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: The Aquatic Technician I supports the Aquatic Team in their effort to develop the Aquatic Program and STREON experiment. The Aquatic Technician will assist the Aquatic Team by performing a variety of tasks and will bring to the team a broad range of skills and experiences-as described in the essential functions. The Aquatic team is involved in several science areas including: freshwater (surface and groundwater) and sediment chemistry; stream reaeration, algae and aquatic plants, invertebrates, and fish; stream morphology and lake bathymetry; stream discharge; and the STREON experiment.
The role of this Aquatic Technician involves developing training materials, including videos and illustrations, in support of the Aquatic Team’s training program for Operations of the Observatory. The Aquatic Technician may also be responsible for assisting with experiments and drafting STREON and Aquatic technical reports. This position reports to the Assistant Director of Aquatic Sciences. Term: This position will be a 2 year term assignment. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Creates videos, illustrations, and assists with manuals that will be included in the Operation level training program. • Performs GIS analyses of lake bathymetric and stream morphometric maps. • Submits purchase requests for Aquatic equipment and materials. • Organizes and tracks equipment and materials. • Assists with testing of STREON experiment components. • Drafts and edits STREON and Aquatic technical reports. • Coordinates and compiles disparate data and information to facilitate analyses. • Limited travel to local domain sites to assist with fieldwork and to aid in the development of training materials. Tasks will require working on uneven terrain in the field (e.g., dirt banks, stream beds, shallow ponds) carrying equipment and materials weighing up to 40 lbs. • Participates in the larger NEON science community. • May be exposed to a variety of weather and field conditions. • Follow NEON safety requirements, policy and procedures. Required Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills: • Bachelor’s degree in Aquatic Ecology, Environmental Engineering, or related field. • Basic understanding of the sciences in the NEON Aquatic program. • Academic or work experience must include hands-on experience in a field setting, performing activities pertinent to the NEON Aquatic program. • Previous experience working with scientists in a science-based endeavor. • Previous field experience in aquatic sciences related to NEON; as part of education program or work experience • Experience and ability to write, review and edit technical documents. • High level of attention to detail. • Self-directed and goal-oriented work style. • Experience creating illustrations; and working with photo/videography software. • Experience with university library and literature research, including experience using Web of Science. • Ability to independently gather information from online data portals owned by federal and state agencies, NGOs and other science organizations. • Previous experience with data management software (e.g. Excel, Access, Oracle). • Effective verbal and written communication; and interpersonal skills. • Ability to multi-task, and prioritize competing tasks, and complete assigned tasks within specified timeframes. Preferred Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills: • Experience working with NEON GIS to digitize and organize historical maps, images, and aerial photos of sites. • Previous experience working with engineers and scientists. • Aptitude for illustration, photography, and videography. APPLY: http://www.neoninc.org/jobs/AquaticTechnicianI-2YearTerm NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
