The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) Program is currently seeking a Field Operations Manager. This position is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Occasional travel outside the region will be required.

NEON is a continental-scale ecological observation facility sponsored by the National Science Foundation that gathers and synthesizes data on the impacts of climate change, land use change and invasive species on natural resources and biodiversity. The observatory is designed to collect high-quality, standardized data from field sites across the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

This position manages a broad scope of scientific inquiry, managing a multi-disciplinary team of field scientists who collect measurements related to botany, invertebrates, soils, micrometeorology, eddy flux, aquatic biology and water quality at four NEON sites in Domain 08 - Alabama (Ozarks Complex).

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, conduct and ensure accurate execution, within NEON scientific parameters and annual budget, of all maintenance, repair and field sampling activities for 6 NEON field sites.
  • Coordinate instrument maintenance for sensors, data acquisition system, power distribution system and supporting infrastructure (i.e. tower arrays, soil arrays, aquatic buoy arrays, instrument hut, boardwalks).
  • Coordinate field observations and collection using approximately 30 different protocols and multiple SOP’s with varying schedule requirements based on local ecosystem and current field conditions.
• Recruit, train and manage all regular and temporary personnel supporting field office, lab and field tasks.
• Encourage and actively support safety, diversity, equity, and inclusion within the team and organization.
• Act as liaison between regional stakeholders, including educational and research organizations, local property owners and the general public and Battelle.
• Communicate NEON status and activities, local activities and partnerships, and regional issues and concerns to appropriate regional stakeholders and Battelle staff. Work with regional stakeholders to resolve issues or concerns.
• Plan and participate in local/regional community engagement activities (i.e. local/regional conferences or meetings, invited talks).
• Ensure compliance with Battelle safety policy and procedures.
• Ensure appropriate equipment, materials and supplies are available to support required field activities. Use Battelle business processes and tools to ensure appropriate and efficient use of funds.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelors’ Degree.
• 5 years previous experience supervising personnel including participating in hiring, training, and evaluating performance. Position requires critical human relation skills to understand, select, develop and motivate others.
• Previous experience developing and managing budgets and schedules.
• Previous experience performing 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.
• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience managing scientific data collection.
• Graduate study in biology, ecology, environmental science or related field.
• Previous experience leading or participating in outdoor activities in remote areas.