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. 
 • Work with project controls to refine the project scope and communicate to the rest of the team. • Effectively communicate project expectations to team members. 
 • Effectively communicate project status with clients. 
 • Drive weekly meetings to verify goals are being met and setting new goals. 
 • Review staffing requirements as needed with project leads. • Identify and resolve issues and conflicts with the project team. 
 • Build, develop and grow any business relationships vital to the success of the project. 
 • 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 skills. • Highly proficient in a broad range of scientific, educational, and technical issues; ability to synthesize and communicate these issues to different audiences. • Ability to effectively direct and manage several departments and interdisciplinary teams in a fluid environment. • Sensitivity to interests of stakeholders (e.g. NSF, policy makers, scientific community) • Strong written and oral communication skills. • Strong interpersonal skills. • Ability to analyze and solve problems. • Positive attitude. • Professional demeanor • High level of motivation to support the advancement of scientific knowledge. • Ability to influence and educate other project/company leaders and negotiate appropriate decisions and outcomes. • Strong work ethic • Ability to follow specific instructions • Wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected • Ability to effectively delegate work assignments, gives authority to work independently, set expectations and monitors delegated activities for success • Prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans • Ability to build effective collaborative teams Apply to: www.neoninc.org Consideration of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
