What are the responsibilities and job description for the Temporary Field Technician - NEON Program - Wisconsin position at Battelle?
Application Instructions: ONLY apply to the one (1) Temporary Field Technician (TFT) position and location you would consider as your first choice. During the application process, you will provide additional domains/locations you would be willing to work at if your first choice is not available. All TFT locations will be posted on the website by mid-January 2022. Locations are: D1- MA, D2-VA, D3- FL, D5- WI, D6- KS, D7- TN, D8- AL, D9- ND, D10/13- CO, D11- TX, D12- MT, D15- UT, D16- WA, D17- CA, D18/19- AK, D20- HI.
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a continental-scale observation facility funded by the National Science Foundation and operated by Battelle. The NEON program is designed to collect long-term, open access ecological data to better understand how U.S. ecosystems are changing, from freshwater systems such as streams, rivers, and lakes to terrestrial systems spanning tropical forests to deserts to tundra. The Observatory includes more than 500 personnel; we depend on our scientists to collect observational data and samples, to monitor automated instrumented systems that collect terrestrial and aquatic data, and to facilitate our airborne observation platform that captures remote sensing data of regional landscapes and vegetation.
We are currently seeking Temporary Field Technicians. These positions are located in Land O Lakes, WI.
TERM –
Start: April-May 2022
End: October 2022
JOB SUMMARY
Temporary Field Technicians perform seasonal and periodic sampling of physical, chemical and biological data at one (1)-five (5) field sites, while exercising good judgement and decision-making abilities to interpret protocol requirements. Temporary Field Technicians are assigned an area of primary responsibility within the scope of data collection: botany, entomology, mammalogy (except Puerto Rico and Hawaii), or limnology (except Hawaii).
Field observations and collection are conducted using approximately 30 different protocols and multiple Standard Operating Procedures with varying schedule requirements based on local ecosystem and current field conditions.
Individuals are responsible for their own housing and transportation to primary work location.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Performs field assignments in a variety of conditions (e.g., weather, terrain, diverse assigned biomes, etc.).
- Follows established, standardized field procedures for sample collection; records data from sample collection in handheld tablets, computers, etc.; and processes samples.
- Records activities and completed work according to Field Operations protocol.
- Follows safety and Field Operations policy and procedures.
- Reports issues with implementation of procedures and coordinates resolution with manager and technicians.
- Assists with routine administrative duties, special projects and other duties as assigned.
- Carries, moves and lifts field supplies (pack weighing up to 40 lbs.) to assigned field site (which involves diverse and uneven terrain).
REQUIRED: EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
- High School Diploma. Some post high school, specialized training or technical certificate may be required.
- Knowledge of best practices for accurate and repeatable field and laboratory measurements across multiple scientific disciplines. Complex and variable systems require judgment and independent decision-making abilities
- Technical skills using best practices in field and ability to identify aquatic or terrestrial flora and fauna to genus and species.
- Willingness and ability to learn and perform procedures and methods outside of the primary responsibility.
- 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.
- Ability and willingness 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 work on instrument towers ranging in height from 26 feet to 240 feet and at altitudes of up to 11,000 feet (depending on assigned Domain), involving the ability to ascend and descend multiple flights of stairs.
- 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.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
- High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong work ethic and enthusiasm.
- Previous NEON Project field experience will be highly considered
- Applicants must have authorization to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment Visa at this time.
- 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 excluded) as determined by Battelle’s insurance provider.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
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
$15.75 - $16.25 an hour
COVID-19 Vaccine
In compliance with President Biden’s Executive Order 14042 and the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force COVID-19 Workplace Safety: Guidance for Federal Contractors and Subcontractors, Battelle requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).
Battelle is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact recruiting@battelle.org.
BENEFITS
Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide 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 veteran or military 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.
