NEON Field Ecologist I - Botanist - AL

About the Role

We are currently seeking a Field Ecologist I – Botany for an onsite role located in Tuscaloosa, AL. The Ozarks Complex (Domain 08) spans the southern U.S. from eastern Oklahoma and Texas to western Georgia, encompassing diverse ecosystems such as upland hardwood forests and coastal floodplains. NEON program field sites in Alabama provide insights into watershed dynamics in the southeastern U.S. and are managed from our Tuscaloosa, AL office.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Work involves walking, hiking, prolonged standing, bending, and kneeling.
• Routine lifting and carrying of heavy items, equipment, and packs up to 40 pounds.
• Field work includes exposure to extreme temperatures, inclement weather, rough and variable terrain, toxic plants (e.g., poison ivy, hogweed), stinging and biting insects, and wildlife hazards.
• Instrument maintenance on towers ranging from 24 feet to 150 feet, including ascending and descending multiple flights of stairs.
• Driving off-road in 4WD vehicles is required for most field sites.

Schedule

• Work schedules are typically 8-10 hours per day but can occasionally extend to 12+ hours, including split shifts, early mornings, late evenings, and weekends depending on the assignment.
• Approximately 75% field work and 25% office and lab duties.
• Frequent overnight travel (e.g., semi-monthly for 3-4 nights) is required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, supervise, and perform plant phenology, diversity, productivity, and biogeochemistry data collection following established, standardized field, lab, and shipping procedures.
• 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.
• Ensure work hazards are identified and mitigated 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 related scientific discipline AND one (1) year of related experience.
• OR two (2) or more years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field.
• OR an equivalent combination of education and experience totaling four (4) years, providing proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above.
• Previous NEON experience.

Pay

Pay rate: $21.45 - $22.56 per hour. This range reflects the anticipated base salary based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary by location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience, and other relevant factors.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: Paid time off to support work-life balance.
• Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and optional supplemental benefits.
• Family and Partner Coverage: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care, health support, and family formation assistance.
• Retirement: Industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan with a 5% employer contribution for most employees, regardless of personal contribution, plus matching contributions.
• Education: Tuition assistance for pursuing higher education.
• Work Environment: Opportunities to work on challenging and meaningful projects, collaborate with world-class experts, pursue scientific and technological discovery, nurture the next generation of scientific leaders, and give back to communities.