Field Technician I, II or III - Appalachians-Cumberland Plateau- Domain 7
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 cyber infrastructure
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.
Field Technician I
The
Field Technician I will perform a variety of scientific and technical
tasks. 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. The Field
Technician will provide guidance to temporary field crews and perform
field and laboratory activities. This position reports to the Field
Operations Manager.
The Field
Technician I will also assist with routine maintenance, field
calibration, and repair of scientific instruments and associated
infrastructure as assigned by the Manager Field Operations.
Field Technician II
The
Field Technician II will perform a variety of technical and scientific
tasks. The Field Technician II is the technical lead performing routine
maintenance, field calibration, and repair of scientific instruments and
associated infrastructure. After initial instrument installation, the
Field Technician II will have primary responsibility for instruments and
infrastructure at tower/aquatic sites.
The
Field Technician II will also assist with seasonal and/or periodic
sampling activities. Seasonal field sampling is conducted with the
assistance of temporary field crews. The Field Technician will provide
guidance to temporary field crews and perform field and laboratory
activities as assigned by the Manager Field Operations. This position
reports to the Manager Field Operations.
Field Technician III
The
Field Technician III 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. After initial
instrument installation, the Field Technician III will have primary
responsibility for instruments and infrastructure at {tower/aquatic}
sites.
The Field Technician III will
also supervise and assist with seasonal and/or periodic sampling
activities. Seasonal field sampling is conducted with the assistance of
temporary field crews. The Field Technician will provide guidance to
temporary field crews and perform field and laboratory activities as
assigned by the Field Operations Manager. This position reports to the
Manager Field Operations Manager.
Must have permanent authorization for US employment.
Multiple positions.
Location:
The
Domain 7 Field Technician’s primary work location is near Oak Ridge,
TN. This position supports sites in the Appalachians-Cumberland Plateau
Domain. Appalachians-Cumberland Plateau sites are located at Oak Ridge
National Lab (ORNL) near Oak Ridge, TN, Great Smoky Mountains National
Park near Gatlinburg, TN, and Mountain Lakes Biological Station (MLBS)
near Pembroke, VA. The Appalachians-Cumberland Plateau Domain includes
parts of Tennessee, North Carolina, northern Georgia, western South
Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia and Virginia.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Field Technician I
•
Follow established, standardized field procedures for sample
collection; record and verify accuracy of data from sample collection;
process samples in the domain lab; and send samples to external
analytical labs.
• 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
• Operate laboratory equipment including Wiley Mill, drying oven, analytical balance, centrifugal mill, and muffle furnace.
• Assist the Field Operations Manager with recruiting and training of seasonal field personnel.
• Provide technical guidance to seasonal field personnel.
•
Perform plot establishment by locating plots with GPS navigation
system, measuring and marking plots, and placing and setting traps.
• Assist the Field Operations Manager with field activity audits.
• Perform inspection and maintenance of laboratory and field equipment.
•
Assist with routine inspection, calibration, maintenance and repair of
atmospheric, micrometeorological, and water quality sensors on towers,
soil arrays, streams and groundwater wells.
• Assist with routine maintenance to assure quality of data acquisition and connectivity equipment.
•
Assist with inspection and routine maintenance of civil infrastructure,
including boom arms, sensor mounts, towers, boardwalks, and instrument
huts.
• Assist Manager Field
Operations with Domain Support Facility activities (e.g., inventory and
supply order management; field equipment maintenance and repair; and
upkeep of office and lab areas).
• Record activities and completed work according to Field Operations protocol.
• Perform field assignments in a variety of conditions (e.g., weather, terrain, diverse assigned biomes).
• Carry, move and lift field supplies (pack weighing up to 40 lbs.) to assigned field site (diverse and uneven terrain).
• Follow NEON safety and Field Operations policy and procedures.
Field Technician II
•
Perform routine inspection, calibration, maintenance and repair of
atmospheric and aquatic sensors on towers, soil arrays, lakes, streams
and groundwater wells.
• Perform basic testing, troubleshooting and operation of instruments and calibration equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance to assure quality of data acquisition and equipment connectivity.
•
Perform inspection and routine maintenance of site infrastructure,
including boom arms, sensor mounts, towers, boardwalks, and instrument
huts.
• Perform inspection and maintenance of laboratory and field equipment.
•
Follow established, standardized field procedures for periodic
collection, handling, processing, verifying accuracy of, and shipping of
field samples including dust, soil, and water samples.
• Operate laboratory equipment including Wiley Mill, drying oven, analytical balance, centrifugal mill, and ultra-low freezer.
• Assist the Field Operations Manager with materials planning and ordering
• Assist the Field Operations Manager with recruiting and training of seasonal field personnel.
• Provide technical guidance to seasonal field personnel.
•
Assist with plot establishment by locating plots with GPS navigation
system, measuring and marking plots, and placing and setting traps.
• Assist the Field Operations Manager with field activity audits.
•
Follow established, standardized field procedures for sample
collection; record and verify accuracy of data from sample collection;
process samples in the domain lab; and send samples to external
analytical labs.
• 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
• Record activities and completed work according to Field Operations protocol.
• Perform field assignments in a variety of conditions (e.g., weather, terrain, diverse assigned biomes).
• Carry, move and lift field supplies (pack weighing up to 40 lbs.) to assigned field site (diverse and uneven terrain).
• Follow NEON safety and Field Operations policy and procedures.
Field Technician III
• Assist Field Operations Manager in the supervision of personnel and activities coordinated from the field office.
• Act as manager in the absence of the Field Operations Manager.
• Assist the Field Operations Manager with recruiting and training of seasonal field personnel.
•
Lead and perform routine inspection, calibration, maintenance and
repair of atmospheric, micrometeorological, and water quality sensors on
towers, soil arrays, streams and groundwater wells.
• Test, troubleshoot and operate instruments, calibration equipment and test fixtures.
• Lead and perform routine maintenance to assure quality of data acquisition and connectivity equipment.
•
Lead and perform inspection and routine maintenance of civil
infrastructure, including boom arms, sensor mounts, towers, boardwalks,
and instrument huts.
• Lead and perform inspection and maintenance of laboratory and field equipment.
•
Follow established, standardized field procedures for periodic
collection, handling, processing, verifying accuracy of, and shipping of
field samples including dust, soil, and water samples.
• Operate laboratory equipment including Wiley Mill, drying oven, analytical balance, centrifugal mill, and ultra-low freezer
•
Assist with plot establishment by locating plots with GPS navigation
system, measuring and marking plots, and placing and setting traps.
• Perform field activity audits.
•
Follow established, standardized field procedures for sample
collection; record and verify accuracy of data from sample collection;
process samples in the domain lab; and send samples to external
analytical labs.
• Assist the NEON
Engineering Product Team with instrument installation and testing
(approximately the first 6 months). Intensive hands-on tower, soil and
aquatic instrument work.
Education:
•
Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences or related scientific
discipline. Equivalent education and experience may be considered.
Required Experience, Knowledge, Skill, Other Qualifications:
Field Technician I
• Experience performing ecology and lab related activities.
• Experience performing scientific data entry and data management.
NEON will be selecting for specific and different experience and areas of expertise in the following:
• Ability and experience trapping and collecting blood samples from small mammals; or
• Ability to identify regionally specific birds (auditory and visual identification); or
• Ability to identify regionally specific plants.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong work ethic and enthusiasm.
•
Ability to perform in strenuous outdoor activity, carry field equipment
and endure different outdoor field conditions including cold and wet
winter weather and extreme heat.
•
Depending on assignment, current and valid State issued driver’s license
with clean Department of Motor Vehicle record (parking violations,
minor driving offenses excluded) as determined by NEON’s insurance
provider.
• Depending on site assignments, ability to travel/ hike/walk on uneven terrain to work site.
•
Ability and willingness to work varied field operations schedules (up
to 12+ hours per day), including split-shift, part-time, pre-dawn early
mornings, evenings and weekends.
• Ability to hike off-trail for long distances carrying field equipment, for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult or hazardous terrain.
• Ability to ascend and descend multiple flights of stairs on instrument towers.
•
Ability to work on towers ranging in height from 24 feet to 300 feet
and at altitudes of up to 11,000 feet (depending on assigned Domain).
• Ability to withstand exposure to fumes, dust, and noise.
Field Technician II
• Two (2) or more years’ experience maintaining scientific instruments (e.g. aquatic, meteorological or atmospheric sensors).
• Two (2) or more years’ experience performing scientific data entry and data management.
• Ability to perform troubleshooting, calibration, and repair of scientific instrumentation.
• Ability to organize and execute multiple activities and priorities.
• Very effective problem solving skills and the ability to act on changing priorities in a fast paced dynamic environment.
• Very effective leadership skills and the ability to motivate others.
• Proven ability to ensure safety and operational standards are met.
• Willingness to adopt new technologies as needed.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Ability to travel frequently within the local domain.
Field Technician III
• Three (3) or more years’ experience maintaining scientific instruments (e.g. aquatic sensors);
• Three (3) or more years’ experience performing scientific data entry and data management; and
• Two (2) years’ experience leading and performing ecology related laboratory and field activities in multiple ecosystems.
• Ability to perform troubleshooting, calibration, and repair of scientific instrumentation.
• Ability to organize and execute multiple activities and priorities.
•
Very effective problem solving skills and the ability to determine and
act on changing priorities in a fast paced dynamic environment.
• Very effective leadership skills and the ability to motivate others.
• Displays good judgment in ensuring safety and operational standards are met.
• Ability and willingness to adopt new technologies as needed.
All positions must possess a valid US driver’s license
Preferred Experience:
• Previous experience leading and performing ecology related laboratory and field activities.
• Previous experience performing ecology related field activities in multiple ecosystem.
• Familiarity with performing field quality assurance procedures.
• Prior experience leading staff in field conditions.
• CPR/First Aid or Wilderness First Aid certification or training.
• Familiarity with field and laboratory safety guidelines.
• Familiarity with aquatic biological sampling and organisms.
• Experience working in streams or lakes of North America
• Familiarity with performing field quality assurance procedures
• CPR/First Aid or Wilderness First Aid certification, Backcountry hiking and or training
Skills and Abilities:
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs;
• Kneeling, bending, stooping ; hand dexterity
•
Ability to perform in strenuous outdoor activity, carry field equipment
and endure different outdoor field conditions including cold and wet
winter weather and extreme heat.
•
Depending on assignment, current and valid State issued driver’s license
with clean Department of Motor Vehicle record (parking violations,
minor driving offenses excluded) as determined by NEON’s insurance
provider.
• Depending on site assignments, ability to travel/ hike/walk on uneven terrain to work site.
• Ability to work effectively up to 12 hours per day and varied field operations schedules, including part-time and weekends.
• Ability to hike off-trail for long distances carrying field equipment, for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult or hazardous terrain.
• Ability to ascend and descend multiple flights of stairs on instrument towers.
•
Ability to work on towers ranging in height from 24 feet to 300 feet
and at altitudes of up to 11,000 feet (depending on assigned Domain).
• Ability to withstand exposure to 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).
APPLY AT: WWW.NEONINC.ORG
NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
Bridget A. Sorget
Sr. Technical Recruiter
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