NEON Field Ecologist I - Aquatic Instrumentation - WI

About the role

Battelle delivers research and development, manages national laboratories, designs and manufactures products, and provides critical services for clients ranging from multinational corporations to government agencies. Battelle manages and operates the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) program, funded solely by the National Science Foundation. NEON is a 30+ year project that collects comprehensive ecological data across 20 eco‑climatic domains to understand how climate change, land use, and invasive species affect ecology. The Observatory includes over 500 personnel and uses cutting‑edge technology such as an airborne observation platform, mobile/relocatable/fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors, and trained field crews.

We are seeking a Field Ecologist I – Aquatic Instrumentation. This is an onsite position located in Land O’ Lakes, WI, within the Great Lakes Domain (Domain 05). The role focuses on northern hardwood forests and lakes in northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, collecting data to understand how changing climate, invasive species, and land management practices (e.g., forestry) impact terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem diversity and biogeochemistry. NEON sites in this domain are managed from the Land O’ Lakes office at the University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center (UNDERC).

The work involves walking, hiking, prolonged standing, bending, and kneeling; lifting and carrying equipment up to 40 pounds routinely; exposure to extreme temperatures, inclement weather, rough terrain, stinging/biting insects, disease‑carrying ticks, toxic plants (e.g., poison ivy), and wildlife hazards. Instrument maintenance requires working on towers 66–123 feet high, including ascending/descending multiple flights of stairs. Driving off‑road in 4WD vehicles is required for most field sites.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain in‑situ meteorological sensors, radiation sensors, water quality sensors, and data loggers used to measure CO₂, water, and energy flux at NEON aquatic field sites.
• Monitor sensor health and status via computer interface tools (e.g., PuTTY, specific sensor software, SAS, or other visual analytic tools).
• Perform aquatic observational sampling including field and lab procedures for biological sampling of lakes: water chemistry measurements, aquatic plant sampling, invertebrate, zooplankton and fish sampling, and sediment sampling.
• Safely operate 4WD vehicles, UTVs, snowmobiles, watercrafts, and tow trailers.
• Provide training, instruction, and technical guidance to seasonal field personnel.
• Perform additional field and lab procedures as needed, such as data and sample collection for plant phenology, diversity, productivity, and biogeochemistry; abundance, diversity, and phenology of organisms including small mammals, ticks, mosquitoes, ground beetles, and soil microbes; climbing instrumented towers for sensor maintenance.
• Maintain and use proper PPE and safety equipment for working at heights in remote locations (5‑point harnesses, ascenders, self‑retracting lifelines, etc.).
• Identify and mitigate work hazards and support a culture of safety.
• Follow all permitting requirements and assist with permit reporting and renewals.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in ecology, forestry, environmental sciences, or a related scientific discipline AND one (1) year of related experience; OR two (2) or more years of related experience.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience (e.g., four years) that provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above.
• Previous NEON experience is a plus.

Benefits

Battelle offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to support your well‑being: paid time off for work‑life balance; medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives; optional supplemental benefits; coverage for partners, gender‑affirming care, health support, and family formation; industry‑leading 401(k) retirement savings plan with a 5 % company contribution plus matching; tuition assistance for higher education; and a work environment that encourages applying talent to meaningful projects, pursuing scientific discovery, partnering with world‑class experts, developing future leaders, and giving back to communities.

Pay

Pay rate: $19.50 – $21.50 per hour (anticipated base salary range; actual pay based on skills, experience, and other factors).

Schedule

Work schedules are typically 8‑10 hours per day, occasionally 12+ hours. Shifts may start before dawn and/or end after dusk; weekend work may be required occasionally. The ratio of field to lab work is about 60% field and 40% office/lab duties. Occasional overnight travel is required.