Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

 

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

 

Company Overview

 

Battelle manages and operates the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) program, which is solely funded by the National Science Foundation. A 30+ year project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology, the observatory’s scientists and engineers are collecting a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems.  Our teams use cutting-edge technology, including an airborne observation platform that captures images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, relocatable, and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data.  Once structures are completed, a leading-edge cyberinfrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this information.  The Observatory includes more than 500+ personnel and is the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.

Job Summary

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

Location  

The plains of Texas and Oklahoma are home to rolling grasslands, expansive croplands, and more than 10 million head of cattle. In the Southern Plains (Domain 11), agriculture reigns supreme. Understanding how land management decisions and agricultural practices impact ecosystems is key to both maintaining agricultural productivity and protecting native habitats. NEON sites in the Southern Plains Domain are managed from our Denton, TX office.  
 

Responsibilities Plan, schedule, conduct and ensure accurate execution, within NEON scientific parameters and annual budget, of all maintenance, repair and field sampling activities for 4 NEON field sites. Critical human relation skills to understand, select, develop and motivate others. 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 Bachelor's Degree and 5 years of experience supervising personnel including participating in hiring, training, and evaluating performance.Experience developing and managing budgets and schedules. Experience performing related lab and field activities and/or maintaining scientific instrumentation (e.g. meteorological and aquatic sensors). Experience communicating with external stakeholders such as customers, funding agencies, regulatory agencies, etc. Must be a US Citizen. Preferred Qualifications Graduate study in biology, ecology, environmental science or related field. Experience managing scientific data collection. Experience leading or participating in outdoor activities in remote areas. Salary

Pay: $83,800 - $114,624 

Individual pay is based on skills, experience and other relevant factors.

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life. 

Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

 
A Work Environment Where You Succeed
For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.
 
You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discoveryCollaborate with world-class experts in an inclusive environmentNurture and develop the next generation of scientific leadersGive back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer.  We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.

 

For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers