Field Technician II- Domain 1-Fitchburg, MA Overview The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a $430 million dollar observatory project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology. For the next three decades NEON will collect a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems. NEON will use cutting edge technology including an airborne observation platform that will capture images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, re-locatable, and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who will observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data. A leading edge cyber-infrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this information. The Observatory will grow to 300+ personnel and will be the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales. Summary: The Field Technician II will perform a variety of technical and scientific tasks. The Field Technician II is the technical lead performing routine maintenance, field calibration, and repair of scientific instruments and associated infrastructure. After initial instrument installation, the Field Technician II will have primary responsibility for instruments and infrastructure at tower/aquatic sites. The Field Technician II will also assist with seasonal and/or periodic sampling activities. Seasonal field sampling is conducted with the assistance of temporary field crews. The Field Technician will provide guidance to temporary field crews and perform field and laboratory activities as assigned by the Manager Field Operations. This position reports to the Manager Field Operations. Must have permanent authorization for US employment. Location: Fitchburg, MA Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Operations duties -Perform routine inspection, calibration, maintenance and repair of atmospheric and aquatic sensors on towers, soil arrays, lakes, streams and groundwater wells. -Perform basic testing, troubleshooting and operation of instruments and calibration equipment. -Perform routine maintenance to assure quality of data acquisition and equipment connectivity. -Perform inspection and routine maintenance of site infrastructure, including boom arms, sensor mounts, towers, boardwalks, and instrument huts. -Perform inspection and maintenance of laboratory and field equipment. -Follow established, standardized field procedures for periodic collection, handling, processing, verifying accuracy of, and shipping of field samples including dust, soil, and water samples. -Operate laboratory equipment including Wiley Mill, drying oven, analytical balance, centrifugal mill, and ultra-low freezer. -Assist the Field Operations Manager with materials planning and ordering Seasonal duties -Assist the Field Operations Manager with recruiting and training of seasonal field personnel. -Provide technical guidance to seasonal field personnel. -Assist with plot establishment by locating plots with GPS navigation system, measuring and marking plots, and placing and setting traps. -Assist the Field Operations Manager with field activity audits. -Follow established, standardized field procedures for sample collection; record and verify accuracy of data from sample collection; process samples in the domain lab; and send samples to external analytical labs. -Field sampling activities include the following observation and specimen collection activities: -Small mammal abundance -Small mammal-borne disease (i.e. Hantavirus) -Breeding bird population counts -Ground beetle abundance and diversity -Mosquito phenology, diversity, and disease (i.e. West Nile Virus) -Plant phenology observations -Soil and water sample collection for microbial diversity and biogeochemical analysis -Terrestrial and aquatic vegetation diversity and primary productivity measurements -Aquatic invertebrate and fish diversity and abundance -Stream morphology mapping -Record activities and completed work according to Field Operations protocol. -Perform field assignments in a variety of conditions (e.g., weather, terrain, diverse assigned biomes). -Carry, move and lift field supplies (pack weighing up to 40 lbs.) to assigned field site (diverse and uneven terrain). -Follow NEON safety and Field Operations policy and procedures. Required Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills: -Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences or related scientific discipline. Equivalent education and experience may be considered. -Two (2) or more years’ experience maintaining scientific instruments (e.g. aquatic, meteorological or atmospheric sensors). -Two (2) or more years’ experience performing scientific data entry and data management. -see others at: PLEASE APPLY AT: WWW.NEONINC.ORG NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. Bridget A. Sorget Sr. Technical Recruiter NEON, Inc. (National Ecological Observatory Network) 1685 38th Street, Suite 100 Boulder CO 80302 neoninc.org Phone: 720.330.1570 Cell: 720.839.5016
Posted on: Fri, 16 Aug 2013 03:03:51 +0000
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