Terrestrial Organismal Sampling (TOS) Field Technician
Pros
Experience as a terrestrial organismal field ops technician differs remarkably from scientists in Boulder who deal with Battelle Management Each field office experience will be unique due to local challenges and co workers However, this project draws passionate people who care deeply about the mission and the data that constitutes it. Ideal entry level exposure to basic field research, gaining experience in a wide variety of ecological studies. May learn up to 10 protocols. Field Office personnel teach you to become a better scientist through exemplary actions and constructive feedback in attention to detail, organization, standardization, and consideration of final product. With that said, you're better doing an REU Co-workers are strong in their specialty. Given that it's 80% field work (20% office), you'll learn to problem solve equipment, trucks, logistics, timing, productivity, and efficiency. High job satisfaction for the idealist because you feel that you're making an important contribution Sometimes beautiful work environments Field techs have the fun-loving culture. Overall, we experience low stress. most of us are millenials, fresh out of college.
Cons
Unnecessarily competitive for simple implementation of data collection. The job application only requires a high school diploma, but some temporary field techs and Tech Is and IIs have masters degrees. Ultimately, there is not much room for growth with the organization. Egregious $12.75/hour pay before taxes Disorganized project as a whole. New expectations are sprung onto field offices. Software still has bugs. No benefits for new hires. Some temporary techs get a 50% 401k match after 3 years. Funding by the NSF is reviewed periodically, so the 30 year span of the project is tenuous, especially given the lack of results so far. Indeed, there are supposed to be budget cuts in the future.
