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Jr. Specialist: UC Davis Hobbs Laboratory for Fish Ecology

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Position description

The Department of Wildlife Fish and Conservation Biology (WFCB) at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a pool of qualified Junior Specialists should an opening arise. Screening of applicants is ongoing and will continue as needed.

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to assist in field and laboratory studies of threatened and endangered species in the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary. The successful candidate will join the Hobbs Laboratory for Fish Ecology within the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology at the University of California, Davis. The goal of laboratory is to employ state-of-the-art technologies to examine the factors influencing the distribution, abundance and life history diversity of native species in freshwater, estuarine and marine habitats. Our work utilizes the information recorded in fish ear bones to reconstruct the life history, growth and recruitment patterns of fish in the San Francisco Estuary and Watershed. We also specialize in wetland restoration to benefit aquatic species. Our studies provide conservation practitioners and resources managers the data necessary for effective science-based management.

Successful candidates will participate in research investigating the impacts of anthropogenic climate change on Delta Smelt and Longfin Smelt, two native species in the San Francisco Estuary nearing extinction. This position will also conduct research in tidally restoring wetland habitats in the Napa River Marsh and Alviso Marsh in Lower South Bay.

General responsibilities include preparing otoliths for age, growth and otolith laser ablation micro-chemistry, assist in field sampling surveys to determine the distribution and abundance of fishes, including Delta Smelt and Longfin Smelt, and plankton sorting, taxonomic identification and quantification of larval fish and planktonic organisms. Communicate with multiple agencies, write reports, and contribute in the summary of fish detection data that has been collected. The position will review journal articles and engage in discussions on research and the interpretation of research results. Candidate will participate and contribute to semi-annual project meetings that include multiple agencies and contributors. Candidate will be expected to attend or participate in appropriate professional societies, such as the American-Fisheries Society Conference or Bay-Delta Science Conference, and other educational and research organizations. This is a one-year term position with possibility of renewal contingent on funding and performance.

Basic Qualifications:
• Minimum Bachelor degree in fisheries or wildlife biology, ecology, natural resources or a related field.
• Experience working on or handling boats in rivers/streams, lakes, or ocean and trailering boats.
• Experience in Word, Excel, and R or other appropriate computer programs to organize, summarize and analyze data.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record to drive work trucks.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Knowledge/Experience with otolith preparation for age, growth and laser ablation.
• Has a working knowledge of the San Francisco Estuary and its fishes.
• Knowledge/Experience with fish sampling methods, (e.g. otter trawls, plankton tows).
• Knowledge of GIS software, GPS equipment, and with R or other statistical software packages is desired but not necessary.
• Knowledge/Experience identifying larval fishes to the species level.

SALARY RANGE: Step I - $17.99 hourly (100% annual + benefits)
POSITION AVAILABLE/CLOSING DATE: As openings occur, appointments are made contingent upon availability of funding. The posting will remain open until September 30, 2017 to accommodate lab needs. If you would like to continue to be considered after that time, you will need to submit a new application when a new position is posted. Please note: The use of a junior specialist pool does not guarantee that an open position exists. For first full consideration, apply by Feb 26, 2017. Applications received after this date will be considered on future review dates, as new positions open. TERM OF APPOINTMENT: 100% for 12 months with possibility of renewal contingent on funding and performance.
TO APPLY: To apply, please go to the following link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/apply/JPF01459. Applicants should submit cover letter indicating how you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications, your most recent CV and contact information for 2-3 recent references. Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files.

QUESTIONS: Please direct questions to Denise Petkus via email to metroexec@ucdavis.edu

The University of California is an Equal 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. 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 UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify. UC Davis is a smoke & tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).
If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact the recruiting department.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Cover Letter - Cover letter indicating how you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications

  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • 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.html for guidelines about writing a diversity statement and why one is requested.
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 2-3 required (contact information only)
2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Diversity 2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Women

Job location

Davis, CA