Application link at
<http://www.neoninc.org/jobs/SrStaffSciEcologist>http://www.neoninc.org/jobs/SrStaffSciEcologist
Sr Staff Scientist - Ecologist
Overview
The National Ecological Observatory Network
(NEON) is a $430 million dollar observatory
project dedicated to understanding how changes in
climate, land use and invasive species impact
ecology. For the next three decades NEON will
collect a comprehensive range of ecological data
on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic
domains representing US ecosystems. NEON will use
cutting edge technology including an airborne
observation platform that will capture images of
regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile,
re-locatable, and fixed data collection sites
with automated ground sensors to monitor soil and
atmosphere; and trained field crews who will
observe and sample populations of diverse
organisms and collect soil and water data. A
leading edge cyber-infrastructure will calibrate,
store and publish this information. The
Observatory will grow to 300+ personnel and will
be the first of its kind designed to detect and
enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.
Summary:
Working under the general direction of the
Project Scientist and in collaboration with
several science team leaders, the incumbent
serves as a scientific and technical resource
within the Project Science Office to support
active engagement between the Observatory and the
broader science community and promote scientific
advancements in continental-scale ecology
relevant to the observatory mission. Areas of
work cut across NEON science teams and require
proactive coordination and collaboration across
these teams as well as Education and Public Outreach and External Affairs.
Term:
Term position ending September 30, 2017
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Specific duties and responsibilities in
supporting the Project Science Office include but
are not limited to the following:
Work with NEONs Science teams and the external
user community to promote the use and scientific
impact of NEON data, data products and
infrastructure assets e.g., via science
symposia, workshops, technical working group
meetings and formation of external science teams.
Further develop and refine plans and policies
regarding access to and use of NEON
infrastructure assets e.g., instrumented
towers, airborne platforms and mobile deployment
platforms -- that are available to the community
for PI driven research activities.
Assist in developing strategies and protocols
for integrating new and emerging methods and
technologies into observatory operations.
Further develop and refine policies and
procedures designed to promote and manage
research coordination and collaboration at NEON
sites, locally, regionally and nationally.
Support development and implementation of plans
for verification and validation of the scientific
output of the Observatory i.e., science validation and commissioning.
Organize technical working groups (internally
and externally) to address a variety of
cross-cutting science issues (e.g., scaling and
statistical issues, modeling and forecasting, quality assurance planning).
Work with NEONs Science and Permitting teams in
resolving NEON site selection issues.
Develop and deliver seminars (by self and staff)
at a variety of universities, field stations and
other venues as appropriate; represent NEON on
matters of science in these venues in full
coordination with science team leads.
Create and make presentations at professional meetings, and reports.
Travel to meetings and or national conferences.
Follow NEON policy and procedures.
Required Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills:
PhD in Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources or related field.
Six (6) or more years experience in ecological
research, natural resources management or related field.
Demonstrated expert-level communication skills
to ensure candidate will effectively explain
Observatory mission requirements, present
solutions to internal issues, and influence
management or external sponsors in areas of expertise relevant to NEON.
Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the
ability to interact effectively with a wide range
of scientific, technical, and management staff,
students, stakeholders, educators and the public.
Solid analytical and creative problem solving
skills demonstrated ability to successfully
apply experience and judgment to both short- and long-term challenges.
Ability to work independently and as part of an active science team.
Scientific writing and review skills as proven
by a strong publication record and record of
review of peer reviewed publications in a science
field. Editorial experience a plus.
Preferred Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills:
Ten (10) or more years experience in ecological
research, natural resources management or related field.
Broadly trained in field-based ecology and related sciences relevant to NEON.
Experience addressing science questions at broad
geographic scales; preferably at the regional to continental scale.
Experience with statistical and modeling experience in large scale ecology.
History of active engagement with the ecological
and natural resources management communities.
Experience in developing and communicating science policy and plans.
Familiarity with development and commissioning
of large-scale science projects with distributed sites and management.
Experience in implementing or managing inventory and monitoring programs.
History of good communication experience among
multiple partners -- academic, government, nonprofit and private.
Knowledge of field-based biology protocols and best practices.
Direct experience working with field crews and field stations.
Experience working in a collaborative scientific enterprise or project.
Ability to coach, mentor and counsel junior
scientists with a wide range of experience, skills and interests.
Self-starter, who can create new opportunities,
use novel methods, analyses and approaches to
enable continental-scale research.
NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
