Recruit

Stream Macroinvertebrate and Fish Junior Specialist

RECRUIT SYSTEM JOB DESCRIPTION
Openings are anticipated throughout the year in the Center for Watershed Sciences at the University of California, Davis for non-tenured, academic term appointments as Junior Specialists. Screening of applicants is ongoing and will continue as needed. The number of positions varies each year, depending on the needs of the Center.

RESEARCH - (90%)
This position will aid in interdisciplinary research studies of stream ecosystems in California including locations near Mammoth Lakes, Mt. Shasta, and in wetland habitats of the Central Valley. Specifically, the position will assist in the collection, processing, and identification of invertebrates (stream benthic invertebrates and zooplankton) and fishes. In addition, the candidate will have experience with fish dissections of inland trout for physiological analysis and an understanding of laboratory physiological methods. Duties include field data collection (seasonally) and laboratory processing of field samples including the collection of aquatic organisms and measurement of environmental variables including, discharge, temperature, and water quality; participate in data entry, post-processing, data synthesis and statistical analysis. Conduct literature searches and help write annual reports to funders. Actively and significantly be involved in creative activities of publishing research and designing future research including reviewing journal articles; engaging in discussions of research to assist in interpreting results; assisting more senior researchers in preparing manuscripts for peer-review journals by writing methods sections and commenting on draft manuscripts; and participating in design of studies as part of writing research proposals by applying experience to revise study designs.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETANCE - (5%)
The Junior Specialist will present research results at local and regional meetings including the Society for Freshwater Science, Salmonid Restoration Federation, American Fisheries Society, Bay-Delta Science Conference, and Interagency Ecology Program Annual Workshop meetings.

UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE - (5%)
The Junior Specialist will participate in training activities.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor degree in ecology, entomology, Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, or environmental studies.
• Current California Driver’s License
• Experience collecting stream macroinvertebrates in the field
• Experience in stream benthic data collection, sorting and preparation for identification
• Experience in stream benthic invertebrate and taxonomic identification using a dissecting microscope and dichotomous key.
• Experience in team-based work that requires communication, decision-making skills, cooperation and leadership
• Knowledge of basic microscopy techniques
• Knowledge of experimental design and statistical analysis
• Knowledge of taxonomic keys
• Knowledge of basic ecology and/or entomology
• Ability to work independently and remain focused for long periods of time while conducting procedures in laboratory at the bench or microscope
• Ability to walk several miles to research sites for purposes of data collection, work in adverse weather conditions, bend, squat, crouch and pull and lift up to 50 pounds of survey nets and similar field equipment during field sampling days of 8-10 hours duration.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience identifying stream benthic invertebrates (to family or higher)
• Experience with fish dissections (e.g., liver dissections) and basic physiological methods
• Experience processing and elutriating stream invertebrates in the field.
• Experience in analysis of stream benthic invertebrate data
• Experience with the Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory experimental stream channels
• Experience with data analysis and technical writing
• Knowledge of MS Excel, Word, and Access; ArcGIS and Program R software.
• Knowledge of statistics
•Ability to work independently, problem solve, and remain focused for long periods of time while conducting procedures in laboratory at the bench or microscope.
• Ability to mentor and lead undergraduate and similar field assistants

TERM OF APPOINTMENT:
100%, salary starts at step 1 ($51,300 / annual) or 2 ($54,700 / annual) commensurate with experience. Start date for initial recruitment 1/1/2024.

How to Apply:
Create an Application ID Provide required information and upload documents If any, provide required reference information
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
• Curriculum Vitae - Current/updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Names and contact information for 3 professional references
• Statement of Research (Optional)
• Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Diversity contributions documented in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants.

Visit http://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/diversity/equity_inclusion/index.htmlfor guidelines about writing a diversity statement and why one is requested.

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We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals’ with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

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