NEON Field Ecologist - Instrumentation - CA

About the role

The Field Ecologist I – Instrumentation position is an onsite role located in Fresno, CA. The position is part of the NEON program, managed by Battelle, which collects ecological data across the United States.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain in-situ meteorological sensors, soil sensors, water quality sensors, data loggers, IRGAs and other gas analyzers used to measure CO2, water, and energy flux at NEON field sites.
• Maintain and use proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and safety equipment for working at heights in remote locations (5-point harnesses, ascenders, and self-retracting lifelines, etc.).
• Provide training, instruction, and technical guidance to seasonal field personnel.
• Perform additional field and lab procedures as assigned. This may include plant phenology, diversity, productivity, and biogeochemistry; stream channel morphology, aquatic organism abundance and diversity, biogeochemistry, seasonal climatic and hydrologic changes, and riparian phenology; abundance, diversity, and phenology of organisms including small mammals, ticks, mosquitoes, ground beetles, and soil microbes.
• 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

• Associates 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
• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field OR An equivalent combination of education and experience or four (4) years, which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above, may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.
• Previous NEON experience

Benefits

We offer comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life. These include:

• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits
• Gender-affirming care and health support
• Family formation support
• Tuition assistance for higher education
• Industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan

Pay

The pay rate for this position is $22.91 - $24.29 per hour. Individual pay is based on skills, experience, and other relevant factors.

Schedule

The work schedule is typically 8-10 hours per day but can occasionally be 12+ hours per day, including split shifts (off in the middle of the day), starting before dawn and/or ending after dusk, and weekends depending on the work assignment. The ratio of field to lab work is about 75% field and 25% office and lab duties. Frequent overnight travel (e.g., semi-monthly for 3-4 nights) is required.