Stranding Technician

** Continuous Recruitment **
Multiple positions available.
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

This is a seasonal position with work time related to the number of strandings that land on beaches. This typically means that there are more hours in the summer and less hours in the winter with intermediate levels in fall and spring.

NOTIFICATIONS

The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California's COVID-19 vaccine program.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our Talent Acquisition website. 

• How to Apply
• Troubleshooting
• Tips for Applicants
• FAQ’s

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. Materials submitted after the IRD will ONLY be forwarded at the request of the hiring unit. To ensure your application is routed for consideration, submit your materials before 11:59 p.m. on the IRD.  Talent Acquisition cannot accept application materials outside of the jobs portal, and is unable to update submitted applications on an applicant's behalf, or forward communications to the hiring units. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link .

The IRD for this job is: 09-21-2023

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (EEB), is devoted to the study of ecological and evolutionary processes in marine and terrestrial and freshwater environments. The past 30 years have seen several revolutions in our understanding of how the biological world works. Advances in both analytical and genetic methods have given us a far more sophisticated understanding of the complexities of ecological and evolutionary processes in the natural world. Biologists at UCSC have played and will continue to play an important part in these advances, and the campus programs offer unique educational opportunities in biology that feature small class sizes and extensive faculty-student interactions.

Class offerings, as well as research opportunities, focus on the varied natural environments in the Monterey Bay region, throughout the western US, and in more distant locations such as Mexico, Tahiti, Australia, and the Far East. This emphasis on field studies is a unique focus of our variety of undergraduate majors, within this context they address not only basic ecological and evolutionary processes, but also the application of this knowledge to improve conservation strategies and environmental quality.

More information can be found at https://lmlstrandingnetwork.ucsc.edu/

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Principal Researcher, Dr. Robin Dunkin, and co-investigators the selected candidate will assist in the day to day activities of the Long Marine Lab Stranding Program. This program responds to all dead marine mammals that strand in Santa Cruz county. Data collected from our program is used by NOAA and researchers to understand marine mammal health and human interaction as well as ocean health.

Involves conducting or assisting with routine, emergency and critical veterinary care and animal husbandry activities for clinical or laboratory animal patients. May be involved in conducting or assisting with research and teaching projects including development and design of animal protocols. May involve internal and public outreach. May include instructions of students, volunteers and clients.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $23.53/hour. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Core benefits

Schedule Information:

• Part-time, Variable
• Percentage of Time: 50%, 20 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Any day of the week to ensure full coverage with other staff.
• Shift Includes: Day, Weekend

Employee Classification: Limited appointment 

Job End Date: 5 months from hire date, with possibility of extension

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: TX Union

Job Code Classification: 009525 (ANML TCHN)

Travel:  Up to 25% of the time

JOB DUTIES

50% - Data Management

• Enter level A data into the local and national stranding database within 30 days of each stranding. File necropsy forms as appropriate and prepare and ship samples to pathologist and track sample data after necropsy. Enter pathology data into local database. Upload stranding and necropsy photos to case reports in database.

25% - Stranding Response

• Be on call for stranding response 3 days a week. Coordinate and/or directly respond to carcasses on the beach and fill out the level A form. Inventory and prepare equipment for large whale response. Assist with necropsies when they occur. Ensure necropsy lab is cleaned after carcass retrieval. Assist in cleaning tasks such as post necropsy laundry or necropsy room clean up as appropriate.

15% - Data Collection and Analysis

• Participate in the collection of beach survey data once per month. Participate in the collection data for the Large Whale Resources for Santa Cruz County Project. Assist with preparation of this data for the final report.

10% - Supervise Volunteers

• Assist in training new volunteers during the annual training and during their initial field training period (3 months). Assist in training new volunteers during the annual training and during their initial field training period (3 months).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 1 year of marine mammal stranding response experience (such as volunteering or being employed with a marine mammal stranding program).
• Experience in data entry and data management.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Good record keeping skills and the ability to work conscientiously, methodically and independently.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to exercise flexibility, initiative, good judgment, and discretion.
• Some experience with marine mammal necropsy.
• Commitment to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• Ability to perform essential physical job functions.
• Ability to perform work in a rugged physical environment and inclement weather with challenging infrastructure requirements.
• Ability to work in conditions of variable temperature/weather with possible exposure to strong, unpleasant odors, high levels of noise and vibrations, and exposure to dust and allergens.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• Will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
• Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to work on-call.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to wear proper safety attire (long pants, closed-toe shoes, etc.) and personal protective equipment common in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to read signs and follow directions on labels that are written in English as well as ability to read and understand Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and the proper use of chemical compounds.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• Ability to travel within a defined regional or service area.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here .

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment 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. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.