Position overview Position title: Wetlands Assistant Specialist (Assistant Specialist Rank) Salary range: The posted UCSC Salary Scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the scale titled, Represented Specialist Series. A salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions. A reasonable estimate for this position is $61,300.
Percent time: Full-time (100%)
Anticipated start: As soon as January 1, 2025.
Position duration: Initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of reappointment. Should the hiring unit propose reappointment; a review to assess performance will be conducted. Reappointment is also contingent upon the availability of funding.
Application Window
Open date: September 19, 2024
Next review date: Monday, Dec 9, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Friday, Feb 28, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position Description
The UCSCs Paytan Biogeochemistry Lab is dedicated to exploring the intricate web of interactions between living organisms and the chemical elements that shape our planet.
Under the direction of Professor Adina Paytan, the assistant specialist will work on the role of water dynamics in the carbon budget of salt marshes by processing data from Water Quality Stations through California.
Duties will include field work involving calibrating EXO snode sensors, deploy various equipment and sensors in the field; collect water, sediment samples, and sediment cores; construct and maintain equipment deployment platforms; use RAD7s to measure radon in groundwater; deploy and retrieve water level loggers; perform equipment maintenance; and assist students with field work in the wetlands.
The selected candidate will be expected to analyze samples for nutrients using a SEAL instrument, analyze samples for carbon species using a coulometer and Shimadzu instrument, maintain RaDeCC systems and analyze monthly standards and samples, use R and/or Python for environmental date processing, and assist students with sample preparation and analysis of sediment and water samples.
Applicants with experience working in the Elkhorn Slough Reserve are highly encouraged to apply.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Selected candidates must travel and work in remote locations (field sites) and must be able to adapt to a flexible and demanding field schedule (including some evenings and weekends).
Selected candidates must possess (or readily obtain) a valid license to drive in the state of California.to travel to field sites.
Fieldwork may require camping as well as working in the early morning hours and in cold and adverse weather conditions.
Selected candidates must be physically capable of carrying 60 pounds of field equipment to and from field sites, hike in rocky and uneven terrain, and be able to bend and kneel for long periods of time in the field.
Selected candidate must be able to work safety in areas where hazardous materials are present and wear proper safety attire.
The hiring unit will not sponsor employment-eligible immigration statuses for this position.
Basic qualifications (required at the time the application is submitted)
Masters degree (or equivalent foreign degree) in marine sciences, geology, or environmental science.
A minimum of one year of demonstrated experience working with sensors in aquatic environments such as ProOceanus and YSI EXO sondes.
Demonstrated experience with water and sediment chemistry in estuarine ecosystems.
Demonstrated experience with groundwater in coastal environments.
Demonstrated experience using a RAD7.
Your application must demonstrate that you meet all of the basic qualifications when you submit your application. There are no exceptions to this requirement.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. Please include DOI links or the URLs of PDFs for all publications listed on your CV, if applicable. Additionally, please include the names and contact information for a minimum of three professional references. The committee will conduct reference checks for those applicants who are under serious consideration.
Cover Letter - A letter that summarizes your qualifications (previous research experience, relevant skills), and interest in the position.
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. 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. Inquiries regarding the Universitys equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to the Equity and Equal Protection Office at the University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 or by email at equity@ucsc.edu.
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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 UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check (see https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify). The university sponsors employment-based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz (see https://apo.ucsc.edu/policy/capm/102.530.html).
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If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at roberts@ucsc.edu (831) 459-4602.
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As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
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