Field Operations Manager Dallas-Fort Worth, TX - Domain 11
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 NEON Field Operations Manager is
responsible for managing all personnel and
activities coordinated from the assigned field
office. Field office activities include (1)
preventative and corrective maintenance of
scientific instrumentation, field infrastructure
and equipment, office and laboratory equipment,
(2) field observations, (3) specimen collection,
handling, preparation and shipment according to
NEON scientific protocols. Personnel management
includes (1) selecting, (2) training, (3)
scheduling, and (4) performance management for
5-10 regular full-time field technicians and
20-30 seasonal field technicians according to
NEON, Inc. Policies and Procedures. Must have
permanent authorization for US employment.
Location: The Domain 11 Field Operations
Managers primary work location is northwest of
Dallas-Fort Worth, TX. This position supports
sites in the Southern Plains Domain. Southern
Plains sites are located at Caddo-LBJ National
Grasslands, the Marvin Klemme Range Research
Station near Clinton, OK, and a third site in
Texas. The Southern Plains Domain includes Texas,
Oklahoma and south-central Kansas.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Supervise all regular and seasonal field
personnel supporting field office, lab and collection sites.
Perform and oversee the recruitment and
training of regular and seasonal field personnel.
Ensure that safety policies, procedures, and
practices are followed within their area of
authority. Reinforce positive attitudes toward
safety and sets the example for staff by enabling
compliance with safety requirements.
Coordinate logistics and schedules, within NEON
scientific parameters, for all maintenance, repair and field activities.
Perform and oversee maintenance, repair and
field activities according to NEON scientific protocols.
Administer the operation of the office and
laboratory. Oversees maintenance of office and
lab areas including lab equipment and coordinates
necessary repair or replacement.
Act as liaison between regional stakeholders,
including educational and research organizations,
local property owners and the general public and NEON, Inc.
Communicate NEON status and activities, local
activities and partnerships, and regional issues
and concerns to appropriate regional stakeholders
and NEON staff. Work with regional stakeholders to resolve issues or concerns.
Prepare annual operating budget for assigned
office, lab and collection sites in collaboration
with the Director of Field Operations. Ensure
NEON funds are used appropriately and within budget.
Record activities and completed work according to Field Operations protocol.
Perform field assignments in a variety of
conditions (e.g., weather, terrain, diverse assigned biomes).
May carry, move and lift field supplies (pack
weighing up to 40 lbs.) to assigned field site (diverse and uneven terrain).
Follow and ensure all NEON, Inc. policy and
procedure including administrative, safety, and
financial requirements for field station operations are followed.
Required Education, Experience, Knowledge,
Skills: Bachelors Degree biology, ecology,
environmental science or related field.
Equivalent education and work experience may be considered
. Three (3) or more years experience
supervising at least 5 personnel including
hiring, evaluating performance, implementing
performance improvement plans and terminating employees.
Three (3) or more years experience in
management including budgeting, monthly status reporting
Three (3) or more years experience developing
complex work or task schedules (e.g. 24x7
operations with full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff).
Previous experience performing ecology related
lab and field activities and/or maintaining
scientific instrumentation (e.g. meteorological
and aquatic sensors). Previous experience
communicating with external stakeholders such as
customers, funding agencies, regulatory agencies, etc.
Ability to organize and execute multiple activities and priorities.
Effective problem solving skills and the
ability to determine and act on changing
priorities in a fast paced dynamic environment.
Effective leadership skills and the ability to motivate others.
Displays good judgment in ensuring safety and operational standards are met.
Ability and willingness to adopt new technologies as needed.
Ability to travel frequently within assigned domain.
Depending on assignment, current and valid
State issued drivers license with insurable
Department of Motor Vehicle record (parking
violations, minor driving offenses excluded) as
determined by NEONs insurance provider.
Willingness to work in variable weather
conditions, at remote locations, on difficult or hazardous terrain.
Ability to ascend and descend multiple flights
of stairs on instrument towers.
Willingness to work on towers ranging in height
from 24 feet to 300 feet and at altitudes of up
to 11,000 feet (depending on assigned Domain).
Ability to withstand exposure to fumes, dust,
and noise. Preferred Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills:
Graduate study in biology, ecology, environmental science or related field.
Previous experience managing a technical field operations services group.
Previous experience leading or participating in
outdoor activities in remote areas.
Familiarity with federal and state employment and safety regulations.
NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons
are encouraged to apply. - See more at:
<http://www.neoninc.org/jobs/FOPSManagerD11#sthash.n0vT0tJj.dpuf>http://www.neoninc.org/jobs/FOPSManagerD11#sthash.n0vT0tJj.dpuf
Bridget A. Sorget
Sr. Technical Recruiter
NEON, Inc.
(National Ecological Observatory Network)
1685 38th Street, Suite 100
Boulder CO 80302
<http://www.neoninc.org>www.neoninc.org
Phone: 720.330.1570
Cell: 720.839.5016
