NEON Field Ecologist - Limnology - CO

Battelle Memorial Institute; Colorado; On-site; USD 48,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Battelle Memorial Institute is seeking a Field Ecologist I - Limnology in the Boulder, CO area to conduct field data collection on streams and lakes, operate sensors, and support data quality control.

The role involves extended fieldwork, safety protocols, and collaboration with scientists across NEON projects in a dynamic, remote-friendly program. Onsite work in Boulder, CO is expected.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in ecology, forestry, environmental sciences, or related field.
• One year of related experience OR two or more years of related experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, supervise and perform stream morphology, aquatic organism abundance and diversity data collection.
• Operate and maintain in-situ water quality sensors and monitor sensor health.
• Record data accurately and perform data QA/QC checks with staff scientists.
• Provide training and guidance to seasonal field personnel.

Skills

Fieldwork

Data collection

Sensor operation

Education

Associates degree in ecology/related

Tools

PuTTY

Sensor software

SAS

Job description

Battelle delivers when others cant. 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

The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a continental-scale observation facility funded by the National Science Foundation and operated by Battelle. The NEON program is designed to collect long-term, open access ecological data to better understand how U.S. ecosystems are changing, from freshwater systems such as streams, rivers, and lakes to terrestrial systems spanning tropical forests to deserts to tundra (neonscience.org). We depend on our people to collect observational data and samples, to monitor automated instrumented systems that collect terrestrial and aquatic data, and to operate our airborne observation platform that captures remote sensing data of regional landscapes and vegetation.

Job Summary

We are currently seeking Field Ecologist I - Limnology. This position is an onsite role located in Boulder, CO.

The Southern Rockies field sites offer some of the most stunning views in the observatory. Just to the east in the Central Plains, youll find a land of windswept prairies, cattle ranches, and enormous fields of wheat, corn, sorghum, hay, and alfalfa. NEON sites in the Southern Rockies and Central Plains are managed by our Boulder, CO 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 (heat and cold), inclement weather, rough and variable terrain including high altitude (>5000ft), toxic plants (e.g., poison ivy), stinging and biting insects, and wildlife hazards. Instrument maintenance involves performing work on instrument towers ranging in height from 24 feet to 80 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 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., 2-4x per month for 1-3 nights) is required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, supervise and perform stream channel morphology, aquatic organism abundance and diversity, biogeochemistry, seasonal climatic and hydrologic changes, and riparian phenology data collection following established, standardized field, lab, and shipping procedures.
• Operate and maintain in-situ water quality sensors. Monitor sensor health and status through various computer interface tools (i.e., PuTTY, specific sensor software, SAS, or other visual analytic tools).
• Record data accurately and completely; perform data Q/C checks and resolve errors in collaboration with staff scientists.
• Provide training, instruction, and technical guidance to seasonal field personnel.
• Support NEON Research Support Services projects as assigned.
• Perform additional field and lab procedures as assigned. This may include plant phenology, diversity, productivity, and biogeochemistry; abundance, diversity, and phenology of organisms including small mammals, ticks, mosquitoes, ground beetles, and soil microbes; operations and maintenance of in-situ meteorological sensors, soil sensors, data loggers, IRGAs and other gas analyzers used to measure CO2, and energy flux.
• 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

• Bachelors 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, experi