[Closed] Job Opening: Associate Specialist in Coastal Ecosystems, Seagrass Ecology, and Restoration (2 Positions)

Nature & Purpose

This position of Specialist provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment or with geography research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. Candidates must be apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintain technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork, and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to participate in the planning of research and educational programs.

Major Responsibilities

I. Research in specialized areas (85% effort)

The objective of this research position is to improve understanding of the numerous ecosystem services of coastal wetlands and seagrass beds can provide both locally across California as well as through the Pacific Region, Mariana Archipelago comprised of Guam and Tinian among other nearby areas. Specialized field, laboratory and data analysis techniques will be utilized to ensure that data are properly collected and analyzed. The researcher will be expected to work with limited supervision and to make substantial contributions toward publishable research.

Field work will involve extensive travel time to location to restore wetland and seagrass beds. This will include but is not limited to conducting surveys to assess the plant community and their distribution within restored wetlands and seagrass beds. The candidate will also be responsible for sampling water quality (water level, clarity, light availability, turbidity, algal blooms, nutrient levels, salinity, and temperature), identifying habitat complexity, and sedimentary properties or any other additional methods based on the best available science.

The candidate will be responsible for seagrass survey methods utilized by previous field efforts and continuing data collection using the same methods for reproducibility. Additionally, the candidate will measure plant and algae frequency and percent cover, as well as macroinvertebrate frequency and density.

The candidate will collect sediment samples to identify target sites for seagrass restoration. This will include grain size distribution, nutrient content, and sediment accretion.

This position includes specialized laboratory and data analysis of vegetation, macroinvertebrates samples, processing of soils, and spatial data. Candidate will be familiar and able to use QC data and enter data into project databases using MS Access. Candidate is expected to analyze laboratory and field data using MS Excel, plotting software and the R statistical programming language.

This position will oversee and manage a busy working laboratory used by multiple scientists working on separate projects. This includes ensuring that the lab passes safety inspections, that it is well maintained and stocked with necessary supplies, and that it remains clean and efficient.

Will serve as a research coordinator on ecosystem services of coastal wetlands and seagrass beds projects conducted by PIs in the Center for Watershed Sciences, using specialized expertise, ensuring uninterrupted communication between field, laboratories, and data management.

Project functions and project output functions include preparation of reports, posters, and participation in manuscript writing. Creative activities include assisting in project design, grant writing, proposal review, and data analysis by providing to these endeavors the specialized expertise in ecosystem services coastal wetlands and seagrass beds to the PIs in the Center for Watershed Sciences.

Responsible for writing grant reports for agencies on projects within the area of expertise as requested by PIs and for writing research methods sections of papers in areas of expertise and reviews/comments on manuscripts.

II. Professional competence and activity (10% effort)

Develop relationships with partner agencies through attendance and participation in professional meetings, workshops, or conferences. Where opportunities are allowed, the candidate will review proposals or publications related to their areas of scientific expertise and practical experience.

III. University and public service (5% effort)

Will act as technical liaison on issues of ecosystem services of coastal wetlands and seagrass beds and respond to the needs of local agencies (Solano County Water Agency) state agencies (DWR, SWRCB, CDFW) and federal agencies (NOAA, NMFS, USFWS, DoD, USEPA), NGOs (Putah Creek Council, CalTrout, TNC, and similar) and other external groups. Serve on committees of department, college, campus, and other University entities, as appropriate. Mentoring skills to support their role as a mentor and trainer to students and junior specialists pursuing a similar area of study.

Department: https://watershed.ucdavis.edu/

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Master’s degree (completed or expected by start date) in geography, ecology, biology, environmental studies or related discipline, or equivalent experience
• Three years’ experience in field and laboratory research
• Current driver’s license
• Experience in small boat safety and handling
• Experience with aquatic sampling methods
• Experience synthesizing and analyzing data
• Ability to process and analyze data in Excel, Access, ArcGIS, and Program R
• Ability to assist with maintaining all research equipment and vehicles and to make repairs

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

• Experience in seagrass restoration
• Identify marine fishes
• Demonstrated field leadership experience
• Ability to organize, execute and evaluate a research project
• Familiarity with writing scientific papers
• Statistical knowledge
• Certifications in wilderness first aid, Swiftwater rescue and small boat handling