NEON Field Ecologist I - Botanist - AL
About The Position
Battelle is seeking an onsite Field Ecologist I – Botany for its National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) program, based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. NEON collects ecological data across the United States to help understand how climate, land use, and invasive species affect ecosystems. The Ozarks Complex (Domain 08) spans varied ecosystems, and NEON field sites in Alabama provide data on watershed dynamics in the southeastern United States. The role plans and performs standardized botanical and ecological data collection, including plant phenology, diversity, productivity, and biogeochemistry. Work is approximately 75% field work and 25% office and laboratory duties. The position requires frequent overnight travel and work in demanding outdoor conditions, including variable weather and terrain. Work schedules may involve long days, split shifts, early starts, late finishes, and weekends depending on the assignment.
Requirements
- Associate degree in ecology, forestry, environmental sciences, or a related scientific discipline and one year of related experience; or two or more years of related experience.
- Ability to routinely lift and carry items, equipment, and packs weighing up to 40 pounds.
- Ability to perform field work involving walking, hiking, prolonged standing, bending, and kneeling.
- Ability to work outdoors in extreme temperatures, inclement weather, rough terrain, and exposure to toxic plants, insects, and wildlife hazards.
- Ability to ascend and descend multiple flights of stairs on instrument towers ranging from 24 to 150 feet.
- Ability to drive off-road in 4WD vehicles.
- Ability to work schedules that may extend to 12 or more hours, include split shifts or work before dawn or after dusk, and include weekends depending on the assignment.
- Ability to undertake frequent overnight travel, such as three to four nights approximately twice a month.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience, or four years of experience, providing proficiency in the areas of responsibility may substitute for the stated education and experience requirements.
- Previous NEON experience.
Responsibilities
- Plan, schedule, supervise, and perform plant phenology, diversity, productivity, and biogeochemistry data collection in accordance with established field, laboratory, 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.
- Identify and mitigate work hazards and support a culture of safety.
- Follow permitting requirements and assist with permit reporting and renewals.
Benefits
- Paid time off.
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellness incentives and benefits, and optional supplemental benefits.
- Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
- 401(k) retirement savings plan; for most employees, Battelle contributes 5% regardless of employee contributions and matches employee contributions.
- Tuition assistance for higher education.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
