Job Description
The Southwest Integrated Field Laboratory (SW-IFL) is seeking a Field Technician for the operations of climatic and atmospheric monitoring systems in central Arizona. The technician will report to the SW-IFL leadership and have daily responsibilities in atmospheric instrumentation network design, operation/maintenance, data quality assurance/control, and training. The SW-IFL is a statewide project funded by the Department of Energy (DOE) at Arizona State University with research spanning Arizona. Planned research instrumentation will quantify aspects of climate, specifically air quality, precipitation, and extreme heat in the Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff area. Aside from these duties the SWIFL project will afford excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary experiences in climate data management and interpretation. The technician will be located at Arizona State University but will also coordinate with researchers at the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University.
The desired candidate will have experience with climatic and atmospheric instrumentation, including the operation, calibration, and maintenance of a variety of instrumentation, such as: Campbell Scientific Weather Stations and Dataloggers; Onset weather stations; flux net towers. Other responsibilities will include data management, data collection in the field, participation in periodic intensive field sampling campaigns, and collection and preparation of leaf and organic samples for biogeochemical analyses.
More about the SW-IFL: The project seeks to engage stakeholders and provide scientists and decision makers with high-quality, relevant data and knowledge capable of spurring and guiding responses to urban environmental concerns in Arizona. The SW-IFL is a partnership involving the three public universities in Arizona, two national laboratories (Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory), and industry (IBM). Our initial stakeholder network includes six city governments, multiple county-level agencies, community groups, and local nonprofits throughout the region. More info here: https://swifl.asu.edu/
Working Environment
- The Field Technician will work primarily from the ASU Tempe campus, but also be a technical bridge between various sites and field locations in Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Tucson
- Regular activities require ability to manage multiple tasks at one time, to be able to prioritize tasks; to manage conflict; to interact in a team environment; and to communicate through verbal and written work.
- Activities will be performed in outdoor environments in urban areas in Arizona that include exposure to the sun and other weather elements, as well as in environmentally controlled office settings and laboratories subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding, and manipulating; a computer mouse; required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distance to perform work, as well as
- Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 25 pounds.
- Climbing a ladder and tower infrastructure with appropriate harness.
- Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities which may include and / or are subject to resolution of conflicts.
- Ability to clearly communicate to perform essential functions.
- May be required to wear personal protective equipment for outdoor fieldwork (e.g., hardhat, steel-toed shoes, safety glasses) or within the labs (e.g., coat, gloves, safety glasses, closed toe shoes and/or respirator).
ASU is a diverse enterprise with a wide variety of work and learning modes, locations, and a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and employee work-life balance. We are determined to maintain our position as an employer of choice in a competitive labor market.
Background Check Statement
ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a field appropriate to the area of assignment; OR, Four years research experience appropriate to the area of assignment; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
Department Statement
For the eighth year in a row, ASU has been named the most innovative school in the nation, recognizing the university’s culture of groundbreaking research and partnerships, as well as its commitment to helping students thrive in college and beyond. U.S. News and World Report has named ASU as the most innovative university all eight years the category has existed. ASU advances research, innovation, strategic partnerships, entrepreneurship, and international development. Our success arises from solutions-focused, interdisciplinary research; an entrepreneurial approach that is embedded in every school and department; and a commitment to transform society in a positive way.
At the SWIFL, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. We value your unique background and perspective, and you may be just the right candidate for this position or other roles on our team.
Working at ASU has additional perks and outstanding benefits, which include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave and holidays; ASU/UA/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; access to ASU recreation and cultural activities; and more. To estimate the value of your total compensation, please visit https://cfo.asu.edu/compensation-estimator.
Desired Qualifications
- Evidence of a Master’s degree appropriate to the area of assignment with additional research experience; OR, Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, sustainability, AND at least two years of related experience (see subsequent points) to the area of assignment; Or, any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved.
- Related experience in field work and environmental measurements.
- Related experience interacting in teams where good interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs.
- Ability to travel on a daily basis and to work in inclement weather (heat, rain, snow, etc.)
- Technical experience in either climate monitoring and environmental data acquisition (e.g., Campbell Scientific data loggers) or air quality sensors
- Demonstrated knowledge of the use and maintenance of tripods, towers and other support structures, power devices such as solar panels and batteries, dataloggers and their programming for different sensors, and telemetry or cellphone communications.
- Experience in organizing observations workflow and data management.
- Experience in analyzing and evaluating initial data quality.
- Ability to drive to field sites using an ASU vehicle.
ASU Statement
Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation’s fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.
ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco
Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU PD at 480-965-3456.
Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources.
Essential Duties
- Support the permitting process for instrument deployments.
- Support in-field campaigns during intensive observation periods. This will involve sampling at multiple sites with mobile and stationary platforms.
- Field data collection responsibilities include: (a) conduct routine maintenance and calibration of climate and air quality sensors according to standard operating procedures; (b) prepare samples for biogeochemical analyses.
- Collect, quality-control, and organize all data in a database and online repositories.
- Procure and order field equipment and supplies through ASU procedures.
- Initial data analysis to evaluate field instrumentation performance.
- Perform preventative maintenance and troubleshooting of instruments and equipment.
- Train, assist, and otherwise help SW-IFL team members as needed.
- Ensure field and lab safety through proper use of personal protective equipment, taking required safety trainings and refresher courses, and creating a lab culture of safety.
- Maintain climate and air quality monitoring instrumentation to ensure that data quality, service, and security of data products are linked to the needs of the SW-IFL project.
- Assemble standard operating procedures for instrumentation.
- Test and calibrate climate instrumentation according to standard operating procedures; validate and analyze data as part of quality assurance and control.
- Assist with K-12 teacher training with instruments that will be used for community science measurements.
- Participate in SWIFL project meetings and activities at home institution and state-wide.
Instructions to Apply
Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.
Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.
Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.
ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.
Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.
IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of “equivalent combination” in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor’s degree is equal to four years of experience.