Position Open: Junior Specialist – Fish Conservation Physiology Lab

JUNIOR SPECIALIST POSITION

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, 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.

ASSISTANT SPECIALIST POSITION:
In addition to the duties described above, a successful applicant for the assistant specialist position may also be required to oversee data quality control, make important experimental or animal-care decisions, contribute to technical reports and journal articles, attend laboratory meetings, engage in discussions on research and interpretation of research results, and present research findings at technical meetings and professional societies.

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

TO APPLY: Please go to the following link: [https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF05415]. 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.

Screening of applicants is ongoing and will continue as needed. The number of positions varies each year, depending on the needs of the laboratory.

Appointments will vary in length up to a 12-month appointment with the possibility of extension contingent upon funding and performance.

QUESTIONS: Please direct questions to Deana Crum or Alexandria Anderson via email to [metroap@ucdavis.edu]

QUALIFICATIONS
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

JUNIOR SPECIALIST:
• A Bachelor degree in fisheries sciences, biology, ecology, conservation, physiology, behavior, or similar degree in a discipline relevant or related to the research conducted in the unit hiring the appointee, or experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant research methods by the time of appointment.

ASSISTANT SPECIALIST:
• A Master’s degree in fisheries sciences, biology, ecology, conservation, physiology, behavior, or similar degree in a discipline relevant or related to the research conducted in the unit hiring the appointee, or possession of a baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of research experience, or five or more years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant research methods by the time of appointment.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
• Ability to lift and maneuver 30 pounds throughout the day.
• 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 driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Commitment to a safe, equitable, and inclusive work environment.

Preferred qualifications
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 REQUIREMENTS
Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.

Cover Letter – Indicating how you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications

Reference requirements
2-3 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF05415
Help contact: dacrum@ucdavis.edu