Thread Laura Reynolds
Overview
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.) is a nonprofit 
science corporation dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, 
land use and invasive species impact ecology.  Currently under design is 
the NEON project - an observatory comprising more than 60 environmental 
and biological monitoring locations distributed throughout twenty domains 
across the United States, Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico.  These 
observations and experiments will be monitored and controlled in real-time 
from our headquarters in Boulder, Colorado.  
Position Summary
The Fundamental Instrument Unit (FIU) consists of an automated suite of 
meteorological, atmospheric, soil and ecophysiological measurements.  The 
position will support Science project development and management 
activities. 
The FIU employs tower-based micrometeorological data products (incl. eddy 
covariance).  Sources of uncertainties can be identified from flow 
statistics, topography, and land cover (source/sink strengths).  This 
position provides a unique opportunity to develop state of the art models 
into the NEON design, for example, combining the traditional data quality 
assessment with topography, land cover, and analytic footprint modeling.  
This position directly contributes in making NEON’s flux measurements part 
of a world-class observatory through state-of-the-art techniques.  All 
NEON scientists are stewards of this global resource.
 Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Coordinate, design and execute innovative airshed analyses,
•   Develop analytical procedures to quality assess 
micrometeorological processes through the spatial integration of 
variables, e.g., topography, land cover, and footprint modeling, and 
incorporate them into uncertainty analyses 
•   Coordinate FIU dataflows with other related NEON groups,
•   Develop plans for evaluating and transferring research-grade 
programming into an operational and production framework

Required Experience:
•   1-5 years experience in meteorological-related work using physical 
and empirical models
•   Experience with quantitative uncertainty analyses and time-series 
analyses,
•   Experience delivering a final product from concept through testing 
to completion,
•   Experience in programming meteorological analyses with diverse 
types of datasets
•   Experience working in a collaborative scientific or engineering 
enterprise, and
•   Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written and 
oral forms

Education:
•   Doctoral degree in an environmental science field (e.g., 
biometeorology, ecosystem science, micrometeorology, atmospheric modeling) 
or a related field.
•   Recent PhD graduates may apply (post-doc position).

Preferred Experience:
•   Working at the synoptic to local scale
•   Some work experience with production data flows 
•   Knowledge of a wide range of meteorological related sensors, and 
measurement techniques and their associated data acquisition and analysis 
procedures,
•   Design of data visualization tools,
•   Ability to develop the dataflow designs for different and 
contrasting data types.

 Skills and Abilities:
•   Critical thinking, scientific writing and review,
•   Ability to travel (infrequently), plus travel to conferences
•   Quantification of spatial and temporal variation of data quality 
properties and processes
•   Understanding of micrometeorological processes and ecosystem 
modeling,
•   Demonstrated problem-solving and communication skills, and who can 
successfully apply experience, judgment, and creativity to both short- and 
long-term challenges, 
•   One who can create new opportunities within this field and use 
novel methods, analyses and approaches to tackle continental-scale 
research.
•   Desired knowledge base of both instrument hardware and software 
development.

To Apply: go to www.neoninc.org

NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans 
and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. 


[ECOLOG-L] NEON - Sr. Scientist - Visiting Appointment

2010-08-03 Thread Laura Reynolds
Overview
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.) is a nonprofit 
science corporation dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, 
land use and invasive species impact ecology. Currently under design is 
the NEON project - an observatory comprising more than 60 environmental 
and biological monitoring locations distributed throughout twenty domains 
across the United States, Hawaii, Alaska  Puerto Rico.  The observatory 
network will be the first of its kind designed to detect and enable 
forecasting of ecological change at continental scales over multiple 
decades.  

The Fundamental Sentinel Unit of the Observatory (FSU) is responsible for 
measurement and sampling in organismal biology.


Position Term/Location
This position is a term position for 12-18 months.  The position is 
located in Boulder, CO at NEON headquarters reporting to the FSU Manager.


Position Summary
NEON invites applications from established senior ecologists who are 
passionate about understanding how changes in climate, land use and 
invasive species impact ecology on a continental scale to help develop 
scientific protocols and assist in acquiring resources for bio archives, 
chemical, genetic, isotopic and disease analyses.

This is an active “hands-on” position and is an excellent opportunity for 
those who want to focus their efforts to work on big science in a project 
environment and assist with providing strategic advice, and collaborate 
with other scientists in academe, industry and the government.

As the Sr. Visitor you will initiate and help design the scientific 
protocols development direction for a national observatory and facilitate 
external reviews of critical FSU protocols.   You will play a key part in 
managing the process for external review of FSU protocols.  You will also 
manage the design and implementation of external facility contracts 
(including Bioarchive, Chemical, Genetic, Isotopic, and Disease). 
Additionally, as a member of the FSU facility you will use your experience 
and expertise to provide advice to solve scientific principles and 
contribute to the design of field crew staffing, training and operations 
plans and be a key interface with the Field Operations group.  



Required Experience 
•   MS (PhD preferred) in ecology or related field
•   At least 15 years experience in ecological research or natural 
resources management, or equivalent experience


Preferred Experience:
•   Experience working with government agencies in the context of 
ecological research
•   Experience working with field crews and field stations
•   History of good communication experience among multiple partners 
(e.g., academic, government, private)
•   Experience with contract management

Skills and Abilities:
•   Solid analytical skills and creative problem solver who can 
successfully apply experience and judgment to both short- and long-term 
challenges
•   Self-starter who can develop novel methods, analyses and 
approaches to enable continental-scale research
•   Demonstrated expert level communication skills to effectively 
explain requirements, present solutions, and influence management or 
external sponsors in area of expertise; and coach, mentor and counsel 
employees with a wide range of experience, skills and interests
•   Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to interact 
effectively with a broad wide range of scientific, technical, and 
management staff, stakeholders, and vendors
•   Experience working collaboratively and ability to develop 
appropriate responses to changing priorities and ability to meet deadlines
•   Occasional travel for meetings and conferences
•   Highly organized 
•   Knowledge of field biology protocols and practices
•   Scientific writing and review 
•   Open to undertaking responsibilities beyond those associated with 
individual research projects
•   Ability to work independently and as part of an active science team
•   Problem solver who can successfully apply experience, judgment, 
and creativity to both short- and long-term challenges

Apply to: www.neoninc.org

NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans 
and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. 


[ECOLOG-L] NEON - Biometeorologist/Meteorologist Airshed Analyst Post Doc

2010-06-15 Thread Laura Reynolds
Overview
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.) is a nonprofit 
science corporation dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, 
land use and invasive species impact ecology. Currently under design is 
the NEON project - an observatory comprising more than 60 environmental 
and biological monitoring locations distributed throughout twenty domains 
across the United States, Hawaii, Alaska  Puerto Rico.  The observatory 
network will be the first of its kind designed to detect and enable 
forecasting of ecological change at continental scales over multiple 
decades.

Term of Position
This position will be funded for three years.
Position Summary
The Fundamental Instrument Unit (FIU) consists of an automated suite of 
meteorological, atmospheric, soil and ecophysiological measurements.  The 
position will support Science project development and management 
activities. 
The FIU employs tower-based micrometeorological data products (incl. eddy 
covariance).  Sources of uncertainties can be identified from flow 
statistics, topography, and land cover (source/sink strengths).  To assure 
the data quality and control of these data, this position will develop 
procedures that will combine the traditional data quality assessment with 
topography, land cover, and analytic footprint modeling. 
 Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Coordinate, design and execute innovative airshed analyses,
•   Develop FIU data quality assurance, quality control procedures, 
and uncertainty analyses,
•   Coordinate FIU dataflows with other related NEON groups,
•   Develop plans for evaluating and transferring research-grade 
programming into an operational and production framework

Required Experience:
•   1-3 years experience in meteorological-related work,
•   Experience with quantitative uncertainty analyses and time-series 
analyses,
•   Experience delivering a final product from concept through testing 
to completion,
•   Experience in programming meteorological analyses with diverse 
types of datasets
•   Experience working in a collaborative scientific or engineering 
enterprise, and
•   Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written and 
oral forms

Education:
•   Doctoral degree in an environmental science field (e.g., 
biometeorology, ecosystem science, micrometeorology) or a related field.
•   Recent PhD graduates may apply (post-doc position).

Preferred Experience:
•   Working at the synoptic to local scale
•   Some work experience with production data flows 
•   Knowledge of a wide range of meteorological related sensors, and 
measurement techniques and their associated data acquisition and analysis 
procedures,
•   Design of data visualization tools,
•   Ability to develop the dataflow designs for different and 
contrasting data types.

 Skills and Abilities:
•   Critical thinking, scientific writing and review,
•   Ability to travel (infrequently), plus travel to conferences
•   Quantification of spatial and temporal variation of data quality 
properties and processes
•   Understanding of micrometeorological processes and ecosystem 
modeling,
•   Demonstrated problem-solving and communication skills, and who can 
successfully apply experience, judgment, and creativity to both short- and 
long-term challenges, 
•   One who can create new opportunities within this field and use 
novel methods, analyses and approaches to tackle continental-scale 
research.
•   Desired knowledge base of both instrument hardware and software 
development.

To Apply:
Documents to include, Curriculum Vitea and Cover Letter: In your cover 
letter, please include your experience with meteorological modeling, 
program testing, program languages, and any relevant field experience. 

Apply to www.neoninc.org 

NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans 
and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. 


[ECOLOG-L] NEON - Biometeorologist/Meteorologist QA QC Scientist Job Opportunity

2010-06-11 Thread Laura Reynolds
Overview
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.) is a nonprofit 
science corporation dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, 
land use and invasive species impact ecology. Currently under design is 
the NEON project - an observatory comprising more than 60 environmental 
and biological monitoring locations distributed throughout twenty domains 
across the United States, Hawaii, Alaska  Puerto Rico.  The observatory 
network will be the first of its kind designed to detect and enable 
forecasting of ecological change at continental scales over multiple 
decades.

Position Summary
The Fundamental Instrument Unit (FIU) consists of an automated suite of 
meteorological, atmospheric, soil and ecophysiological measurements.  The 
Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) Scientist will support 
Science project development and management activities.

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Design FIU data flow, data product algorithms and automated QA/QC 
procedures,
•   Develop FIU data quality assurance, quality control procedures, 
and uncertainty analyses,
•   Coordinate, design and execute analyses of dataflows,
•   Coordinate FIU dataflows with other related NEON groups,
•   Develop plans for evaluating and transferring data QA/QC 
activities into an operational basis

Required Experience:
•   1-3 years experience in meteorological-related work,
•   Knowledge of a wide range of meteorological related sensors, and 
measurement techniques and their associated data acquisition and analysis 
procedures,
•   Experience with quantitative uncertainty analyses and time-series 
analyses,
•   Experience delivering a final product from concept through testing 
to deployment,
•   Experience working in a collaborative scientific or engineering 
enterprise, and
•   Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written and 
oral forms

Education:
•   Doctoral degree (or MS plus equivalent experience) in one of the 
environmental science fields (biometeorology, ecosystem science, 
micrometeorology etc) or a related Science field.
•   Recent PhD graduates may apply.

Preferred Experience:
•   Working at the synoptic to local scale
•   Some work experience with production data flows
•   Design of data visualization tools,
•   Ability to develop the dataflow designs for different and 
contrasting data types.

 Skills and Abilities:
•   Critical thinking, scientific writing and review,
•   Ability to travel (infrequently), plus travel to conferences
•   Quantification of spatial and temporal variation of data quality 
properties and processes
•   Understanding of micrometeorological processes and associated 
modeling,
•   Demonstrated problem-solving and communication skills, and
•   Desired knowledge base of both instrument hardware and software 
development.

To Apply:
Documents to include, Curriculum Vitea and Cover Letter: In your cover 
letter, please include your experience with micrometeorological processes 
and associated modeling, and any relevant experience. 

Apply to www.neoninc.org 

NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans 
and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. 


[ECOLOG-L] NEON Inc - Director Education - Job Opportunity

2010-06-11 Thread Laura Reynolds
Overview
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.) is a nonprofit 
science corporation dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, 
land use and invasive species impact ecology. Currently under design is 
the NEON project - an observatory comprising more than 60 environmental 
and biological monitoring locations distributed throughout twenty domains 
across the United States, Hawaii, Alaska  Puerto Rico.  The observatory 
network will be the first of its kind designed to detect and enable 
forecasting of ecological change at continental scales over multiple 
decades.

Summary
Supervised by the Chief of Education and Public Engagement , the Education 
Director (ED) will be responsible for  the development, planning and 
implementation of the NEON web portal including all content and design.  
The NEON web portal will be used to deliver NEON information to educators, 
scientists, decision makers, general public and citizen scientists.The 
ED will also work closely with the NEON Education Department personnel to 
develop and implement a comprehensive citizen science program that will be 
facilitated through the NEON web portal.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Manage content development from conceptualization through 
implementation that will meet NEON core objectives to provide online 
learning experiences to various interest groups.
•   Manage the design (i.e., organization, look and feel, 
functionality) of the NEON web portal and work closely with NEON software 
developers to implement the design.
•   Supervise a small team of graphic/multi-media/web designers and 
science educators to plan, research, develop and implement the NEON web 
portal.
•   Engage stakeholders in web portal development process including 
attending and speaking at conferences, meetings and events related to NEON 
education efforts
•   Communicate NEON activities to variety of stakeholders including 
scientists, educators, students, decision makers, politicians and the 
general public
•   Develop a feedback mechanism on the effectiveness of information 
provided in the web portal.
•   Coordinate multiple projects concurrently

Education
•   Master’s degree in science field, science education, instructional 
design, environmental studies or related field

Required Experience
•   3+ years developing content for web portal
•   7 + years developing science education learning resources
•   5+ years managing complex projects
•   Previous experience developing and writing grant proposals
•   7+ years experience on science education projects
•   2+ years experience managing personnel
•   Experience using graphic design software

Preferred Experience:
•   Developing science curriculum materials for K-12 audiences
•   Developing resources for informal science audiences such as 
citizen scientists
•   Using web content management systems
•   Designing web interface for sharing large datasets with scientists
•   Developing and leading professional development and training 
courses for educators, decision makers, scientists
•   Supervising educator and/or web design personnel


Skills and Abilities:
•   Strong computer skills; proficient in MS Office products to 
include Word and Excel, experience with Adobe Creative Suite software and 
web site content management systems.
•   Demonstrated ability to develop web portal content and design
•   Familiarity with science learning theory
•   Excellent verbal and written communication skills
•   Proven ability to work cross-functionally to accomplish 
departmental goals
•   Ability to work in a team environment as both a leader and team 
member
•   Proven ability to manage a complex project from inception through 
to implementation
•   Ability to manage multiple tasks and successfully meet deadlines
•   Ability to solve problems independently while working in a fast 
paced, energetic environment

Physical Abilities: 
•   Ability to travel periodically

Apply to: www.neoninc.org

NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans 
and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. 


[ECOLOG-L] Post Doc opportunity - Infectious Disease Epidemiology- NEON - Boulder, CO

2010-06-03 Thread Laura Reynolds
Overview
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.), headquartered in 
Boulder, CO, is a nonprofit science corporation dedicated to understanding 
how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology. 
Currently under design is the NEON project - an observatory comprising 
more than 60 environmental and biological monitoring locations distributed 
throughout twenty domains across the United States, Hawaii, Alaska  
Puerto Rico.  The observatory network will be the first of its kind 
designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at 
continental scales over multiple decades.

Term of Position
This position will be funded for two years initially with the possibility 
of one year extension as deemed appropriate based on the success of the 
tasks performed during the first year. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Coordinate and oversee data processing and analyses for four 
zoonoses: both mammal-transmitted (Hantavirus + Lyme disease) and 
arboviruses (West Nile Virus and Dengue virus)#8232;
•   Research and evaluate the appropriate collection methods, handling 
procedures, and sample sizes to meet NEON science requirements.#8232;
•   Evaluate appropriate detection analyses for each disease of 
interest.
•   Coordinate data management between outsourced analytical 
facilities and NEON cyberinfrastructure team.#8232;
•   Work with NEON scientists to develop appropriate ways to maintain 
data and formats for public data access.#8232;
•   Coordinate information sharing with relevant communities (e.g. the 
Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Walter Reed)#8232;
•   Work with collaborating laboratories and NEON scientists to 
facilitate publication of results, and collaborate with the NEON insect 
and mammal ecologists to prepare reports and develop recommendations for 
best practices, future analyses and data processing.

 Education:
•   PhD in epidemiology, ecology, evolutionary biology, or related 
field.

Required Experience:
•   Experience with mathematical modeling of infectious disease
•   3 years experience in infectious disease epidemiology, disease 
modeling, biostatistics, research development and surveillance 
methods.amp;#8232;
•   Experience with predictive modeling (e.g., disease spread)
•   Ability to design surveillance schemes, analyze data and refine 
approach based on results.#8232;
•   Experience working in a collaborative scientific enterprise

Skills and Abilities:
•   Scientific writing and review 
•   Ability to work independently, but as part of an active science 
team with strong communication and interpersonal skills
•   Undertake responsibilities beyond those associated with individual 
research projects
•   Problem solver who can successfully apply experience, judgment, 
and creativity to both short- and long-term challenges. 
•   Self-starter who can create new opportunities within this field 
and use novel methods, analyses and approaches to tackle continental-scale 
research.

Documents Required to be submitted in order to be considered for the 
position include:
CV,
Cover Letter: In your cover letter, please include your experience with 
predictive modeling, disease testing, surveillance protocols, and any 
relevant field experience. 

Apply at: www.neoninc.org


NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans 
and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. 


[ECOLOG-L] Aquatic Technician - NEON - one year assignment - Boulder, CO

2010-06-02 Thread Laura Reynolds
Overview
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.) is a nonprofit 
science corporation dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, 
land use and invasive species impact ecology. Currently under design is 
the NEON project - an observatory comprising more than 60 environmental 
and biological monitoring locations distributed throughout twenty domains 
across the United States, Hawaii, Alaska  Puerto Rico.  The observatory 
network will be the first of its kind designed to detect and enable 
forecasting of ecological change at continental scales over multiple 
decades.

The Aquatic Team will collect physical, chemical, and biological data on 
streams and small lakes across twenty domains in the United States, 
Hawaii, Alaska  the Caribbean.  The Team will define measurements, train 
personnel, and perform QA/QC in order to produce high quality data 
products for the research, education, and decision making community.

Term of Position
This position is as a term (one year), full-time position on the NEON 
Aquatic science team.

Location: Boulder, CO

Position Summary:
The Aquatic Technician will assist the Aquatic Team with gathering 
existing data and information on streams and ponds/lakes across the United 
States.   This includes water chemistry; plant, insect, and fish species 
lists; aerial photographs; maps; and other historical information.  This 
information is critical for the Team to prepare the sites for 
construction.  The Technician will work independently searching for 
existing literature and data, and as part of the Team to develop data 
management tools.  

The Technician will also have the opportunity to gain experience in GIS, 
water chemistry analyses, and mapping of aquatic ecosystems.
The Aquatic Technician is expected to produce reports of NEON site 
information and is encouraged to collaborate with the Staff to investigate 
other publications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Independently seek published data and information from libraries, 
local NGOs, researchers, municipalities, Federal and State agencies
•   Seek unpublished data from local researchers and NGOs
•   Co-create data management system for historical site data: working 
in collaboration with Aquatic scientists and the NEON Computing team
•   Coordinate and compile disparate data and information for ease of 
analysis and retrieval
•   Work with NEON GIS to digitize and organize historical maps, 
images, and aerial photos of sites
•   Participate in the larger NEON science community

Education:
•   Bachelor’s degree in aquatic ecology or related field. 
 
Required Experience:
•   Experience with university library research, including Web of 
Science
•   Ability to independently gather information from federal and state 
agencies’ online data portals
•   Ability to telephone interview researchers and scientists
•   Demonstrated ability to write technical documents

Preferred Experience:
•   Ability to create and interpret stream hydrographs
•   Knowledge of freshwater water quality parameters
•   Knowledge of GIS preferred

Skills and Abilities:
•   Literature and library research skills
•   Strong communication and interpersonal skills
•   Technical  writing 
•   Ability to work independently, and as part of an active science 
team

TO APPLY: www.neoninc.org
 Review of applications will begin 15 June 2010.

Relocation and Housing is not provided.

NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans 
and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. 


[ECOLOG-L] NEON- 6 Summer Field Technicians needed-Ordway Swisher Biological Station

2010-05-19 Thread Laura Reynolds
Overview
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.) is a nonprofit 
science corporation dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, 
land use and invasive species impact ecology. Currently under design is 
the NEON project - an observatory comprising more than 60 environmental 
and biological monitoring locations distributed throughout twenty domains 
across the United States, Hawaii, Alaska  Puerto Rico.  The observatory 
network will be the first of its kind designed to detect and enable 
forecasting of ecological change at continental scales over multiple 
decades.

Position Summary
Six temporary Field Technicians are needed to assist with field work at 
the Ordway-Swisher Biological Station (OSBS), part of the University of 
Florida located in Gainesville, FL.  Field-based vegetation measurements 
will enable calibration of airborne spectrophotometric and LIDAR data that 
NEON will simultaneously acquire over Ordway-Swisher in late August. 
Together, the ground-based and airborne vegetation data will form the 
foundation of NEON’s ability to scale up site based measurements of plant 
biomass and carbon stocks to regional and continental scales.

Timeline
This temporary assignment is expected to run between the 9th – 20th of 
August, 2010. Work will be full days Monday through Friday both weeks 
during this period with 8-10h days anticipated, with periodic longer hours 
required.  At times work will be starting at dawn through dusk.  

Project Duties 
Field technicians will be responsible for the following tasks over the two 
week period: 1) making measurements of leaf area index (LAI) with a hand-
held analyzer in multiple forest types; 2) measuring diameter at breast 
height, canopy height and canopy width on trees and large shrubs; and 3) 
identifying trees and large shrubs to species. Training will be provided 
for all required instruments, and NEON will also instruct the field crew 
with regard to proper methodology for collecting measurements on 
vegetation physical structure. 

Required Qualifications
•   A valid, current driver's license
•   Proof of auto insurance
•   Must be at least 18 years of age
•   Must be US Citizen 
•   Experience as a field technician 


Preferred Qualifications
•   Currently working toward BS, MS, Ph.D. degree in Forestry or 
Ecology or another related field
•   Previous experience leading field work, or acting in a lead 
capacity on a team
•   Experience with identifying local trees and shrubs
•   Prior experience with LAI analyzers
•   Experience with backcountry hiking and navigation (maps, compass, 
and GPS)
•   Experience leading hikes, or assisting nature societies with 
seasonal nature observations
•   Wildlife safety training course or another safety training course

Skills and Abilities:
•   Ability to follow instructions, a strong work ethic, and enthusiasm
•   Able to supply personal gear (adequate clothing and boots, etc.)
•   Ability to work independently and as part of a team
•   Proficient in MS Office including Excel and Word
•   Attention to detail and accuracy

Physical Abilities
•   Ability to hike with packs up to 25 lbs (carrying field equipment) 
to field sites off-trail for distances of up to 3 miles
•   Ability to work in adverse weather conditions and in all types of 
terrain

Compensation
•   $12-20 per hr, DOE, plus mileage reimbursement

Apply online at www.neoninc.org 

Be sure to include your resume, cover letter and names of 3 references. 

NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans 
and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. 


[ECOLOG-L] NEON - Job Opportunity - Mammal Ecologist

2010-05-18 Thread Laura Reynolds
Overview
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.) is a nonprofit 
science corporation dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, 
land use and invasive species impact ecology. Currently under design is 
the NEON project - an observatory comprising more than 60 environmental 
and biological monitoring locations distributed throughout twenty domains 
across the United States, Hawaii, Alaska  Puerto Rico.  The observatory 
network will be the first of its kind designed to detect and enable 
forecasting of ecological change at continental scales over multiple 
decades.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Coordinate and oversee data processing and analyses for field 
sampling associated with small mammal sampling, specifically deer mice.
•   Work with NEON disease ecologist to develop best methods for 
sampling for biodiversity, density, population dynamics, and disease. 
•   Research and evaluate the appropriate methods and sample sizes to 
meet NEON science requirements.
•   Provide methods and scientific support to NEON permitting team for 
IACUC approval. 
•   Coordinate data management between outsourced analytical 
facilities and NEON cyberinfrastructure team.
•   Work with NEON scientists to develop appropriate ways to maintain 
data and formats for public data access.
•   Coordinate information sharing with relevant communities 
•   Work with collaborating laboratories and NEON scientists to 
facilitate publication of results, and collaborate with other NEON 
scientists to prepare reports and develop recommendations for best 
practices, future analyses and data processing.

Education
•   PhD in ecology, evolutionary biology, or related field. 

Required Experience
•   Specific knowledge in small mammal field sampling for biodiversity 
and population dynamics. 
•   5 years experience or familiarity with planning surveillance 
schemes, analyzing data and refining approach based on results.

Preferred Experience:
•   Experience working with Peromyscus species
•   Experience with Lyme disease and Hantavirus
•   Experience working in diverse habitats for mammal sampling

Skills and Abilities:
•   Scientific writing and review 
•   Strong communication and interpersonal skills
•   Experience working in a collaborative scientific enterprise
•   Open to undertaking responsibilities beyond those associated with 
individual research projects
•   Ability to work independently and as part of an active science team
•   Problem solver who can successfully apply experience, judgment, 
and creativity to both short- and long-term challenges
•   Self-starter who can create new opportunities within this field 
and use novel methods, analyses and approaches to tackle continental-scale 
research

Physical Abilities: 
•   The candidate may be exposed to conditions in the field, and 
therefore must be able to traverse uneven ground such as dirt banks, 
stream beds, and shallow ponds carrying equipment and materials up to 40 
lbs. 

Apply to:www.neoninc.org

NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans 
and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. 


[ECOLOG-L] Post Doc - Disease Ecologist - NEON

2010-03-31 Thread Laura Reynolds
Overview
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.), headquartered in 
Boulder, CO, is a nonprofit science corporation dedicated to understanding 
how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology. 
Currently under design is the NEON project - an observatory comprising 
more than 60 environmental and biological monitoring locations distributed 
throughout twenty domains across the United States, Hawaii, Alaska  
Puerto Rico.  The observatory network will be the first of its kind 
designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at 
continental scales over multiple decades.

Term of Position
This position will be funded for two years initially with the possibility 
of one year extension as deemed appropriate based on the success of the 
tasks performed during the first year. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Coordinate and oversee data processing and analyses for four 
zoonoses: both mammal-transmitted (Hantavirus + Lyme disease) and 
arboviruses (West Nile Virus and Dengue virus)
•   Research and evaluate the appropriate methods and sample sizes to 
meet NEON science requirements.
•   Coordinate data management between outsourced analytical 
facilities and NEON cyberinfrastructure team.
•   Work with NEON scientists to develop appropriate ways to maintain 
data and formats for public data access.
•   Coordinate information sharing with relevant communities (e.g. the 
Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Walter Reed)
•   Work with collaborating laboratories and NEON scientists to 
facilitate publication of results, and collaborate with the NEON insect 
and mammal ecologists to prepare reports and develop recommendations for 
best practices, future analyses and data processing.

 Education:
•   PhD in ecology, evolutionary biology, or related field. 

 Required Experience:
•   3 years experience in infectious disease epidemiology, disease 
modeling, biostatistics, research development and surveillance methods.
•   Experience or familiarity with planning surveillance schemes, 
analyzing data and refining approach based on results.
•   Experience working in a collaborative scientific enterprise

Skills and Abilities:
•   Scientific writing and review 
•   Ability to work independently, but as part of an active science 
team with strong communication and interpersonal skills
•   Undertake responsibilities beyond those associated with individual 
research projects
•   Problem solver who can successfully apply experience, judgment, 
and creativity to both short- and long-term challenges. 
•   Self-starter who can create new opportunities within this field 
and use novel methods, analyses and approaches to tackle continental-scale 
research.


Apply at: www.neoninc.org


NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans 
and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. 


[ECOLOG-L] Job Opportunity - Aquatic Ecologist - NEON

2010-03-31 Thread Laura Reynolds
Overview
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.) is a nonprofit 
science corporation dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, 
land use, invasive species, and unsustainable water use impact ecology. 
Currently under design is the NEON project - an observatory comprising 
more than 60 environmental and biological monitoring locations distributed 
throughout twenty domains across the United States, Hawaii, Alaska  
Puerto Rico.  The observatory network will be the first of its kind 
designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at 
continental scales over multiple decades.

Summary:
The Aquatic Ecologist will be part of an Aquatic Team this is responsible 
for developing a national program to assess physical, chemical, and 
biological changes in streams and small lakes over 30 years.  The Team 
will define measurements, train personnel, and perform QA/QC in order to 
produce high quality data products for the research, education, and 
decision making community.

Specifically the Aquatic Ecologist is responsible for developing and 
implementing detailed sampling designs and analytical protocols for 
freshwater algae, macroalgae; bryophytes, lichen, and macrophytes; and 
related morphology/bathymetry of North American streams and small lakes.   
This position will co-develop sampling designs for aquatic microbes.  The 
Aquatic Ecologist will work with an interdisciplinary team of ecologists, 
engineers, and other scientists to design, develop, test, and implement 
statistically valid protocols to produce data products that will enable 
researchers to investigate the impact of climate change, land-use change, 
invasive species, and unsustainable water use on freshwater ecosystems of 
North America.  

The Aquatic Ecologist is expected to produce reports and publications of 
NEON procedures and protocols and is encouraged to collaborate with the 
research community to investigate continental scale ecology.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Develop and oversee data collection program to track diversity and 
functional changes in algae, and aquatic plants in streams and small lakes 
of North America. 
•   Development and implementation of data QA/QC plan. 
•   Training of field crews.
•   Document the scientific rationale for biological measurements and 
methods.
•   Co-develop detailed sampling designs for microbial communities.
•   Co-develop detailed sampling designs to assess changes in stream 
morphology and lake bathymetry that drive algal and aquatic plant 
community dynamics.
•   Collaborate with NEON engineers and scientists to define audit 
sampling procedures.
•   Participate in the larger NEON science community, including 
participating in independent research and collaborations and attending 
meetings/conferences.

Education:
•   PhD in aquatic ecology or related field.  Specialization in algal 
or related ecology with emphasis on biological-chemical-physical linkages 
of freshwater ecosystems.  
•   Currently enrolled in or completed a Post Doctoral position 
related to the role of algae, aquatic plants, or microbes in freshwater 
ecosystems.  

Required Experience:
•   5+ years research experience in freshwater aquatic ecology, with 
emphasis in the role of primary producers (e.g. algae, aquatic plants) on 
freshwater ecosystem structure and function.  
•   Significant field experience working in streams, rivers, and lakes 
of North America.  
•   Demonstrated experience working in a collaborative scientific and 
engineering enterprise.
•   Demonstrated ability to write technical and scientific documents.
Preferred Experience:
•   Working knowledge of stream and lake morphological dynamics 
preferred.
•   Knowledge of the role of microbial communities in freshwater 
ecosystem structure and function preferred, but not required
•   Experience working with federal and state agencies and NGO’s.

Skills and Abilities:
•   Scientific writing and review
•   Proficiency in analyses that correlate biological data with 
abiotic variables and ability to perform such analyses within a geospatial 
framework
•   Ability to work independently, but as part of an active science 
team
•   Strong communication and interpersonal skills
•   Undertake responsibilities beyond those associated with individual 
research projects
•   Travel to domains at least 2x/year

Physical Abilities: 
•   The candidate may be exposed to conditions in the field, and 
therefore must be able to traverse uneven ground such as dirt banks, 
stream beds, and shallow ponds carrying equipment and materials up to 40 
lbs. 

Apply at: www.neoninc.org
Review of applications will begin 1 May 2010.

NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans 
and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. 


[ECOLOG-L] NEON, Inc. - Job Opportunity - Spatial Ecologist

2010-02-02 Thread Laura Reynolds
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.) is a nonprofit 
science corporation dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, 
land use and invasive species impact ecology. Currently under design is 
the NEON project - an observatory comprising more than 60 environmental 
and biological monitoring locations distributed throughout twenty domains 
across the United States, Hawaii, Alaska  Puerto Rico.   The observatory 
network will be the first of its kind designed to detect and enable 
forecasting of ecological change at continental scales over multiple 
decades.

Term Appointment
This position will be funded for the duration of the NEON construction 
project which is estimated to be approximately five years from the start 
of construction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Coordinate and oversee field sampling layouts for all NEON sites
•   Coordinate spatial data management between the Fundamental 
Sentinel Unit, Cyberinfrastructure, and GIS teams at NEON
•   Work with NEON scientists to refine appropriate sampling for each 
taxon at each of the 60 NEON sites
•   Work with NEON scientists to develop useful data products and 
analyses for the NEON spatial data
•   Collaborate with NEON statistician to assess sampling design

Education:
•   PhD or 
•   MS with 10 years experience in ecology, biogeography, land-use 
analysis or related field. 

Required Experience:
•   Experience with land use analyses and spatial statistics
•   Competent in GIS
•   Experience analyzing field sampling designs
•   At least five years of experience in species inventory monitoring
•   Familiarity with species habitat modeling techniques
•   Experience working in a collaborative scientific enterprise
•   Scientific writing and review 

Skills and Abilities:
•   Strong communication and interpersonal skills
•   Open to undertaking responsibilities beyond those associated with 
individual research projects
•   Ability to work independently and as part of an active science team
•   Problem solver who can successfully apply experience, judgment, 
and creativity to both short- and long-term challenges
•   Self-starter who can create new opportunities within this field 
and use novel methods, analyses and approaches to tackle continental-scale 
research

Physical Requirements:
•   The candidate may be exposed to conditions in the field, and 
therefore must be able to traverse uneven ground such as dirt banks, 
stream beds, and shallow ponds carrying equipment and materials up to 40 
lbs. 

TO APPLY:
Apply on-line at www.neoninc.org

NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans 
and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. 


[ECOLOG-L] NEON - Research Assoc - Genetic Bioinformatics - Term Appt

2010-01-21 Thread Laura Reynolds
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.) is a nonprofit 
science corporation dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, 
land use and invasive species impact ecology. Currently under design is 
the NEON project - an observatory comprising more than 60 environmental 
and biological monitoring locations distributed throughout twenty domains 
across the United States, Hawaii, Alaska  Puerto Rico.  These 
observations and experiments will be monitored and controlled in real-time 
from our headquarters in Boulder, Colorado.

Term Appointment: 
This position will be funded for two years initially with the possibility 
of one year extension as deemed appropriate based on the success of the 
tasks performed during the first year. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•Coordinate and oversee data processing and analyses for two prototype 
studies: 1) soil microbial diversity and 2) insect DNA barcoding. 
•Coordinate data management between outsourced analytical facilities and 
NEON cyberinfrastructure team.
•Work with NEON scientists to develop appropriate ways to maintain genetic 
data and formats for public data access.
•Work with NEON scientists to develop useful data products and analyses 
for the NEON genetic data.
•Work with collaborating laboratories and NEON scientists to facilitate 
publication of results from the prototype studies, and collaborate with 
the NEON microbiology and barcode working groups to prepare reports and 
develop recommendations for future analyses and data processing.

Education:
•PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics, computer science or related 
field (Life science, Ecology, Evolution, etc.)

Required Experience:
•Experience analyzing high-throughput (454, Illumina, or SOLiD) data
•Experience working in a collaborative scientific enterprise
•Scientific writing and review 

Preferred Experience:
•Experience or familiarity with DNA barcoding.

Skills and Abilities:
•Strong communication and interpersonal skills
•Undertake responsibilities beyond those associated with individual 
research projects
•Ability to work independently and as part of an active science team
•Problem solver who can successfully apply experience, judgment, and 
creativity to both short- and long-term challenges
•Self-starter who can create new opportunities within this field and use 
novel methods, analyses and approaches to tackle continental-scale research

TO APPLY:
Please send your cover letter and CV/resume to care...@neoninc.org with 
Bioinformatics Research Associate in the subject line.

NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans 
and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. 


[ECOLOG-L] NEON, Inc. - Soil Scientist job opportunity

2009-09-25 Thread Laura Reynolds
Overview
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.) is a nonprofit 
science corporation dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, 
land use and invasive species impact ecology. Currently under design is 
the NEON project - an observatory comprising more than 60 environmental 
and biological monitoring locations distributed throughout twenty domains 
across the United States, Hawaii, Alaska  Puerto Rico.  These 
observations and experiments will be monitored and controlled in real-time 
from our headquarters in Boulder, Colorado.  

Position Summary
The Fundamental Instrument Unit (FIU) consists of an automated suite of 
meteorological, atmospheric, soil and ecophysiological measurements.  The 
Soil Scientist will support Science project development and management 
activities.

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Design FIU system components that measure soil processes
•   Coordinate, design and execute analyses for prototype and site 
characterization activities,
•   Coordinate soil-related measurements and data products with other 
related NEON system design groups, e.g., Engineering, CyberInfrastructure, 
Fundamental Sentinel Unit, and Land Use Analyses Package,
•   Develop algorithm for computing soil-related data products,
•   Develop soil-related data quality assurance and quality control 
procedures, and
•   Develop plans for evaluating and transferring soil measurements 
systems to an operational basis

Required Experience:
•   1-3 years experience in soil-related work,
•   Experience with a wide range of related soil sensors, and 
measurement techniques and their associated data acquisition and analysis 
procedures,
•   Experience with quantitative analysis of soils or related data,
•   Experience delivering a final product from concept through testing 
to deployment,
•   Experience working in a collaborative scientific or engineering 
enterprise, and
•   Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written and 
oral forms
.

Education:
•   Doctoral degree (or MS plus equivalent experience) in one of the 
environmental science fields (soil science, biometeorology, ecosystem 
science, micrometeorology etc) or a related Science field.
•   Recent PhD graduates may apply.

Preferred Experience:
•   Working at the ecosystem-level scale
•   Some work experience with soil microbiology.
•   Ability to develop the measurement designs for different and 
contrasting soil types.

 Skills and  Abilities:
•   Critical thinking, scientific writing and review,
•   Ability to travel monthly to domain sites during 2010, plus travel 
to conferences
•   Quantification of spatial and temporal variation of soil physical 
properties and processes (e.g., soil climate, biogeochemistry, 
respiration, etc.),  
•   Understanding of soils processes and ecosystem modeling,
•   Demonstrated problem-solving and communication skills, and
•   Desired knowledge base of both instrument hardware and software 
development.

Physical Requirements:
•   The candidate may be exposed to conditions in the field, and 
therefore must be able to traverse uneven ground such as mountains, stream 
beds, and shallow ponds carrying equipment and materials up to 40 lbs. 

To Apply:
Send your resumes and inquiries to care...@neoninc.org with Soil Scientist 
in the subject line, and include cover letter, resume, salary history, and 
salary requirements.

NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans 
and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. 


[ECOLOG-L] NEON, Inc. - Aquatic Ecologist - job opportunity

2009-09-16 Thread Laura Reynolds
Overview:
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.), a non-profit 
science corporation dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, 
land use and invasive species impact ecology. We are currently planning 
the NEON project - an observatory comprising more than 60 atmospheric, 
environmental and biological monitoring experiments distributed throughout 
twenty domains across the United States, Hawaii, Alaska  the Caribbean.  
The Observatory is monitored and controlled in real-time from our 
headquarters in Boulder, Colorado.

Term of Position:
This position will be funded for one year initially with the intention of 
transition to a full-time staff scientist on the NEON science team.  

Position Summary:
Aquatic Ecologist/ Biogeochemist will be responsible for design and 
development of the freshwater biogeochemistry components of the NEON 
Observatory including: procedures and protocols for data collection and 
lab processing; piloting instrument installation; QA/QC; field-crew 
training program; and analytical laboratory requirements.

Essential Responsibilities and Goals for the First Year:
•Develop detailed sampling designs and methodologies for collection and 
processing of water and sediment in streams, ponds, and subsurface wells
•Define sample methods for stream reaeration rating curves
•Analyze water and sediment chemistry data from NEON aquatic sites
•Collaborate with NEON engineers and scientists to pilot the installation 
of in-situ instruments
•Refine the scientific rationale for biogeochemical measurements, 
instruments, and methods
•Co-develop data QA/QC and field-training programs
•Co-develop research to assess chemical and isotopic composition of 
freshwater organisms
•Participate in the larger NEON science community, including independent 
research and collaborations

Required Experience:
•Demonstrated field-based experience in freshwater streams and/or ponds of 
North America
•3-5 years research experience in aquatic ecology, with emphasis in 
freshwater biogeochemistry. 
•Experience working with in-situ automated instruments.
•Demonstrated experience working in a collaborative scientific or 
engineering enterprise.

Education:
•PhD in aquatic ecology, aquatic biogeochemistry or related freshwater 
field.  Specialization in the biological-chemical linkages of freshwater 
ecosystems.

Preferred Experience:
•Ability or desire to write technical documents
•Experience working with federal or state agencies, engineers, and/or 
computer engineers.
•Experience developing QA/QC programs and working with large datasets 
preferred.


Skills and Abilities:
•Record of excellent written and verbal communication skills
•Ability to work independently, and as part of an active science team
•Desire to work collaboratively with engineers and scientists
•Proficient scientific and technical writing 
•Proficiency in analyses that correlate biological data with abiotic 
variables and ability to perform such analyses within a geospatial 
framework
•Undertake responsibilities beyond those associated with individual 
Observatory tasks
•Travel to domains at least 6x/year in the 2010

Physical Requirements:
•The candidate may be exposed to conditions in the field, and therefore 
must be able to traverse uneven ground such as dirt banks, stream beds, 
and shallow ponds carrying equipment and materials up to 40 lbs. 

TO APPLY:
Please send your cover letter and CV/resume to care...@neoninc.org with 
Aquatic Ecologist Biogeochemist in the subject line.  Review of 
applications will begin 21 September 2009.

NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans 
and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. 


[ECOLOG-L] NEON job opening Freshwater Beiogeochemist

2009-07-06 Thread Laura Reynolds
Overview
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.), a non-profit 
science corporation dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, 
land use and invasive species impact ecology. We are currently planning 
the NEON project - an observatory comprising more than 60 atmospheric, 
environmental and biological monitoring experiments distributed throughout 
twenty domains across the United States, Hawaii, Alaska  the Caribbean, 
monitored and controlled in real-time from our headquarters in Boulder, 
Colorado. A leading-edge flexible cyber-infrastructure is being designed 
to support current and future needs of the Observatory.

Term of Position
This position will be funded for one year initially with the possibility 
of transition to a full-time staff scientist on the NEON science team as 
deemed appropriate based on the success of the tasks performed during the 
first year.  

Position Summary:
Freshwater Biogeochemist will be responsible for designing and developing 
the aquatic biogeochemical components of the NEON Observatory, including 
developing field and lab procedures and protocols for data collection, 
QA/QC, and training; define analytical laboratory requirements; prototype 
instrument installation.

Essential Responsibilities and Goals for the First Year:
•Develop and oversee research to track chemistry and isotopic composition 
of surface and groundwater, aquatic microbes, algae, aquatic plants, 
invertebrates.
•Develop the scientific rationale for biogeochemical measurements and 
methods.
•Develop detailed sampling designs of biogeochemical measurement in 
streams and ponds, including reaeration rating curve development.
•Collaborate with NEON engineers and scientists to prototype in-situ 
instrument installation
•Participate in the larger NEON science community, including participating 
in independent research and collaborations.

Preferred Experience:
•Additional knowledge of pond and lake biogeochemical cycles preferred.
•Experience working with federal and state agencies.

Education:
•PhD in aquatic ecology, aquatic biogeochemistry or related field.  
Specialization in the biological-chemical linkages of freshwater 
ecosystems.

Required Experience:
•3-5 years research experience in aquatic ecology, with emphasis in 
freshwater or algal chemistry.  
•Demonstrated experience working in streams and rivers of North America.  
•Significant experience working with in-situ automated instrumentation.
•Demonstrated experience working in a collaborative scientific and 
engineering enterprise.

Skills and Abilities:
•Scientific writing and review
•Proficiency in analyses that correlate biological data with abiotic 
variables and ability to perform such analyses within a geospatial 
framework
•Ability to work independently, but as part of an active Science team
•Strong communication and interpersonal skills
•Undertake responsibilities beyond those associated with individual 
research projects
•Travel to domains at least 6x/year

Physical Requirements:
•The candidate may be exposed to conditions in the field, and therefore 
must be able to traverse uneven ground such as dirt banks, stream beds, 
and shallow ponds carrying equipment and materials up to 40 lbs. 

TO APPLY:
Please send your cover letter and CV/resume to care...@neoninc.org with 
Freshwater Biogeochemist in the subject line.  Review of applications will 
begin July 20, 2009.

NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans 
and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. 


[ECOLOG-L] NEON Job Opening Staff Scientist - Entomologist

2009-05-20 Thread Laura Reynolds
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.) is a nonprofit 
science corporation dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, 
land use and invasive species impact ecology. Currently under design is 
the NEON project - an observatory comprising more than 60 environmental 
and biological monitoring locations distributed throughout twenty domains 
across the United States, Hawaii, Alaska  Puerto Rico.  These 
observations and experiments will be monitored and controlled in real-time 
from our headquarters in Boulder, Colorado.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•Develop and oversee sampling designs to track abundance, diversity, 
phenology, and population dynamics of ground-dwelling beetles and 
mosquitoes.
•Develop and oversee NEON invertebrate identification design, including  
DNA barcode libraries for selected taxa.
•Develop QA/QC protocols for field sampling and data processing.
•Develop the scientific rationale for scientific measurements and methods.

Education:
•PhD in ecology, evolution, or related field

Experience:
•5 years research experience (including PhD research) in insect ecology, 
specifically related to ground-dwelling beetles or mosquitoes
•5 years field experience (including PhD research), familiarity with 
pitfall trapping methods, mosquito trapping methods, insect 
identification, bioarchive collections, and/or DNA barcoding.
•Experience working in a collaborative scientific enterprise

Skills and Abilities:
•Scientific writing and review 
•Proficiency in analyses that correlate biological data with abiotic 
variables and ability to perform such analyses within a geospatial 
framework
•Ability to work independently, but as part of an active Science team
•Strong communication and interpersonal skills
•Undertake responsibilities beyond those associated with individual 
research projects

Physical Requirements:
•The candidate may be exposed to conditions in the field, and therefore 
must be able to traverse uneven ground such as dirt banks, stream beds, 
and shallow ponds carrying equipment and materials up to 40 lbs. 

TO APPLY:
Please send your cover letter and CV/resume to care...@neoninc.org with 
Entomologist in the subject line.  Applications will be reviewed beginning 
June 3, 2009

NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans 
and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. 


[ECOLOG-L] NEON, Inc. and Sandia National Labs DNA Barcode Evaluation Postdoc

2009-04-29 Thread Laura Reynolds
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.), a nonprofit 
science corporation dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, 
land use and invasive species impact ecology. We are currently planning 
the NEON project - an observatory comprising more than 60 atmospheric, 
environmental and biological monitoring experiments distributed throughout 
twenty domains across the United States, Hawaii, Alaska  the Caribbean, 
monitored and controlled in real-time from our headquarters in Boulder, 
Colorado. A leading-edge flexible cyberinfrastructure is being designed to 
support current and future needs of the Observatory.

Summary:
This NEON funded project is part of a highly collaborative and 
multidisciplinary team that is focused on the development of DNA barcode 
libraries to aid in species identification and developing technology for 
DNA analysis in the field. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1.Species identification through traditional DNA barcoding.
2.Development of field instrumentation for DNA preparation and analysis.

Scope:
•The candidate will be hired by the FSU Manager, NEON, Inc. Boulder, CO.  
However, the candidate will predominantly work on site at Sandia National 
Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico under the supervision of Dr. Susan 
Brozik. 

Preferred Qualifications:
•Experience in developing electrode arrays and microfluidcs for automated, 
field DNA analysis.  
•Experience in microelectronic or MEMS-based sensors, successful proposal 
development, and project leadership.

Education:
•Ph.D. in engineering, biology or a related field 

Experience:
•Experience in electrochemical sensors, bio-electrochemical measurements, 
and DNA sequencing.  
•Research experience in electrochemistry, DNA assay and detection 
development, the design of electrochemical sensors, and their application 
to biological problems  
•A history of creative research, as evidenced by a strong publication 
record
  
Skills and Abilities:
•Strong written and verbal communication skills are expected.

Physical Requirements:
•Long periods of sitting and standing
•Regularly reaches and grasps with arms and hands
•Long periods of sitting and standing 
•Regularly reaches and grasps with arms and hands 
•Regularly stoops and bends 
•Regularly uses fine motor skills and manipulates small instruments while 
viewing through a microscope 
•Work involves possible exposure to malodorous vapors, acids, bases, 
detergents, mutagens, teratogens, carcinogens, flammables and solvents 
•Work involves possible exposure to ultraviolet, alpha, beta and gamma 
radiation emitters

TO APPLY:
Please send your cover letter, CV/resume and names of three references to 
care...@neoninc.org with DNA Barcode Evaluation Postdoc in the subject 
line.

NEON Inc. and Sandia National Laboratories are Equal Opportunity Employers 
M/F/D/V.  This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE)-granted 
security clearance and U.S. citizenship. Employee eligibility for 
clearance processing will be required at the time of hire.  If you hold 
dual citizenship and you accept a job offer for a position that requires a 
DOE-granted security clearance, you may be asked by DOE to renounce your 
foreign citizenship and retain only your U.S. citizenship.


[ECOLOG-L] NEON Job Opening Plant Ecologist

2009-04-28 Thread Laura Reynolds
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.) is a nonprofit 
science corporation dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, 
land use and invasive species impact ecology. Currently under design is 
the NEON project - an observatory comprising more than 60 environmental 
and biological monitoring locations distributed throughout twenty domains 
across the United States, Hawaii, Alaska  Puerto Rico.  These 
observations and experiments will be monitored and controlled in real-time 
from our headquarters in Boulder, Colorado.  

Responsibilities
•Develop and oversee research to track diversity, phenology, demography, 
and productivity of plant communities.
•Develop QA/QC protocols for field sampling and data processing
•Develop the scientific rationale for scientific measurements and methods
•Develop detailed sampling designs of plant communities for all of the 60 
NEON sampling sites. 
•Oversee changes to the NEON design with the evolution of analyses used on 
NEON samples
•Develop data products using NEON data
•Participate in the larger NEON science community, including participating 
in independent research and collaborations

Education/Experience
•PhD in ecology, evolution, or related field
•5 years research experience in plant ecology, including extensive field 
experience
•Experience working in a collaborative scientific enterprise

Specialized Skills
•Scientific writing and review 
•Proficiency in analyses that correlate biological data with abiotic 
variables and ability to perform such analyses within a geospatial 
framework
•Ability to work independently, but as part of an active Science team
•Strong communication and interpersonal skills
•Undertake responsibilities beyond those associated with individual 
research projects
•The candidate may be exposed to conditions in the field, and therefore 
must be able to traverse uneven ground such as dirt banks, stream beds, 
and shallow ponds carrying equipment and materials up to 40 lbs. 


TO APPLY:
•Please send your cover letter and CV/resume to care...@neoninc.org with 
Plant Ecologist in the subject line.
•NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans 
and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.