NEON Field Ecologist - Instrumentation - CA

Battelle; Fresno (CA); On-site; USD 31,560 - 33,461; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical and dental coverage

401(k) retirement savings plan

Job summary

Battelle is seeking a Field Ecologist I – Instrumentation for an onsite position in Fresno, CA. This role involves operating environmental monitoring equipment and extensive fieldwork in diverse terrains. Candidates should have a background in ecology, forestry, or environmental sciences.

With responsibilities that include maintaining sensors and conducting field data collection under varying environmental conditions, the ideal applicant will have relevant experience and a commitment to safety. Benefits include paid time off, health coverage, and a robust 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in environmental sciences or related role.
• Ability to operate various environmental monitoring equipment.
• Experience with field data collection and safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate meteorological and soil sensors.
• Provide training to seasonal field personnel.
• Conduct fieldwork in varied terrains and climates.

Skills

Meteorological sensors operation

Data logging

Fieldwork safety

Education

Associates degree in ecology or related

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

PuTTY

SAS

Job description

Overview

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Company Overview

Battelle manages and operates the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) program, 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

We are currently seeking Field Ecologist I – Instrumentation. This position is an onsite role located in Fresno, CA. The rugged Sierra Nevada mountain range is home to 20 wilderness areas; two national monuments; and Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks. They also host all five of the NEON field sites in Domain 17, the Pacific Southwest. The sites are located across the largest elevation gradient in the Observatory, providing a unique opportunity to collect data from the foothills to the higher elevations. NEON sites in the Pacific Southwest Domain are managed from our Fresno, CA office.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The work involves walking, hiking, prolonged standing, bending, and kneeling. Heavy items, equipment and packs up to 40 pounds, must be lifted and carried on a routine basis. Field work includes exposure to extreme temperatures, inclement weather, rough and variable terrain, toxic plants (e.g., poison ivy, hogweed), stinging and biting insects, and wildlife hazards. Instrument maintenance involves performing work on instrument towers ranging in height from 24 feet to 240 feet, which includes ascending and descending multiple flights of stairs. Driving off-road in 4WD vehicles is required for most field sites.

Work Schedule and Travel

Work schedules are typically 8-10 hours per day but can occasionally be 12+ hours per day, including split shifts (off in the middle of the day), starting before dawn and/or ending after dusk, and weekends depending on the work assignment. The ratio of field to lab work is about 75% field and 25% office and lab duties. Frequent overnight travel (e.g., semi-monthly for 3-4 nights) is required.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain in-situ meteorological sensors, soil sensors, water quality sensors, data loggers, IRGAs and other gas analyzers used to measure CO2, water, and energy flux at NEON field sites.
• Monitor sensor health and status through various computer interface tools (i.e., PuTTY, specific sensor software, SAS, or other visual analytic tools).
• Maintain and use proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and safety equipment for working at heights in remote locations (5-point harnesses, ascenders, and self-retracting lifelines, etc.).
• Provide training, instruction, and technical guidance to seasonal field personnel.
• Perform additional field and lab procedures as assigned. This may include plant phenology, diversity, productivity, and biogeochemistry; stream channel morphology, aquatic organism abundance and diversity, biogeochemistry, seasonal climatic and hydrologic changes, and riparian phenology; abundance, diversity, and phenology of organisms including small mammals, ticks, mosquitoes, ground beetles, and soil microbes.
• Ensure work hazards are identified and mitigated and support a culture of safety.
• Follow all permitting requirements and assist with permit reporting and renewals.

Key Qualifications

• Associates degree in ecology, forestry, environmental sciences, or related scientific discipline AND One (1) year of related experience OR
• Two (2) or more years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience or four (4) years, which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above, may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.
• Previous NEON experience

Compensation Data

Pay rate: $22.91 - $24.29

This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience, and other relevant factors.

Benefits

• Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
• Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

Work Environment and Equal Opportunity

For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world. Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. 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.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.