Junior Specialist for Fish Conservation and Culture Laboratory (Dept. of WFCB at UC Davis)

Company: University of California - Davis
Location: Davis
Posted on: May 20, 2025

Job Description:

Position overview



Salary range:
A reasonable estimate for Jr. Specialist position is $53,100 at Step 1 or $56,600 at Step 2










Application Window




Open date: April 10, 2025




Most recent review date: Monday, Apr 28, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.




Final date: Friday, May 23, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.




Position description

Research 95%:

The FCCL is an off-campus fish culture and research facility mainly focusing on two federal and state listed fish species, delta smelt and longfin smelt. One of the most important tasks is to maintain a genetically managed refuge population of delta smelt, which represents a safeguard against species extinction in the wild. The FCCL also supplies a certain number of fish each year to supplement wild population and research groups with various topics and provides necessary husbandry consultation and support. We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individuals to be part of our interdisciplinary studies. This position will be involved in research aimed at improving our understanding of the ecology of native smelt 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. The Junior Specialist will assist in projects related to the conservation of the listed species and hatchery operation. The incumbent will be involved in the tasks required for projects including but not limit to, 1) conduct feeding, fish care, and health inspections of the fish, 2) perform treatments following instruction, 3) assist in the construction of animal culture systems, 4) prepare fish transport systems, 5) conduct fish spawning, marking and tagging, 6) document fish numbers, 7) summarize data, and 8) other tasks that are needed for the hatchery operation such as conducting purchasing or assisting in safety coordination.

This job requires indoor and outdoor work conditions, over rough terrain daily. 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. Physical strength and endurance to move throughout facility is required. Must be able to move containers 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 on a boat. May encounter spiders, snakes, wasps, and other animals occurring in field conditions. A successful applicant will be required to communicate with funding agencies, assist in writing technical reports and renewing permits, and contribute to the preparation of journal articles.

Professional Competency 5%:

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. 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.






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.



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 chemical safety data sheets (SDS) 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 (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)
* Experience handling native CA sturgeon, smelt, and salmonids

* Experience working independently and as a team, and in seeking more tasks as work load lessens

* Experience with aquaculture 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 safely 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
  
• Authorization to Release Information Form - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.
  
  
  
  Reference requirements
  • 2-3 required (contact information only)
    
    Apply link:
    https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07078
    
    Help contact: dacrum@ucdavis.edu
    
    
    
    About UC Davis
    
    As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
    
    
    • 
      
    • "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
      
    • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
      
    • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
      
    • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
      
      
      To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.
      
      UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).
      
      The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state for federal law.
      
      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 UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify
      
      The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: "To Boldly Go," our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs' Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400.
      
      UC Davis also is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.
      
      The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.
      
      As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      Job location
      Davis, CA

Keywords: University of California - Davis, Union City , Junior Specialist for Fish Conservation and Culture Laboratory (Dept. of WFCB at UC Davis), Healthcare , Davis, California