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The Center for Watershed Sciences at the University of California, Davis seeks to fill a non-tenured, academic term appointment as a Junior Specialist. Two positions are available This position is full time in Guam.

NATURE AND PURPOSE

This position will aid in the study of seagrass restoration in Guam. This research is focused on advancing the restoration, resilience, and long-term stewardship of seagrass ecosystems in Guam. The project seeks to apply the best available science and management practices to support ecosystem recovery, enhance habitat quality, and provide benefits to coastal communities and marine resources. Specifically, the goal for this project is to establish and implement a seagrass restoration project on Naval Base Guam. This position will provide critical support in the seagrass habitat assessments, testing of restoration approaches, and monitoring outcomes.

I. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE (85%)

Field
● Participate in field studies of water quality, conduct routine maintenance of instrumentation, download data, QAQC.
● Assist in conducting seagrass and macroinvertebrate community surveys; includes snorkeling and swimming in shallow tidal water (essential gear will be provided).
● Take measurements of physical attributes of seagrass habitats including collecting soil samples, elevation surveys, and other field activities.
● Install, operate, and maintain field equipment. Inventory equipment, evaluate quality assurance, and calibrate equipment.
● Identify field problems in a timely manner and recommend modifications to field activity procedures to accomplish project objectives.
● Review data from field collection sources.
● May operate small water craft or kayak in the performance of duties.

Laboratory & Office

● Perform routine lab analysis of biological and soil samples to determine specified chemical, biological, or physical characteristics.
● Use drying ovens, balances, and other equipment to measure dry and wet weights of plants and soil.
● Help prepare draft reports and correspondence for crew leads and PIs higher graded relating to field activities and results
● Engage in discussions of research to assist in interpreting results.
● Participate in meetings with PIs, contractors and managers
● Participate in data management and entry, post-processing, data synthesis and statistical analysis.

II. Professional competence and activity (10% effort)

Develop relationships with partner agencies through attendance and participation in professional meetings, workshops or conferences. Where opportunities are allowed, the candidate will review proposals or publications related to their areas of scientific expertise and practical experience.

III. University and public service (5% effort)

Will act as technical liaison on issues of ecosystem services of coastal wetlands and seagrass beds and respond to the needs of the local community, local agencies, California state and US federal agencies (NOAA, NMFS, USFWS, DoD, USEPA), NGOs and other external groups. Mentoring skills to support their role as a mentor and trainer to students and junior specialists pursuing a similar area of study.

TERM OF APPOINTMENT
One year full-time at 100%, with possible extension for an additional year.
Job Location
Guam with travel to other areas of the Mariana Archipelago. Mileage will be reimbursed and other local travel expenses. No housing is provided.
A Junior Specialist appointee should have a baccalaureate or similar degree in a discipline relevant or related to the research conducted in the unit hiring the appointee, or if lacking a relevant baccalaureate degree should have experience with the appropriate specialized research methods. In general, it is inappropriate to appoint an individual with a Master’s or doctoral degree in the relevant discipline or a baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of experience with the specialized methods as a Junior Specialist.
QUALIFICATIONS
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
● Bachelor degree in ecology, biology, environmental studies, with a minimum of 6 months of experience in laboratory and/or field research.
● Current Driver’s License.
● Experience and effectiveness in team-based work that requires communication, decision-making skills, cooperation, and leadership.
● Experience working independently and the ability to remain focused for long periods of time while conducting procedures in a laboratory at the bench or microscope.
● Experience in paying close attention to detail with labwork, fieldwork, basic sample inventory and management, and in learning new laboratory machinery/instruments.
● Ability to bend, squat, crouch, swim with up to 20 pounds of field equipment, and do this repetitively during a field sampling day.
● Comfortable with ocean water swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling.
● Ability to pass a background check to access military naval base in Guam
● Ability to pass scuba diving training
Preferred qualifications

● Knowledge of flora and fauna of Guam or similar regions
● Experience snorkeling and/or scuba diving
● Experience in lab sample preparation and handling of samples

● Familiarity with coastal ecosystems and/or seagrass, restoration principals
● Knowledge of experimental design and statistical analysis.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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