Scott Creek Field Assistant Job Listing at University of California in Santa Cruz, CA (Job ID 69472)

Description

JOB POSTING

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our Talent Acquisition website. 

• How to Apply
• Troubleshooting
• Tips for Applicants
• FAQ's

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. Materials submitted after the IRD will ONLY be forwarded at the request of the hiring unit. To ensure your application is routed for consideration, submit your materials before 11:59 p.m. on the IRD.  Talent Acquisition cannot accept application materials outside of the jobs portal, and is unable to update submitted applications on an applicant's behalf, or forward communications to the hiring units. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 06-06-2024

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS) is an organized research unit whose mission is to increase knowledge of the world's oceans and inhabitants to better understand their economic importance and the impact people have on them. Through this effort, IMS maintains the responsibility to encourage, develop, and support marine research and education and does this by providing research opportunities, resources, facilities, and support for scientists within the institute and with other marine research institutions. As part of its mission efforts, IMS launched the Fisheries Collaborative Program (FCP) to help foster research collaborations between NOAA scientists, UCSC faculty, IMS researchers, and students. The FCP's research activities include field and laboratory experiments, modeling, and computational studies and they involve marine and freshwater species and habitats where comprehensive studies are being conducted on the ecology and life history of Pacific salmonids and other fishes. The FCP serves to support resource managers (e.g., Pacific Fisheries Management Council), fisheries, and resource science in general. 

More information can be found at https://fisheries.ucsc.edu/

JOB SUMMARY

Under a cooperative agreement between the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the University of California, Santa Cruz, comprehensive studies are being conducted on the biology and ecology of Pacific coast salmon species. The primary purpose of these studies is to provide critical information in support of the conservation and management of threatened and endangered species. The incumbent will be joining a research team consisting of UCSC staff, faculty, students, and collaborative researchers from the NMFS Santa Cruz Laboratory. Fieldwork is primarily conducted in streams and estuaries of California. Laboratory work is performed at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center in Santa Cruz, CA. Results from this program are intended to benefit resource managers (e.g., Pacific Fisheries Management Council), and improve conservation outcomes. Under supervision, the incumbent will serve as part of a research team and assist with field and laboratory studies. Freshwater field surveys may include adult and juvenile fish trapping and handling, spawning ground surveys, backpack electrofishing, snorkel surveys, passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging, habitat typing, environmental monitoring, and the collection of biological samples. Data management and some laboratory work are also required.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $21.92/hourly
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment 

Job End Date: None

Work Location: Coastal Science Campus 

Union Representation: TX Union 

Job Code Classification: 009603 (LAB AST 2)

Travel: Up to 75% of the time

JOB DUTIES

70% - Field Data Collection

• Make preparations for and conduct standard stream field surveys using prescribed methods under close technical supervision. Preparations will include stocking and organizing sampling materials, loading/unloading vehicles, and driving to/from sampling locations in a government vehicle.
• Assist in all core activities performed at the salmonid Life Cycle Monitoring station on Scott Creek to include adult salmonid trapping, handling and processing for the purpose of determining species status and trends.
• Assist in maintaining survey instruments to include survey gear and antenna infrastructure.
• Assist in stream spawning ground surveys and juvenile distribution, abundance, and habitat use surveys via snorkeling, electrofishing, and PIT tagging; determine and document stream habitat characteristics; detect and track PIT-tagged fish using in-stream fixed and mobile antenna units; collect scales, fin clips, otoliths and other tissues samples for analysis.

20% - Data Management and Quality Control

• Review, enter, and validate riverine and biological data collected during field and laboratory studies.
• Prepare raw data for subsequent analysis by NMFS and other federal and state resource agencies.

10% - Laboratory Analysis

• Conduct standard laboratory analyses such as mounting fish scales, aging fish from scale samples, and processing collected freshwater invertebrate samples.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High School or General Education Diploma AND two years of laboratory experience.
• Two years of coursework leading to a Bachelor's Degree in Fisheries, Fisheries Science, Wildlife, Biology, Zoology, or other related fields AND one year of laboratory experience.
• Knowledge of flora and fauna of freshwater, riverine, and estuarine ecosystems.
• Knowledge of contemporary freshwater fisheries monitoring techniques in support of salmon abundance estimation.
• Experience handling and sampling freshwater fish.
• At least 3 months field research data collection.
• Experience with biological data collection and statistical analysis, including word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.
• Strong organization, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise flexibility, initiative, good judgment, and discretion.
• Ability to work independently and follow instructions from supervisors.
• Ability to work accurately with close attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively with a small group of co-workers.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience with standard fisheries sampling methods and techniques such as snorkel surveys, electrofishing, PIT tagging techniques, adult spawner surveys, habitat surveys, PIT antenna arrays, and water quality monitoring.
   

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• In order to comply with security measures at the National Marine Fisheries Service (a federal facility on the UCSC campus), the candidate will be required to participate in a federal security clearance, be fingerprinted, and wear a photo identification badge.
• Must possess CPR/First Aid/AED certification or have the ability to obtain it within 60-calendar days of hire.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California.
• Ability to perform essential physical job functions.
• Ability to work long periods of time in wilderness conditions and to travel to remote areas.
• Ability to perform work in a rugged physical environment and inclement weather with challenging infrastructure requirements.
• Ability to walk to and work in remote areas with rugged terrain, heavy brush, biting and stinging insects, bears and mountain lions.
• Poison Oak is present. Incumbent must be willing to take the measures required to work in contact with and cut/remove poison oak.
• Ability to work in conditions of variable temperature/weather with possible exposure to strong, unpleasant odors, high levels of noise and vibrations, and exposure to dust and allergens.
• Ability to conduct outdoor site visits, including use of required personal protective equipment, as required to conduct investigations, inspections, or view work in place.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work primarily on campus, with periods of remote work possible based on operational needs, and be able to fulfill requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to work overtime including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays to meet operational needs, and work an alternate work schedule shift as required.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to work safely in areas where hazardous materials are present or stored.
• Ability to wear proper safety attire (long pants, closed-toe shoes, etc.) and personal protective equipment common in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to read signs and follow directions on labels that are written in English as well as ability to read and understand Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and the proper use of chemical compounds.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• Ability to travel within a defined regional or service area.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California COVID-19 vaccine program.

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment 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, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination