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We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Company Overview
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.
We are currently seeking a Field Ecologist II – NEON Program – Limnology – D18/19 - Alaska. This position is in Fairbanks, AK.
Field Ecologist II - The Field Ecologist II is a biological sampling lead performing seasonal and periodic sampling activities and sample processing and will be the technical lead for performing routine maintenance and inventory management on all sampling equipment. The Field Ecologist II will provide guidance to temporary field crews while working in the field and laboratory.
A strong consideration will be applied to those applicants who are currently located in the domain. For those outside of the domain, limnology experience will be strongly preferred.
The domain office is based in Fairbanks.
Domain 18 (Tundra sites):
Toolik Field Station:
Located on the North Slope of Alaska, in the foothills of the Brooks Range, above the Arctic Circle (68° 38' N, 149° 36'W), about an 8-hour drive north of Fairbanks, and about 3 hours south of Prudhoe Bay. The vegetation is predominantly characterized by wet and dry tussock tundra, which can make for difficulties walking to access research plots. Mosquitoes are abundant between June and August. Weather can also be unpredictable; precipitation in the form of rain or snow can occur any time of year. The average temperature in January is -4°F. All provisions are provided by the field station.
Utqiagvik (Formally known as Barrow):
Located at the northern tip of Alaska on the Arctic Ocean, Utqiagvik is a town of about 5000 inhabitants. The majority of residents are Alaskan Natives (Inupiat), and the town can only be accessed by plane from Fairbanks. The coastal plain tundra surrounding Utqiagvik is very wet; hip waders and rubber boots are essential for fieldwork. Utqiagvik is well known for its diversity and abundance of shorebirds and other migratory fowl, including endangered species such as the Steller’s Eiders. Polar bears can also be seen; however, encounters with bears are rare. Summer days are overcast despite the 24-hour daylight, and average summer temperatures are in the mid-40s. The average temperature in January is -20°F. Mosquitoes are not as prevalent near the coast because of the wind. The town has few amenities. Researcher housing will be shared, and lab space is reserved in the Barrow Arctic Research Center (BARC).
Domain 19 (Taiga Sites):
Healy:
The Healy site is located about 2 hours southwest of Fairbanks, north of Denali National Park. There are few amenities in town; most provisions are procured in Fairbanks prior to departure. The NEON field house and research site are located along Stampede Road, in upland Tundra in the foothills of the Alaska Mountain Range. Mosquitoes are abundant between June and early August and constitute the main challenge to living and working in and around Healy. Weather can also be unpredictable; precipitation in the form of rain or snow can occur any time of year, and average summer temperatures can vary from the 30s to mid-70s, while the average temperature in January is -7°F. Daytrips and/or overnight trips are common depending on the weekly workload.
Delta Junction:
Located 2 hours southeast of Fairbanks, Delta Junction is a small town with few amenities. This site is located in flatland boreal habitat, near the eastern portion of the Alaska Mountain Range. Mosquitoes are abundant between June and early August and constitute the main challenge to living and working in and around Delta Junction. Weather can also be unpredictable; precipitation in the form of rain or snow can occur any time of year, and average summer temperatures can vary from the 30s to mid-70s, while the average temperature in January is -9°F. There are few amenities in town. Daytrips and/or overnight trips are common depending on the weekly workload.
Caribou Creek:
Located 30 miles northeast of Fairbanks, this site is within the UAF-managed Experimental Research Forest. The site is located within rolling boreal forest. There is no field housing provided at this site; all work is conducted via daytrips from Fairbanks. Mosquitoes are abundant between June and early August and constitute the main challenge to working at Caribou Creek. Weather can also be unpredictable; precipitation in the form of rain or snow can occur any time of year, and average summer temperatures can vary from the 30s to mid-70s, while the average temperature in January is -15°F.
This position supports sites in the Tundra and Taiga Domains. Sites are located near Delta Junction, Healy, Caribou-Poker Creeks Experimental Watershed, Healy and at Toolik Field Station.
General duties include:
Field activities may include:
Physical demands:
The work is physical and involves walking, hiking, prolonged standing, walking and bending. Heavy items (e.g. equipment and packs up to 40 pounds) must be lifted and carried on a routine basis.
Work environment:
Fieldwork includes exposure to extreme weather conditions and terrain, pesticides, poisonous plants, biting insects, and wild animals. Tower work involves performing work on instrument towers ranging in height from 24 feet to 300 feet, which will include ascending and descending multiple flights of stairs.
Equivalent education and experience may be considered.
The NEON Project will take into consideration qualifications for specific and diverse experience in the following areas:
Leadership:
Skills:
Working conditions:
Applicants must have authorization to work in the United States.
Employment is contingent on background screen, drug screen, motor vehicle records check and physical.
Must possess a current and valid State issued driver’s license with insurable Department of Motor vehicle record (parking violations, minor driving offenses excluded) as determined by Battelle’s insurance provider.
The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.
Pay rate: $21.00 - $24.00 an hour
This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience and other relevant factors.
BENEFITS
Battelle’s competitive benefits program includes comprehensive medical and dental care, matching 401K, paid time off, flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, and other benefits that help provide financial protection for you and your family.
Battelle provides employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.
For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers
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