Seeking 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.  

The duties of this position are designated to the following criteria:  

Research (90%):  

The incumbent will help design and execute studies in consultation with the PI and other project  scientists. They will provide feedback on aspects of the studies. They will help with collecting and  summarizing data, may assist in data analyses, and will provide information to be used for annual and  related reports. They will assist the project by writing annual permitting reports and by participating in  lab discussions. They will contribute to, edit, and provide feedback on any publications resulting from  the work. They will be involved in animal use protocol reporting and compliance, as well as writing  protocols. 

Professional Competence (5%) 

The incumbent may be able to participate in regional meetings. The incumbent will be expected to  interact with and engage stakeholders and other agencies involved in wildlife management. 

University and Public Service (5%) 

The incumbent may assist in training or mentoring of other junior scientists or project personnel or  participate in university or other groups to improve equity and inclusion in the sciences.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • A Bachelor degree in fisheries sciences, biology, conservation, marine science, neurobiology, physiology, behavior or related field by the time of the appointment

[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.] 

  • 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 

APPLICATION DETAILS:  

SALARY RANGE: Step 1, $46,800 + benefits  

TO APPLY: Please go to the following link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF04831. 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 Jessica Gonzalez (or Anna Lee) via email to metroap@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.