NEON Field Ecology Intern

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. 
 
At Battelle, interns and co-ops make an impact through hands-on learning and exciting and challenging projects. Our interns are an integral part of the teams they support and will feel like they are a true, valued team member.  We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply. 
 
A brighter future is possible with you.

We are currently seeking a NEON Field Ecology Intern for the Summer of 2025 (May-August). This position is located in Tuscaloosa, AL.

Application Deadline: 2/28/25 OR until position is filled.

Job Summary

Neon Program Overview 
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a continental-scale observation facility funded by the National Science Foundation and operated by Battelle. 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). We depend on our people to collect observational data and samples, to monitor automated instrumented systems that collect terrestrial and aquatic data, and to operate our airborne observation platform that captures remote sensing data of regional landscapes and vegetation to enable science for the science community.

Location
The Ozarks Complex takes its name from the Ozark Mountains and Plateau, but this diverse Domain has more than just mountains. Stretching across the southern U.S. from eastern Oklahoma and Texas to western Georgia, Domain 08 supports a variety of ecosystems ranging from upland hardwood forests to coastal floodplains. The NEON program field sites in Alabama provide a window into watershed dynamics in the southeastern U.S. NEON sites in the Ozarks Complex Domain are managed from our Tuscaloosa, AL office. 

Work Schedule and Travel 
We have a dynamic work environment where schedules are variable at the manager’s discretion. Generally, employees work 40 hours per week, with workdays ranging from 8-10 hours per day. Occasionally, workdays may extend to 12+ hours per day, including split shifts, starting before dawn and/or ending after dusk, and weekends. The ratio of field to lab work is about 75% field and 25% office and lab duties.

It is important to note that working over 40 hours a week may be required as needed, and overtime will be paid accordingly. Additionally, frequent overnight travel (e.g., semi-monthly for 3-4 nights) is required. 

Field Ecology Interns perform seasonal and periodic sampling of physical, chemical, and biological data at one (1) to multiple field sites (depending on location), while exercising good judgement and decision-making abilities to interpret protocol requirements. This position may be assigned an area of primary responsibility within the scope of data collection: botany, soils, entomology, mammalogy (except Puerto Rico and Hawaii), limnology (except Hawaii), or instrumentation; the position may also be assigned multiple areas of responsibility as a “generalist”.

Field observations and collections are conducted using approximately 30 different protocols and may include NEON Research Support Services projects with varying schedule requirements based on local ecosystem and field conditions.

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

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

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or advanced graduate degree program in ecology, forestry, environmental or related scientific field.
• Perform maintenance and field sampling.
• Ability to learn and perform procedures and methods outside of the primary responsibility.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• 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.
• Valid U.S. Driver’s License with acceptable driving record pertinent to the position.
• Ability to successfully pass background checks and pre-employment drug testing.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Working Conditions

• 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 150 feet, which includes ascending and descending multiple flights of stairs.
• Driving off-road in 4WD vehicles is required for most field sites.

Physical Requirements

• The work involves walking, hiking off trail, wading in water, prolonged standing, bending, and kneeling. Heavy items, equipment and packs up to 40 pounds, must be lifted and carried on a routine basis.
• Ability to walk long distances, on uneven terrain, at remote locations, carrying packs weighing up to 40lbs.

Salary 

Pay rate: $15.00-$17.00 

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. 

Preparing You for Career Success
 
The Battelle intern and co-op program is a great way to increase experience both on a team and as an independent contributor. Ninety-eight percent of internship survey respondents said they felt better prepared to enter the workforce after their Battelle internship and 100% said they were treated with respect by their colleagues.  
 
You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
• Pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
• Collaborate with world-class experts in an inclusive environment
• Become the next generation of scientific leaders and business professionals

 
Are you ready to help solve the most important challenges of today and tomorrow?  
 
If so, we are ready to support you with:

• Flexible work schedules: Most teams follow a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off
• Employee Resource Groups that help cultivate an inclusive and welcoming community
• Social and professional networking events with Battelle Senior Leadership and your colleagues
• Opportunities for philanthropic involvement to give back and make an impact in the community

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