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Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology Lab Junior Specialists

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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 in UC Davis WFCB Labs (Hobbs Laboratory, Fangue Laboratory, Rypel Laboratory, the Biotelemetry Lab, WFCB Museum). Screening of applicants is ongoing and will continue as needed. The number of positions varies each year, depending on the needs of the laboratory.

** UC Davis Fish Ecology Lab-Hobbs - Junior Specialist
POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Hobbs Lab seeking highly motivated and enthusiastic individual(s) to participate in field and laboratory based studies in the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary. The successful candidate(s) will join the Hobbs Laboratory within the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology at the University of California, Davis. The goal of laboratory is to examine the factors influencing the distribution, abundance and life history diversity of native species in freshwater, estuarine and marine habitats. Our research is interdisciplinary, combining standard practices in field ecology with biogeochemistry techniques to reconstruct life history, growth and migration patterns of fish in the San Francisco Estuary and Watershed. We also specialize in monitoring 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 factors (droughts, water exports, habitat loss, climate change) and the benefits of restoration for native species in the San Francisco Estuary. The role of the Jr Specialist is to serve as the lead technician guiding research activities, mentoring undergraduate student research assistants, assuring data quality and adhering to university health and safety policies. Successful candidates will be expected to contribute creatively to study plans and experiments using observations and experiences gained with conducting field or laboratory research. Successful candidates will be expected to contribute to writing of manuscripts for peer review publication including methods and literature cited sections, providing data tables and basic analyses and providing input on discussion sections. Successful candidates will be expected to present study results in poster or oral presentation form at local and regional scientific conferences, including the annual meeting for the California-Nevada Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, the Interagency Ecological Program annual workshops and the Delta Science Conference Bi-annual meetings.

General responsibilities may include preparing otoliths for age, growth and otolith laser ablation micro-chemistry, conducting field sampling surveys to determine the distribution and abundance of fishes, including Delta Smelt and Longfin Smelt, plankton sorting, taxonomic identification and quantification of larval fish and planktonic organisms. A successful applicant will 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 reportings and meetings that include multiple agencies and contributors.

As service to the university, the successful candidate will spend a minimum of 5% of their time mentoring undergraduate students in the Hobbs Lab. Mentoring includes providing advice on course work, reviewing writing assignments and providing guidance on matriculation from the university and entry into the profession.

This is a one-year term position with possibility of renewal contingent on funding and performance.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: (Hobbs Lab)
• 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.
• Ability to lift and maneuver 50 pounds throughout the day
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Experience in Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint or other appropriate computer programs to organize, summarize and analyze data.
• Proficiency in both written and verbal English.
• Good oral and written skills to communicate data summary to staff and colleagues
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to think critically and troubleshoot problems.
• Ability to read and explain material safety data sheets (MSDS) and knowledge of laboratory safety and proper use and handling of potentially hazardous chemicals
• Proficient in the use of basic hand tools
• Provide own, reliable, transportation to and from work site; Valid CA license and acceptable driving record

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: (Hobbs Lab)
• Experience identifying and handling planktonic organisms from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Watershed and the San Francisco Estuary.
• Knowledge/Experience with otolith preparation for age, growth and laser ablation.
• Experience with standard fisheries data collection (e.g. larval and adult fish identification, length/weight measurement) sampling methods and handling and transporting fish
• Experience working on boats in rivers/streams, lakes, tidal estuaries or ocean
• Has taken motorboat operation certification course (MOCC or equivalent)
• Experience working independently and as a team, and in seeking more tasks as work load lessens
• Knowledge of GIS software, GPS equipment, and with R or other statistical software packages is desired.


** UC Davis Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology (MWFB) - Junior Specialist
POSITION DESCRIPTION:

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to conduct field research on nesting birds on Putah Creek related to the Putah Creek Terrestrial Biomonitoring Program.

The Putah Creek Terrestrial Biomonitoring Program is a long-term biological research effort that aims to inform resource managers and the scientific community. This position will be in charge of the Nest Box Highway Project and assist with coordination of avian data gathering on Putah Creek.

The successful candidate will join the Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology in the Department Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology at UC Davis.

This position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in avian ecology and environmental sciences on Putah Creek, California. Successful candidates will be in charge of the bird nest box project on Putah Creek, oversee undergraduate student interns and coordinate federal bird bird banding efforts. General responsibilities include: coordinating field teams, gathering data on nesting birds, tracking growth rates of chicks, developing and executing banding schedules; handling nestling birds, preparing data for analysis, coordinating transect surveys of birds, and working with the PI and post-doc on publications using data gathered. Preliminary analysis of some data will be required, but under the guidance of the PI and/or postdoctoral research in the Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills; as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

As service to the university, the successful candidate will spend a minimum of 5% of their time mentoring undergraduate students. Mentoring includes providing advice on course work, reviewing writing assignments and providing guidance on matriculation from the university and entry into the profession.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor degree in Wildlife, Conservation Biology or a related field.
• a minimum of two years of experience in managing a nest box program
• Skill in banding nestling songbirds
• Skill in assessing avian diversity on site specific projects
• Strong organizational skills.
• Experience in Word and Excel or other appropriate computer programs to organize, summarize and analyze data.
• Proficiency in both written and verbal English.
• Valid driver's license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience working in the field.
• Proficiency with bird diversity on Putah Creek
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

** UC Davis Dept. of WFCB, Fangue and Rypel Laboratory - Junior Specialist
POSITION DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in the field of Eco-physiology; relating to aquatic animals’ thermal performance, swimming performance, and behavior near engineered structures.

This person may also be involved in acoustic telemetry studies in the Sacramento/San Joaquin Watersheds focusing on juvenile Chinook Salmon survival and movement behavior.

The position requires the candidate to conduct experiments with fishes, including their environmental tolerances (CTM), preferences, and behavior. This may including laboratory-based experimental research and/or field based observational research utilizing telemetry technologies. Applicant will preferably have experience with CA native anadromous fishes, specifically salmonids and sturgeons. This position will be involved in research aimed at improving our understanding of the ecology of native fishes with direct application to the conservation of these species.

General responsibilities include the care of sensitive fish species, construction/maintenance of experimental systems, and performance of high quality research in a laboratory or field setting. Working outdoors in various weather conditions; working in Quonset Hut-type laboratories where indoor temperatures can exceed outdoor temperatures; working evenings or weekends to fulfill experimental or test fish maintenance requirements, as well a working during normal working hours in temperature-controlled office and laboratories. Must be able to move coolers filled with water and fish (up to 50 lbs.); must be able to withstand the weather and temperature-related working conditions as previously described with possible work as a deckhand on a university boat. Responsibilities may also include maintaining acoustic telemetry equipment in the field/lab, assisting during acoustic transmitter implantation, and assisting in quality control of datasets. A successful applicant will be required to communicate with funding agencies, write technical reports, and contribute in the preparation of journal articles. They will attend laboratory meetings, review journal articles, engage in discussions on research and the interpretation of research results, and have the possibility of presenting research findings at technical meetings and professional societies.

The ideal candidate will have strong problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team. They will also have demonstrated the attention to detail required to successfully collect, organize and store data.

As service to the university, the successful candidate will spend a minimum of 5% of their time mentoring undergraduate students. Mentoring includes providing advice on course work, reviewing writing assignments and providing guidance on matriculation from the university and entry into the profession.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• Minimum Bachelor degree in fisheries sciences, biology, conservation, marine science, neurobiology, physiology, behavior or related field.
• Experience with aquatic animal care
• Understanding of fish disease and water quality
• Ability to lift and maneuver 50 pounds throughout the day
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in field or laboratory research
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Experience in Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint or other appropriate computer programs to organize, summarize and analyze data.
• Proficiency in both written and verbal English.
• Good oral and written skills to communicate data summary to staff and colleagues
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to think critically and troubleshoot problems.
• Ability to read and explain material safety data sheets (MSDS) and knowledge of laboratory safety and proper use and handling of potentially hazardous chemicals
• Proficient in the use of basic hand tools
• Provide own, reliable, transportation to and from work site; Valid CA license and acceptable driving record

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience handling native CA sturgeon and salmonids
• Experience working independently and as a team, and in seeking more tasks as work load lessens
• Experience with plumbing and/or construction
• Experience with acoustic telemetry technologies (Vemco, JSATS, etc.)
• Experience with standard fisheries data collection (e.g. fish identification, length/weight measurement) and experience handling and transporting fish
• Knowledge of GPS equipment, GIS software, and with R or other statistical software
• Experience working on boats in rivers/streams, lakes, or ocean
• Has taken motorboat operation certification course (MOCC or equivalent)
• Has a working knowledge of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Watershed

** UC Davis Biotelemetry Lab - Junior Specialist
POSITION DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to assist in maintaining the UC Davis Core Array, a multi-agency fish-tracking array of acoustic receivers in the Sacramento/San Joaquin watershed. The successful candidate will join the Biotelemetry Laboratory within the Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology at the University of California, Davis. The goal of the laboratory is to utilize tracking technologies to understand fundamental physiological, behavioral, and ecological processes. We have tracked species ranging from minnows to white sharks with ultrasonic, radio, archival, and satellite tags. Our studies aim to elucidate the link between an animal’s behavior and its social and physical environment.

Successful candidates will participate in research related to biotelemetry, specifically acoustic telemetry that will permit the continuation of studies that provide a greater understanding of fish migration and survival for both endangered and at risk species. The Core Array is a critical element of multiple ongoing long-term monitoring studies of fish movements throughout the Sacramento/San Joaquin watershed. This position will also conduct research on and help to monitor survival and movement behavior of the spring-run Chinook salmon reintroduction in the San Joaquin River.

General responsibilities include periodically maintaining acoustic telemetry equipment deployed throughout the Sacramento and San Joaquin River, California Delta and San Francisco Bay Estuary, assist during acoustic transmitter implantation, and assist in preparation and summary of these data for multiple databases. A successful applicant will 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.

As service to the university, the successful candidate will spend a minimum of 5% of their time mentoring undergraduate students. Mentoring includes providing advice on course work, reviewing writing assignments and providing guidance on matriculation from the university and entry into the profession.

Basic Qualifications:
• Minimum Bachelor degree in fisheries or wildlife biology, ecology, natural resources or a related field.
• Some knowledge/experience with the application of telemetric technologies in fisheries science.
• Experience handling boats in rivers/streams, lakes, or ocean and trailering boats.
• The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Experience in Word, Excel, PowerPoint or other appropriate computer programs to organize, summarize and analyze data.
• Skill in using scientific terminology effectively when speaking and writing.
• Ability to think critically and to troubleshoot problems.
• Good oral and written skills to communicate data summary to staff and colleagues.
• Able to provide assistance in preparation of reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record to drive work trucks.
• Experience with standard fisheries data collection (e.g. fish Identification, experience capturing, handling and transporting fish).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Knowledge/Experience with JSAT and Vemco 69 kHz and 180 kHz tags and receivers.
• Has a working knowledge of the Sacramento-San Joaquin watershed.
• Field studies/work experience.
• Knowledge of GIS software, GPS equipment, and with R or other statistical software packages is desired but not necessary.

APPLICATION DETAILS: Wildlife, Fish, & Conservation Biology Department Labs

SALARY RANGE: Step I - $39,500 (100% annual + benefits)

POSITION AVAILABLE/CLOSING DATE: As openings occur, appointments are made contingent upon availability of funding. The initial posting date is open until July 8, 2018 to accommodate lab needs. For first full consideration, apply by July 8, 2018. 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: Please go to the following link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/apply/JPF02265. Applicants should submit cover letter indicating your lab(s) interest and 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 to include labs of interest and how you meet minimum or preferred qualifications.

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

Reference requirements
  • 2-3 required (contact information only)
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Job location

Davis, CA