Junior Specialist for Todd Laboratory in Herpetology & Wildlife Conservation - Dept of WFCB at UC Davis (JPF06638)

Appointee(s) to the Junior Specialist will be involved in research related to the conservation and ecology of California’s reptiles and amphibians. Opportunities will generally involve research with threatened or endangered species, including species like the Mojave Desert Tortoise.

The position requires the candidate to conduct field or lab studies with reptiles or amphibians. This may include laboratory-based experimental research/husbandry and/or field-based observational research using radio-telemetry and requiring familiarity with GPS technology and location data. The applicant will preferably have experience with CA native reptiles and amphibians and/or experience with radio-telemetry and sensitive-status species. This position will be involved in research aimed at improving our understanding of the ecology of native herpetofauna with direct application to the conservation of these species.

Under the supervision of Dr. Brian Todd, the appointee(s) will perform the following duties:

General responsibilities include the care of sensitive reptile species, construction/maintenance of experimental and husbandry systems, and performance of high-quality research in a field or laboratory setting. Applicants will likely be required to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including remote field areas where temperatures can reach extremes (e.g., Mojave Desert); working evenings or weekends to fulfill experimental or test animal maintenance requirements, as well as working during normal working hours in temperature-controlled office and lab facilities. Must be able to lift equipment up to 30 lbs.; must be able to withstand the weather and temperature-related working conditions as previously described, with careful attention to personal safety and avoiding weather-related illness. Responsibilities may also include maintaining telemetry equipment in the field/lab, assisting during transmitter deployment, data collection, and assisting in data entry and quality control of datasets. A successful applicant will be required to communicate with funding agencies, help write technical and permitting reports, and contribute in the preparation of journal articles. Depending on field duties and schedule, they will attend laboratory meetings, review journal articles, engage in discussions on research and the interpretation of research results, and may have the possibility of presenting research findings at technical meetings and professional societies.

The ideal candidate will have strong problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. They will also have demonstrated the attention to detail required to successfully collect, organize, and store data, as well as to communicate critical project needs, changes, or challenges to senior staff and faculty in a collaborative setting.

Research (90%):

The incumbent will help design and execute studies in consultation with the PI and other project scientists. They will provide feedback on aspects of the studies. They will help with collecting and summarizing data, may assist in data analyses, and will provide information to be used for annual and related reports. They will assist the project by writing annual permitting reports and by participating in lab discussions. They will contribute to, edit, and provide feedback on any publications resulting from the work. They will be involved in animal use protocol reporting and compliance, as well as writing protocols.

Professional Competence (5%)
The incumbent may be able to participate in regional meetings. The incumbent will be expected to interact with and engage stakeholders and other agencies involved in wildlife management.

University and Public Service (5%)
The incumbent may assist in training or mentoring of other junior scientists or project personnel or participate in university or other groups to improve equity and inclusion in the sciences.

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

A Bachelor’s degree in biology, conservation, ecology, wildlife or similar degree in a discipline relevant or related to the research conducted in the unit hiring the appointee.

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 material safety data sheets (MSDS) 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 with animal care/husbandry.
• Experience handling native CA reptiles or closely related species, including ability to obtain permits for handling desert tortoise or other similarly threatened native species.
• Experience working independently and as a team, and in seeking more tasks as work load lessens.
• Experience with radio-telemetry technologies.
• Experience with standard reptile or amphibian data collection (e.g. identification, length/weight measurement) and experience handling and transporting animals.
• Knowledge of GPS equipment, GIS software, and with R or other statistical software.
• Experience working in remote field or laboratory locations.
• Has basic first-aid or wilderness training and certifications.

• 2-3 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06638