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UC Davis College of Engineering
2026-2027 Jr. Specialist - Environmental Science & Policy
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What they do
A Field Biologist studies plants and animals in their natural environments or studies plant and animal ecosystems. Conducts field research, collects observations and analyzes data. May direct research for environmental assessments or research for agricultural products.
$81,394 / year median in California
+7% projected growth
Job Description
Position overview Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is from $27.30
- 29.
Final date:
Thursday, Dec 31, 2026 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 This position will carry out a field ecology experiment at a remote location, working largely independently. Specific tasks include finding georeferenced locations, accessing them by private vehicle and foot; implementing experimental treatments (mowing, fertilization, seed addition over a period of 6 months); and collecting the resulting plant community data (this entails the ability to correctly identify >100 plant species). Ability to make good scientific and safety decisions while alone in the field is essential. Data entry and quality control. Data analysis, including creating derived variables and running statistical analyses of the results. Data presentation, including graphs. McLaughlin UC Reserve, Lower Lake, CA Participation in manuscript preparation. Research (90%) The incumbent will have primary responsibility for carrying out a field ecology experiment at a remote location from October 2026 to June 2027, living at the field station for most or all of this time, working largely alone, and making many decisions independently. The fieldwork consists of repeatedly finding georeferenced locations, accessing them by private vehicle and foot; choosing and laying out experimental plots; implementing experimental treatments that include mowing, fertilization, and seed addition; and collecting the resulting plant community data. The data collection step entails being able to correctly identify >100 plant species and to make careful, time-efficient assessments of plant cover by species in plots, which are advanced skills requiring prior experience. The incumbent will also have primary responsibility for data entry and data quality control in April-June 2027. An important job duty will be self-transporting by driving a personal vehicle (subject to mileage reimbursement) to reach the field station and specific research locations, which will add up to considerably more than 10 miles/week. The field station is located in Lake County, 75 miles from Davis and 15 miles from the nearest grocery or hardware store. The individual research locations are at distances of 0.5 miles to 5 miles from the field station. No public transportation or carpooling is available either from Davis to the field station or from the field stations to the research locations, and no university vehicle is available. No commercial driver's license is needed. The incumbent will have co-responsibility, working with the PI in June-August 2027, for data analysis, including creating derived variables; running statistical analyses of the results; and data presentation, including graphs. The incumbent will have co-responsibility, working with the PI, for discussing the interpretation of the results and preparing the results for a manuscript for publication. Professional Competence (5%): The incumbent will submit an abstract for consideration as oral presentation to the Ecological Society of America in 2027. Assuming it is accepted, the incumbent will participate in the conference as a presenter with all expenses supported by the PI. University and Public Service (5%): The incumbent will participate in outreach activities led by the PI on testing spatial ecology in grassland ecosystems.TERM OF APPOINTMENT
Up to one year part-time at 50%, Junior Specialist, Step 2 Qualifications Basic qualifications (required at time of application)- Within 2 semesters of completion of a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate field. Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
- Demonstrated interest and abilities in ecological research, attested by ecological research experience (including field research experience) and by letters of recommendation.
- Demonstrated ability to identify plants to species.
- Ability to work alone and make good scientific and safety decisions in the field with a high degree of independence.
- Ability to work safely in challenging outdoors conditions (heat, cold, remoteness, rattlesnakes) and to hike 5 miles in rough terrain carrying 30 lbs.
- Flexibility to work variable hours each week depending on the needs of the project. Private vehicle that can be used for the project, subject to mileage reimbursement.
- Required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program. Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)
- Interest in using this project as a bridge to graduate study. Application Requirements Document requirements Curriculum Vitae
- Your most recently updated C.V. Cover Letter Statement of Research (Optional) Authorization to Release Information Form
- This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments.
- 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into