National Ecological Observatory Network reviews

1- Worst working environment I have ever experienced. The permanent techs are always negative. They complain about everything without taking any action to improve things. They are always gossiping about other people. A totally unhealthy attitude that feedbacks on other people creating an unpleasant environment. Total separation between permanent techs and seasonal with no integration. 2- Total lack of initiative and leadership from all permanent techs. 3- No freedom of thinking at all. Basically you have to mechanically do what they ask you to do even if you want to propose a better and more efficient way to do it. The standardized protocols are written to be applied indiscriminately to any ecosystem: from deserts to forests to alpine tundra. This resulted in killing 80% of the small mammal population in one night. 4- Unbelievable level of disorganization and disorder. The work is pretty much entirely performed by seasonals with no experience no communication, and no guidance with consequent discrepancy of data quality. 5- Most wasteful management I have ever seen. Incompetence, ignorance, and dishonesty are celebrated. 6- Nepotism is evident. Jobs and promotions are not given for merit, but rather for being drinking buddies....

NEON was a very toxic work environment. I was treated with extreme disrespect, while I was working at NEON; however, I found a job where I am earning double of what I was earning at NEON, treated with great respect, and where my opinions are valued. I agree with the statement "Congress and the NSF have abdicated their roles in providing oversight. This fiasco could serve as the basis for a thesis on how not to run a project." I believe that the US Congress and the National Science Foundation need to investigate that organization. Importantly, there is a better life beyond NEON! Pursue that, instead of lingering in a place, where there is little or NO growth potential!