San Clemente Island Lead Field Researcher - 127890

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 2/4/24 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 2/15/24. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

Job posting will remain open until a suitable candidate has been identified.

Under direct guidance of PI and with work direction from associates in the U.S. Navy, the Lead Field Researcher will oversee the on-going Argentine ant eradication program on San Clemente Island (SCI), a Naval installation on the southern-most of California's Channel Islands.

The incumbent will measure the efficacy and conservation gains of Argentine ant eradication and implement eradication protocols in wild land areas. In addition, the incumbent will perform physical land management duties such as working around heavy equipment, ATVs and helicopters, hand deployment of pesticide over rugged terrain; bending and crouching to perform monitoring and control efforts; and hauling heavy, awkward materials and equipment. Other responsibilities include data entry and management, mapping using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) database, statistical analysis, writing monthly and annual progress reports, and providing training and oversight to students and seasonal field workers.

All field work will be conducted on SCI, which is owned and operated by the U.S. Navy as a test and evaluation site, shore bombardment range, and warfare training grounds. The island is home to a large number of endemic and rare plant, animal and bird species, with an extensive community of biologists, archaeologists and researchers. Incumbent will collaborate frequently with other lab members, members of the U.S. Navy, and other members of the SCI field station teams.

~Room and board will be provided while on San Clemente Island. Work schedule will be 10 days on-island and 4 days off-island. Schedule may change based on needs of project. Transportation to and from the island via the Coronado Naval Base is provided. Portions of this project that do not require being on the island can be completed on the mainland.

~Pesticide applicators license from California is required for this position. Training can be completed at the start of the field season.

~This position's schedule will be variable based on project needs and that part of the year will be spent on a remote island location.

• Theoretical and practical knowledge of ecology, including relevant laboratory techniques acquired through a Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and laboratory experience.

• Working knowledge of safety, legal, cultural and regulatory requirements relative to field research responsibility. Demonstrated experience with basic microbiological and sterile techniques.

• Working knowledge of research discipline, principles, concepts, analysis and / or operations being conducted at field / remote sites. Demonstrated experience performing GIS and statistical analyses, managing biological and geographical data, and writing monthly and annual reports of tasks completed.

• Working knowledge of local customs and operations at field / remote sites.

• Demonstrates ability to develop and maintain strategic relationships and partnerships with remote research partners. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with multiple agencies to fulfill contractual duties.

• Demonstrates ability to work with a team, and to meet deadlines with minimal supervision. Excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively with faculty, academics, students, military, and civilian personnel of a variety of backgrounds. Experience providing work direction to a team.

• Demonstrates attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Demonstrates ability to work in ambiguous conditions.

• Proficient research and analytical skills. Familiarity with statistical tests for variety of data types, e.g. ecological and molecular data.

• Demonstrated communication skills with project team members. Demonstrated successful, positive interpersonal, oral and written communication skills using tact, diplomacy and flexibility with diverse personalities and situations.

• Demonstrated ability to use word processing, spreadsheet software and databases for the MAC and PC, with the willingness and ability to update and increase skills and knowledge as needed. Skill in data entry.

• Demonstrated ability to accurately organize, store, and retrieve all experimental samples. Ability to record scientific data in a well-organized laboratory notebook. Good organizational skills including ability to keep clear and accurate records.

• Experience with social insects in both laboratory and field settings.

• Familiarity with identifying arthropods

• Willingness and demonstrated ability to embrace and consistently uphold the principles of community for a collaborative work environment.

• Demonstrated ability to safely operate and maintain mechanical equipment, hand tools, herbicide/pesticide application equipment, and GPS units.

• Demonstrated ability to independently create, update, optimize and maintain multiple databases.

• Ability to independently follow and troubleshoot established protocols and procedures.

• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials, including pesticides.

• Pesticide applicators license from California is required for this position. Training can be completed at the start of the field season.

• Must be willing to live and work on a remote island.

• Must be willing to travel back and forth from field location to UCSD as needed.

• Must be willing and able to lift loads of up to 45 lbs throughout the workday.

• Most be willing and able to operate 4-wheel-drive vehicles.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $56,700 - $97,500 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $27.16 - $46.70

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

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