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:
Reporting to the Field Operations Manager, The Field Technician(s) will perform a variety of technical and scientific tasks.
The Field Technician III is the shift lead performing and supervising routine maintenance, field calibration, and repair of scientific instruments and associated infrastructure. They will also supervise and assist with seasonal and/or periodic sampling activities.
The Field Technician II will have primary responsibility for instruments and infrastructure at tower or aquatic sites. They will also assist with seasonal and/or periodic sampling activities.
The Field Technician I is the biological sampling lead performing seasonal and periodic sampling activities. Seasonal field sampling is conducted with the assistance of temporary field crews. Field sampling activities include the following observation and specimen collection activities:
• Small mammal abundance
• Small mammal-borne disease (i.e. Hantavirus)
• Breeding bird population counts
• Ground beetle abundance and diversity
• Mosquito phenology, diversity, and disease (i.e. West Nile Virus)
• Plant phenology observations
• Soil and water sample collection for microbial diversity and biogeochemical analysis
• Terrestrial and aquatic vegetation diversity and primary productivity measurements
• Aquatic invertebrate and fish diversity and abundance
• Stream morphology mapping
Location – Domain 3:
The Domain 3 Field Technician’s primary work location is Gainesville, FL. This position supports sites in the Southeast Domain. Southeast candidate sites are located in Florida at Ordway-Swisher Biological Center near Gainesville, FL, Disney Wilderness Preserve near Poinciana, FL, and Jones Ecological Research Station near Newton, GA. The Southeast Domain includes parts of Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.
Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in an associated scientific discipline
Required Experience:
Field Technician III
• 2-3 years experience leading staff in ecology related laboratory and field activities
• 3+ years experience maintaining scientific instruments (e.g. aquatic, meteorological or atmospheric sensors)
• 3+ years experience performing scientific data entry and data management
• Previous experience performing ecology related field activities in multiple ecosystems
Field Technician II
• 2-3 years experience maintaining scientific instruments (e.g. aquatic, meteorological or atmospheric sensors)
• 2-3 years experience performing scientific data entry and data management
Field Technician I
• Previous experience performing ecology related laboratory and field activities
• Previous experience performing scientific data entry and data management
All positions must possess a valid US driver’s license
Preferred Experience:
• Familiarity with performing field quality assurance procedures
• CPR/First Aid or Wilderness First Aid certification or training
Skills and Abilities:
• Ability to perform troubleshooting, calibration, and repair of scientific instrumentation
• Ability to organize and execute multiple activities and priorities
• Excellent problem solving skills and the ability to act on changing priorities in a fast paced dynamic environment
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate others
• Proven ability to ensure safety and operational standards are met
• Familiarity with field and laboratory safety guidelines
• Willingness to adopt new technologies as needed
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs
• Ability to travel frequently within the local domain
Physical Abilities:
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs;
• Kneeling, bending, stooping ; hand dexterity
• Ability to hike long distances walking over sometimes rough, hilly terrain, lifting and carrying up to 25lbs;
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time;
• Ability to work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult or hazardous terrain;
• Ability to work at a stream or lake, often in wet, slippery or icy conditions;
• Ability to ascend and descend multiple flights of stairs on instrument towers up to a median height of 120’
• Ability to perform work on an open, elevated platform on top of towers
Exposures:
• Dirt, fumes, dust, and noise;
• Work environment is 80 – 90% outside;
• Possible West Nile-infected mosquitoes;
• Blood-borne pathogens;
• Paradichlorobenzene 99.90%;
• Small electric motors and 6V sealed lead-acid batteries;
• Through handling of mammals possible exposure to Hantavirus, Sin Nombre virus (SNV) and plague;
• Slip/trip;
• Animal bites and scrapes;
• Insects, plants (allergies and prickly things); and
• Some ticks encountered during sampling may be infected with other zoonotic diseases such as Colorado Tick Fever.
NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
