SRA 1 (Cougar Field Biologist) Job Listing at University of California in Davis, CA (Job ID 67761)

Description

Department Description

The Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center is a multidisciplinary unit that focuses on the health of free-ranging and captive terrestrial and aquatic wild animals. It supports the One Health approach, recognizing that the health of domestic animals, wildlife, and people are inextricably linked with each other and the environment. At UC Davis, it is the organization under which faculty, staff, students, and other partners come together to address the complex issues surrounding conservation and health in a changing world, such as zoonotic diseases that impact animals and humans. The Wildlife Health Center administers high-profile wildlife conservation health programs such as the Southern California Mt. Lion project.

Under supervision both remote and in person assist in trail camera placement and servicing, enter and organize trail camera and other data analysis for analysis and assist in report generation. Potentially use GPS telemetry locations to track radio collared mountain lions and investigate possible kill sites in remote, harsh environments and near urban settings in California. Determine the extent of movements of lions in the study area and collect detailed puma location data to develop models of habitat use and suitability. Collect road-killed deer, place carcasses in remote field locations. Organize technical equipment. Determine mountain lion travel patterns via track and sign detection. Set up traps at capture sites, assist in mountain lion captures, monitor anesthesia, record data. Deploy deterrent devices and other measures when directed. Potentially collect hair, scat, tissue, and blood samples for DNA and various health analyses. Serve as project field assistant and provide support for the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center's Mountain lion project.

THIS POSITION IS LOCATED IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. AREAS OF STUDY MAY INCLUDE LOCATIONS IN AND AROUND ORANGE, RIVERSIDE & SAN DIEGO COUNTIES. 

This Limited Appointment is not eligible for conversion to Career.

Position Information

Apply by Date                    

4/29/2024

Salary Range                      

$25.75/hr. - $30.72/hr.

Appointment Type                 

STE/Limited

Number of Positions

1

Percentage of Time               

50%

Shift Hours                               

Manager will advise

Location                                 

Remote / Southern California

Union Representation            

Yes - RX

Benefits Eligible                     

Yes

WORK ENVIRONMENT

·       Position may, at times, require employee to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present.

·       Rabies vaccination, or documentation of a measured serum rabies antibody titer level above 1:5, within the last 2 years is also a requirement.

·       Ability to reside in southern California within two hour driving distance of study areas in Orange, Riverside and San Diego Counties.

·       Overnight travel.

·       Restricted vacation during peak periods.

·       Valid CA driver's license.

·       Work flexible schedule, occasional weekends, evenings, nights, and holidays on short notice. Schedule is subject to change with a few hours' notification.

·       The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles. https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education/Experience:

·       Bachelor's degree in an applicable field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

·       At least one year field experience in mountain lion field research as an employee or volunteer.

·       Extensive familiarity with the terrain of southern California, tracking (telemetry and wildlife) experience in the area, and comprehensive knowledge of wild carnivore biology, mountain lion habitat uses and lion behavior, including mountain lion killing and feeding patterns, with specific knowledge of mountain lion physiology and experience with mountain lion sedation, anesthetic monitoring, and sampling.

·       Experience with field communication radio and emergency locator devices and use including VHF and GPS radio telemetry, GPS use in the field, topographic maps, and mapping locations including techniques.

·       Experience and comfort with setting up and using a variety of types of automatic trail cameras, reviewing, and classifying large numbers of trail camera photos, classifying them and managing image sorting and classification software and Excel or other photo databases.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

·       Knowledge of how to download data from radio collars via websites and map data with commercial software, MS Excel and Word, Google Drive, Google Docs, and Google Sheets.

·       Knowledge of photo processing software packages such as Microsoft Mega detector and others from the San Diego Zoo, Wildlife Insights, and/or the UC Davis Road Ecology Center.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

·       Extensive knowledge of computers and database management.

·       First aid training or substantial knowledge.

·       Good oral communication and interpersonal skills to deal with co-workers and land managers/owners, as well as wildlife agency personnel, under sometimes harsh conditions or challenging circumstances.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're solving life's most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don't just maintain - we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds, and you belong here. As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected. The University of California, Davis 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 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.