Seasonal field research assistants, Great Basin

SEASONAL AVIAN ECOLOGY RESEARCH ASSISTANTS

The Fleishman lab at the University of California, Davis invites applications for up to four ornithological field assistants from mid May through mid July of 2020. Screening of applicants is ongoing and will continue as needed.

Position description

This position will participate in long-term studies of avian ecology in the montane Great Basin (eastern California and western and central Nevada). General responsibilities include conducting daily point counts of breeding birds; measuring vegetation structure, composition, and phenology; and recording data on microclimate. Excellent opportunity to explore the little-known, spectacular mountain ranges of the Great Basin (e.g., Wassuk, Sweetwater, Shoshone, Toiyabe, Toquima, and Monitor) and to interact with multidisciplinary teams of scientists and land managers. Few days off, but some afternoons free. Research assistants will work independently and in small teams. Field vehicle provided, or use your own 4WD vehicle and receive additional generous compensation for mileage. Camping at field sites will be the norm, with occasional access to small-town motels.

Basic qualifications

·      BS in ecology, natural resources, or a related field with two or more years of experience in remote field settings.

·      Experience and proficiency in identification of western birds by sound and sight. This existing skill is essential to the position.

·      Experience performing point counts or similar surveys of breeding birds.

·      Experience measuring vegetation structure and composition.

·      Excellent organizational skills, including ability to collect and maintain accurate hard-copy data records.

·      Strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills

·      Good physical condition and the ability to work independently, sometimes for long hours, in remote field settings, including regular camping in the field.

·      Valid driver’s license issued in the United States.

·      Experience driving four-wheel drive vehicles on county-maintained roads.

Preferred qualifications

·      Ability to operate manual-transmission vehicles.

·      CPR and first aid certifications.

Salary range. Equivalent to $36,691–40,498 annual, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

To apply

Please go to https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucdavis/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&SiteId=7&FOCUS=Applicant&JobOpeningId=5714&PostingSeq=1

Applicants must submit a cover letter describing their qualifications, including but not limited to their ability to identify western birds by sound and sight, previous experience with ornithological surveys, experience with identification and measurement of the Great Basin flora, and backcountry experience. Applicants also must submit a curriculum vitae or resume. Documents or materials must be submitted as PDFs. Additionally, applicants must provide contact information (including email and telephone number) for three professional references.

Questions. Please direct questions to Erica Fleishman, efleishman@ucdavis.edu.

The University of California 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 complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct.

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 positions funded by federal contracts or subcontracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify.