Field Researcher (FIELD RESEARCHER 2 RP)

Under the direction of the Science Director, SeaDoc Society, UC Davis (072072-VM: Wildlife Health Center), this position helps fund, conduct, and publish research associated with the health of the Salish Sea Ecosystem and its fish and wildlife. This includes working with the Science Director to develop research questions that will provide data that improve conservation, organizing field operations on land, below water, and on the water to collect data and samples, managing data, submitting samples for testing, analyzing results and working with SeaDoc's science team to publish peer-reviewed publications.

As part of the SeaDoc Society, this person will also assist with grant writing and reporting, donor engagement, educational outreach, equipment maintenance, and other day to day activities that ensure that SeaDoc accomplishes its mission of ensuring the health of marine wildlife and ecosystems through science and education.

Apply By Date: June 30^th 2026, by 11:59PM

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• American Academy of Underwater Scientists (AAUS) research diving certification, including cold-water diving experience, and experience operating small research vessels with Motorboat Operator Training certification.
• Possession of a Washington State driver's license, or the ability to obtain one within three months of hire.
• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences (e.g., ecology, wildlife biology) or equivalent education and experience in an animal-based field.
• Experience using R, GIS, and other analytical tools for statistical analysis and data visualization.
• Experience with cold-water research diving and small motorboat operations, including familiarity with marine fieldwork protocols and safety procedures.
• Coldwater diving experience, small motorboat operations experience, strong written communication and Doral skills including prior peer-reviewed publication experience, experience with R, GIS and other statistical skills
• Physically capable of working in remote outdoor locations under varying weather conditions to carry out various (sometimes strenuous) field activities including being on small boats for long days, conducting research surveys, using hand tools and equipment, and walking/hiking long distances and/or for long periods
• Flexibility to adjust workload and priorities and respond to diverse and changing deadlines and needs; Organizational skills and ability to maintain thorough and accurate records.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience identifying Salish Sea marine mammals, birds, fish, and invertebrates; conducting underwater research photography and videography using DSLR cameras; and performing data analysis using R (including exploratory statistics, data manipulation, ggplot2, regression and Bayesian modeling, R Markdown, Shiny, and GitHub).
• Master's degree in biological sciences (e.g., ecology, wildlife biology) or equivalent education and experience in an animal-based field.
• Experience identifying mammals, birds, fish, and invertebrates of the Salish Sea, with proficiency in above- and below-water photography and videography.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including prior peer-reviewed publication experience, and proficiency using R, GIS, and other statistical and data visualization tools.
• Physically capable of working in remote outdoor environments under varying weather conditions, including long days on small boats, conducting field surveys, using hand tools and equipment, and walking or hiking long distances.
• Highly organized and adaptable, with the ability to manage shifting priorities and deadlines, maintain accurate records, and respond effectively to evolving project needs.

Key Responsibilities

• 65% - Research
• 15% - Educational and Programmatic Outreach
• 15% - Field Equipment Preparation and Maintenance
• 5% - Other Duties Assigned

Department Overview

Administered by the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, SeaDoc Society is a program that uses science to improve the health of the Salish Sea ecosystem and its wildlife. Primarily funded by private donations and grants, SeaDoc conducts and funds science, publishes results in peer-reviewed publications, and works to ensure that new data are incorporated into Salish Sea-wide conservation efforts ranging from invertebrates to fish to birds and mammals.

Department Specific Job Scope

Under the direction of the Science Director, SeaDoc Society (UC Davis, Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center), this position supports the development, execution, and dissemination of applied research focused on the health of the Salish Sea ecosystem and its wildlife. Responsibilities include assisting with research design, coordinating and conducting field operations across terrestrial and marine environments, managing and analyzing data and samples, and contributing to peer-reviewed publications. The role also supports grant writing and reporting, donor and community engagement, educational outreach, and day-to-day operational activities that advance SeaDoc Society's mission to improve marine wildlife and ecosystem health through science and education.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $28.16/hr. - $48.47/hr.
• Salary Frequency: Bi-weekly
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: FIELD RESEARCHER 2 RP
• UC Job Code: 005245
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8am-5pm
• Location: Davis
• Union Representation: RP - Research and Public Service Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

*Subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws, Regulations and University policy (including vaccination policy for COVID-19 and influenza). *Work long hours in a variety of conditions on short notice. *Work with a variety of people in both small and large teams. *Work in inclement weather, at times walking/hiking for long distances or long periods, or on a boat for several hours. *Wear personal protective equipment and protective clothing, including in hot, humid environments and/or while working long hours or while walking/hiking long distances. *Work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present. *Work with potentially dangerous wildlife. *Work occasional overtime, holidays, and weekends. *Restricted vacation during peak periods.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• N/A

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

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

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

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