NEON Field Ecologist I - Mammalogy - CA

Battelle•Fresno, CA

20h•Onsite

About The Position

Battelle manages and operates the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) program, funded by the National Science Foundation. NEON is a 30+ year project dedicated to understanding the impact of climate change, land use, and invasive species on ecology. The observatory collects a wide range of ecological data across 20 eco-climatic domains in the US using advanced technology, including an airborne observation platform, automated ground sensors, and field crews collecting biological and environmental data. The observatory has over 500 personnel and is designed to detect and forecast ecological change at continental scales. This specific role is an onsite position located in Fresno, CA, focusing on data collection within the Pacific Southwest Domain (Domain 17), which spans a significant elevation gradient in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Requirements

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.
Ability to walk, hike, stand for prolonged periods, bend, and kneel.
Ability to lift and carry heavy items, equipment, and packs up to 40 pounds on a routine basis.
Willingness to work in environments with exposure to extreme temperatures, inclement weather, rough and variable terrain, toxic plants, stinging and biting insects, and wildlife hazards.
Ability to perform work on instrument towers ranging in height from 24 feet to 240 feet, including ascending and descending multiple flights of stairs.
Ability to drive off-road in 4WD vehicles.
Willingness to work schedules that can be 8-10 hours per day, occasionally 12+ hours per day, including split shifts, starting before dawn and/or ending after dusk, and weekends depending on the work assignment.
Willingness to travel frequently overnight (e.g., semi-monthly for 3-4 nights).

Nice To Haves

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.
Current work location at the Domain office.

Responsibilities

Plan, schedule, supervise, and perform data collection for abundance, diversity, and phenology of organisms including small mammals, ticks, mosquitoes, ground beetles, and soil microbes, following standardized field, lab, and shipping procedures.
Record data accurately and completely, perform data quality control checks, and resolve errors in collaboration with staff scientists.
Provide training, instruction, and technical guidance to seasonal field personnel.
Assist in performing additional field and lab procedures as assigned, which may include plant phenology, diversity, productivity, and biogeochemistry; river and lake morphology, aquatic organism abundance and diversity, biogeochemistry, seasonal climatic and hydrologic changes, and riparian phenology; operations and maintenance of in-situ meteorological sensors, soil sensors, water quality sensors, data loggers, IRGAs, and other gas analyzers used to measure CO2, water, and energy flux.
Support external research projects approved through the Assignable Asset program.
Ensure work hazards are identified and mitigated and support a culture of safety.
Follow all permitting requirements and assist with permit reporting and renewals.

Benefits

Paid time off
Medical coverage
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
Wellness incentives and benefits
Variety of optional supplemental benefits
Coverage for partners
Gender-affirming care and health support
Family formation support
Industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan (5 percent contribution regardless of employee contribution, plus matching)
Tuition assistance