Temporary Field Technician – NEON Project – D20 - Hawaii

Job Summary

We are currently seeking a Temporary Field Technician. This position is in Hilo, HI. 

Field Technicians perform seasonal and periodic sampling of physical, chemical, and biological data at one field site, while exercising good judgement and decision-making abilities to interpret protocol requirements. Field Technicians are assigned responsibilities within the scope of data collection: botany, soils, entomology, or instrumentation.

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 field conditions.

Individuals are responsible for their own housing and transportation to primary work location.

Location
Domain 20 is the smallest and westernmost of the NEON eco-climatic Domains, encompassing all of the islands that form the state of Hawaii. The main Hawaiian Islands, lying at latitudes around 20° N, are part of a tropical climate zone that forms a band around the Earth near the equator. Domain 20 is represented by one terrestrial site on the Eastern slope of Mauna Loa on Hawaii Island. The site is in diverse native Hawaiian forest that spans young and old lava flows across a 3000’ elevation gradient.  The NEON site in the Pacific Tropical Domain is managed from our Hilo, HI office. 

Work Environment and Physical Demands
The work involves walking, hiking, prolonged standing, bending, and kneeling. Heavy items, equipment and packs up to 40 pounds, must be lifted and carried on a routine basis. Field work includes exposure to extreme temperatures, inclement weather, rough and variable terrain, toxic plants (e.g., poison ivy, hogweed), stinging and biting insects, and wildlife hazards. Instrument maintenance involves performing work on instrument towers ranging in height from 24 feet to 300 feet, which includes ascending and descending multiple flights of stairs. Driving off-road in 4WD vehicles is required for most field sites.

Work Schedule
Work schedules are typically 8-10 hours per day but can occasionally be 12+ hours per day, including split shifts (off in the middle of the day), starting before dawn and/or ending after dusk, and weekends depending on the work assignment. The ratio of field to lab work is about 75% field and 25% office and lab duties.

Term Dates

Start Dates: mid-April

End Dates: November with opportunity for extension

Responsibilities

• Perform field assignments in a variety of conditions (e.g., weather, terrain, diverse assigned biomes, etc.).
• Follow established, standardized field procedures for sample collection; record data from sample collection in handheld tablets, computers, etc.; process and ship samples.
• Navigate to field sites and sampling locations.
• Report activities and completed work according to protocol.
• Follow safety policy and procedures.
• Report issues with implementation of procedures and coordinate resolution.
• Assist with routine administrative duties, special projects and other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• High School Diploma. 
• Undergraduate upper-level coursework in ecology, forestry, environmental or related scientific field.
• 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. Hiking off trail, and wading in water are typical in most locations.
• Willingness and ability 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 walk, hike, stand, bend, and kneel for prolonged periods.
• Willingness and ability to learn and perform procedures and methods outside of the primary responsibility.
• Ability to work on a 105 foot-tall instrument tower 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.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

Equivalent education and experience may be considered. Previous NEON program field experience will be highly considered.

The NEON program will take into consideration qualifications for specific and diverse experience in the following areas:

• Effective problem-solving skills and the ability to organize and execute multiple activities and priorities. Ability to proactively identify and resolve resource conflicts.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Demonstrated optimism in adverse conditions and good judgement in identifying, mitigating, and avoiding hazards.
• Ability to identify good practices and areas for improvement in team performance.

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. 

Applicants 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.

Salary

For this location the hourly rate is $16.75 - $17.17 and is non-negotiable.
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.