Senior Field Ecologist

Senior Field Ecologist – Mammalogy, Entomology, and/or Soils.

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.

Job Summary

We are currently seeking a Senior Field Ecologist – Mammalogy, Entomology, and/or Soils. The position is in Land O Lakes, WI.

The Senior Field Ecologist is a biological sampling lead performing seasonal and periodic sampling activities and sample processing related to terrestrial ecology and will be the technical lead for implementation of NEON protocols related to small mammals, beetles, ticks, mosquitoes, and/or soils. The Senior Field Ecologist will bear responsibility for training, guiding, and supervising temporary field staff in the implementation of NEON protocols. Additionally, the Senior Field Ecologist will assist the Field Operations Manager with management of the Domain, such as hiring, training, and scheduling seasonal field staff, and acting as manager in the absence of the Field Operations Manager.

Strong consideration will be given to internal applicants whose current work location is at the Domain office. Mammalogy, entomology, and/or soils experience will be strongly preferred for those outside of the Domain.

Location
In the Land O’ Lakes, WI location, we collect data on northern hardwood forests and lakes in both managed and minimally managed landscapes of northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The data will help researchers understand how changing climate, invasive species, and land management practices, such as forestry, will impact the diversity and biogeochemistry of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the Great Lakes region. NEON sites in the Great Lakes Domain are managed from our Land O’ Lakes, WI office at UNDERC (University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center). 

Major Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, supervise and perform sampling and data collection following established, standardized field, lab, and shipping procedures related to NEON sampling, especially with regard to small mammals, ticks, mosquitoes, beetles, and/or soils.
• Help lead or co-lead the implementation of other NEON protocols as determined by the manager, possibly including surveys of coarse down wood, belowground biomass, and leaf litter.
• Record data accurately and completely; perform data Q/C checks and resolve errors in collaboration with staff scientists.
• Provide training, instruction, and technical guidance to seasonal field personnel.
• Support external research projects that have been approved through the NEON Research Support Services 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.

General Responsibilities

• Report activities, completed work, and issues/incidents according to NEON protocols.
• Assist with materials planning, inventory management and ordering.
• Inspect, maintain and operate field, safety, and laboratory equipment, e.g., Wiley Mill, drying oven, analytical balance, centrifugal mill, pH meter, microscope, and muffle furnace.
• Participate in public outreach events and engagements, e.g., site tours, career fairs, community science workshops and conferences.
• Assist with recruiting of seasonal field personnel.
• Provide support to Domain operations in assigned roles. Roles may include:
  • Chemical Hygiene Officer
  • Safety Officer
  • Fleet Manager
  • IT Domain-NEON HQ Liaison
  • Training Domain-NEON HQ Liaison
  • Outreach Domain-NEON HQ Liaison
• Lead and participate in special projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Qualifications

• Minimum: Associates degree in ecology, forestry, environmental sciences, or related scientific discipline AND four (4) years of related experience. OR Five (5) or more years of related experience
• Willingness to perform maintenance and field sampling outdoors in sparsely populated, remote locations, with distances ranging from 1/2 hour to 6 hours from the Domain office. Overnight travel, hiking off trail, and wading in water are typical in most locations.
• Willingness and ability to work varied field operations schedules (up to 12+ hours per day), including split-shift, part-time, pre-dawn early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
• Ability to hike off trail, long distances, on uneven terrain, at remote locations, in all types of weather, carrying packs weighing up to 40lbs. Ability to walk, hike, stand, bend, and kneel for prolonged periods.
• Willingness and ability to learn and perform procedures and methods outside of the primary responsibility.
• Ability to withstand exposure to fumes, dust, and noise. Field work may require frequent exposure to toxicodendrons (e.g., poison ivy and poison oak), ticks, biting insects and other natural hazards.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

Equivalent education and experience may be considered. Previous NEON program field experience will be highly considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field AND two (2) year of related experience.

OR  

• an equivalent combination of education and experience of six (6) years, which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above, may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.