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.
