Science Field Technician - Summer - UIC Science

The Science Field Technician performs seasonal and periodic sampling of biological data within the Barrow Environmental Observatory (BEO), while exercising good judgement and decision-making abilities to interpret protocol requirements. 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 current field conditions.

The position works with the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), which is a continental-scale observation facility funded by the National Science Foundation. The NEON program is designed to collect long-term, open access ecological data to better understand how U.S. ecosystems are changing, from freshwater systems such as streams, rivers, and lakes to terrestrial systems spanning tropical forests to deserts to tundra (neonscience.org).

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Performs scientific field assignments in a variety of conditions (e.g., weather, terrain, diverse assigned biomes, etc.) and work closely with a field partner.
• Follows established, standardized scientific field procedures for sample collection; records data from sample collection in handheld tablets, computers, etc.; and processes samples.
• Records activities and completes work according to field protocol.
• Follows safety policy and procedures.
• Reports issues with implementation of procedures and coordinates resolutions with managers and technicians.
• Assists with routine administrative duties, special projects and other duties as assigned. Carries, moves, and lifts field supplies (pack weighing up to 40 lbs.) to assigned field site (which involves diverse and uneven terrain).
• Adheres to work schedules that are typically 8-10 hours per day, but can be 12 hours per day, including split shifts (off in the middle of the day), starting in the early morning and/or ending in the late evening, and weekends depending on the work assignment. The ratio of field work to science lab work is about 75% field and 25% office/lab work.
• Attends 2 – 3 weeks of training in Fairbanks, Alaska.
• Ability to begin working in late May/June through the end of August/early September. There is an opportunity to start work as early as April, if interested.
  
  
  

Knowledge and Critical Skills/Expertise:

• Ability to follow and learn scientific protocols and conduct repeatable field and laboratory measurements.
• Capable of working with complex systems that require judgement and independent decision-making abilities.
• Technical skills (or a willingness to learn) best practices in the field, including the ability to identify aquatic or terrestrial plants and animals by genus and species.
• Willingness to perform equipment maintenance and field sampling outdoors with distances ranging from 1/2 hour to 2 hours from NARL.
• Hiking off trail and wading in water are typical.
• Ability and willingness 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 follow written and verbal instructions.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  
  
  

Strong work ethic and enthusiasm.

Qualifications

Required Experience:

• High School Diploma.
• Some post high school, specialized training or technical certificate may be required.
  
  
  

Physical Demands:

• Ability to hike off trail, long distances, on uneven terrain at remote locations in a variety of weather conditions, carrying packs weighing up to 40lbs.
• Ability to work on instrument towers ranging in height around 26 feet, involving the ability to ascend and descend multiple flights of stairs.
  
  
  

Environmental Conditions:

• Ability to withstand exposure to fumes, dust, and noise.
• Experience and/or interest in working outdoors
  
  
  

Field work may require frequent exposure to biting insects and other natural hazards.