NEON Instrumentation Calibration Technician - CO

Battelle•BOULDER, CO

2d•$47,100 - $63,600•Onsite

About The Position

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. This is an onsite position located in Boulder, CO. The Calibration Technician provides support to the Assembly, Repair and Calibration (ARC) laboratory fixtures and supporting test instrumentation. ARC consists a small team of technicians and scientists in instrumentation laboratory settings and provides specially assembled and calibrated sensors and standards to ensure quality of measurements for the NEON project. The primary duties will include maintaining and operating calibration fixtures with a focus on wet chemistry, assisting in the logistics of sensor calibrations for the observatory, ensuring the tracking of laboratory sensor flow, assisting in the assembly or repair of sensors and ensuring clean and quality environment for laboratory operations. Other duties may include providing support for the outdoor calibration laboratory, which involves sensor installation, sensor maintenance, site maintenance, and spiking, filling and assaying compressed gas cylinders; performing calibrations on sensors.

Requirements

High School Diploma
1 or more years of relevant experience
Ability to follow procedures with attention to detail and accuracy
Demonstrated strong organizational and multitasking skills
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Self-directed and motivated with the ability to work independently and in a team environment
Experience with Microsoft Office
Ability to do manual labor outdoors in the field under all types of weather conditions
Ability to lift 60 pounds

Responsibilities

Perform laboratory procedures with focus and attention to detail to ensure quality of measurements.
Assist in coordination of sensor flow for the storage, shipping and tracking of calibrated sensors.
Ability to analyze data from calibration to help troubleshoot hardware issues.
Maintain inventory and stock of regularly used materials and supplies.
Procurement of chemicals, services and equipment to support laboratories’ operations.
Assist with troubleshooting and repair of sensors, calibration fixtures and auxiliary equipment.
Perform fabrication of sensors and assemblies following documented procedures and drawings.
Assist in the improvement, development and maintenance of laboratory systems.
Assist with the outdoor metrology facility for maintenance and operations.
Perform manual labor including cleaning, moving of equipment, outdoor maintenance and other project specific assistance for laboratory operations.
Follow NEON laboratory and site-specific environmental protection and safety requirements, policy and procedures.
Provide updates to document procedures for the calibration fixtures, repair functions, assemblies and instrumentation.