NEON Field Ecologist I - General - PR
About The Position
Battelle is seeking a Field Ecologist I to support the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) in Guánica, Puerto Rico. NEON is a National Science Foundation-funded, long-term ecological research program collecting data across the United States to understand and forecast how climate, land use, and invasive species affect ecosystems. The role is onsite and supports NEON sites in the Atlantic Neotropical Domain. Work is approximately 75% field work and 25% office and laboratory duties, with occasional travel to other Domain locations, typically one to two times per year. The Field Ecologist plans, schedules, supervises, and performs standardized field sampling and laboratory procedures; maintains ecological sensors and instrumentation; records and checks data; and provides guidance to seasonal field personnel. Field assignments may involve sampling organisms, plants, rivers and lakes, soils, and water, as well as maintaining meteorological and other environmental monitoring equipment. Schedules are typically 8–10 hours per day, but may occasionally exceed 12 hours and include split shifts, work before dawn or after dusk, and weekends, depending on the assignment. The work requires routine hiking and walking over rough, variable terrain, lifting and carrying equipment and packs up to 40 pounds, and working in heat, inclement weather, and proximity to potentially hazardous plants, insects, and wildlife. Instrument maintenance includes climbing instrument towers 24 to 100 feet high via multiple flights of stairs. Driving off-road in four-wheel-drive vehicles is required for most field sites.
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 perform field work involving walking, hiking, prolonged standing, bending, and kneeling.
- Ability to routinely lift and carry heavy items, equipment, and packs weighing up to 40 pounds.
- Ability to work in high temperatures, inclement weather, rough and variable terrain, and areas with potentially hazardous plants, insects, and wildlife.
- Ability to perform instrument maintenance on towers from 24 to 100 feet high, ascending and descending multiple flights of stairs.
- Ability to drive off-road in four-wheel-drive vehicles.
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, demonstrating proficiency in the listed areas of responsibility.
- Previous NEON experience.
Responsibilities
- Plan, schedule, supervise, and perform field sampling according to established standardized field, laboratory, and shipping procedures.
- Collect data on organism abundance, diversity, and phenology, including small mammals, ticks, mosquitoes, ground beetles, and soil microbes.
- Collect data on plant phenology, diversity, productivity, and biogeochemistry.
- Collect data on river and lake morphology, aquatic organism abundance and diversity, biogeochemistry, seasonal climatic and hydrologic changes, and riparian phenology.
- Operate and maintain in-situ meteorological, soil, and water-quality sensors; data loggers; IRGAs; and other gas analyzers used to measure carbon dioxide, water, and energy flux.
- Assist with additional field and laboratory procedures as assigned.
- Record data accurately and completely, perform data quality-control checks, and resolve errors in collaboration with staff scientists.
- Train, instruct, and provide 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 with wellness incentives and benefits.
- Optional supplemental benefits.
- Coverage and health support for partners, gender-affirming care, and family formation.
- 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
