Natural Reserves Researcher Job Listing at University of California in Santa Cruz, CA (Job ID 70529)

Description

JOB POSTING

HOW TO APPLY

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

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The IRD for this job is: 07-10-2024

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The mission of the Natural Reserve System is to contribute to the understanding and wise management of the Earth and its natural systems by supporting university-level teaching, research, and public service at protected natural areas throughout California.

Ecologically diverse and physically spectacular, the University of California Natural Reserve System (NRS) is a unique assemblage of 41 protected wild land sites throughout California. The reserves encompass nearly all of the state's major ecosystems, preserved in as undisturbed a condition as possible to support University level research, teaching, and public service and outreach programs. The NRS is a Trustee Agency under the California Environmental Quality Act, and UC manages the NRS resources in the Public Trust. The five Natural Reserve sites that form the UC Santa Cruz unit are spread along 60 miles of the central coast: Año Nuevo Reserve, Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve (4,200 acres), Fort Ord Natural Reserve (606 acres), Younger Lagoon Reserve (72 acres), and the UCSC Campus Natural Reserve (400 acres). Each reserve has unique research and teaching opportunities, physical conditions and constraints, regional and local political considerations, and funding and administration issues.

More information can be found at: https://ucnrs.org/

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of Patrick Robinson, the Natural Reserves Researcher provides support and assistance with implementation, design, and monitoring of research and teaching activities at Año Nuevo Reserve. This includes, but is not limited to, assisting with class visits, research projects, reserve maintenance activities, donor relations, and outreach activities

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $27.16 - $32.04/hour. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Core benefits

Schedule Information:

• Part-Time, Variable
• Percentage of Time: 40%, 16 Hours per week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri, occasional weekends
• Shift Includes: Work will take place mostly on weekdays with occasional weekends pending the schedules of visiting researchers and classes.

Employee Classification: Limitedappointment 

Job End Date:  6 months from hire date, with possibility of extension

Work Location: Off-Campus - Año Nuevo Reserve

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 005190 (FIELD RESEARCHER 2)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

25% - Data Collection

• Collects data for research projects at Año Nuevo Reserve and other Reserves.
• Trains/oversees volunteers to ensure proper data collection protocols are in place. (e.g. pinniped colony monitoring, coverboard surveys, small mammal trapping, etc.).

25% - Infrastructure

• Ensures that infrastructure, required field research commodities, and other materials support research and teaching goals.

20% - Docent and Donor Relations

• Assists with docent and donor relations. Activities may include presentations, social-media posts, addressing questions, letter-writing, etc.

20% - Class Visits

• Serves as a research ambassador to interpret research projects for classes and other members of the public that visit Año Nuevo Reserve.
  Contacts agencies and research partners as needed to coordinate planning.

10% - Training

• Participates in training activities on relevant research and teaching methods.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Working knowledge of safety, legal, cultural and regulatory requirements relative to field research responsibility.
• Working knowledge of research discipline, principles, concepts, analysis and / or operations being conducted at field / remote sites.
• Working knowledge of local customs and operations at field / remote sites.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a team to meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.
• Demonstrated organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in ambiguous conditions.
• Proficient research and analytical skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated communication skills with project team members.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strategic relationships and partnerships with remote research partners.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Must possess CPR/First Aid/AED certification or have the ability to obtain it within 60-calendar days of hire.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• Ability to work long periods of time in wilderness conditions and to travel to remote areas.
• Ability to perform work in a rugged physical environment and inclement weather with challenging infrastructure requirements.
• Ability to walk to and work in remote areas with rugged terrain, heavy brush, biting and stinging insects, bears and mountain lions.
• Poison Oak is present. Incumbent must be willing to take the measures required to work in contact with and cut/remove poison oak.
• Ability to work in conditions of variable temperature/weather with possible exposure to strong, unpleasant odors, high levels of noise and vibrations, and exposure to dust and allergens.
• Ability to perform grounds keeping duties outdoors through all seasons of weather in developed and undeveloped environments.
• Ability to ascend/descend ladders with or without accommodation.
• Ability to sustain exposure to dusty, noisy environments and inclement weather as necessary to carry out assigned duties and responsibilities.
• The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
• Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to wear a respirator in accordance with the California Code of Regulations Title 8, 5144.
• Ability to wear proper safety attire (long pants, closed-toe shoes, etc.) and personal protective equipment common in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to read signs and follow directions on labels that are written in English as well as ability to read and understand Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and the proper use of chemical compounds.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• Will be required to wear a University provided uniform.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment 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. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination