Ecology Research Technician at the University of California Santa Barbara
Job title: Ecology Research Technician
Organization: University of California Santa Barbara
Pay: $2500/month
Duration: early April – June (spring) or September (spring and summer). Preference given to those able to work the full field season, but will consider qualified candidates who can only work spring.
Location: Based in Santa Barbara, CA with frequent multi-day travel (typically M-F) to field site at Tejon Ranch, Kern CO., CA. Some weekend work required; schedule and hours will vary depending weather, etc. Willingness to work a flexible schedule required.
Job Description: Seeking 1-2 self-motivated, academically curious research technicians to lead spring and summer fieldwork for a project investigating context-dependent effects of large herbivores (deer, elk, cattle) on plant communities and associated impacts on ecosystem function, using a large-scale herbivore exclosure experiment in the Tehachapi Mountains, southcentral California. We are conducting several concurrent studies in this system including 1) impacts on floral resource availability for insect pollinators, and 2) tick-borne disease dynamics. The ideal candidate(s) will possess the interest and ability to make informed, responsible judgement calls in the field, create/expand upon existing methods, and develop and conduct additional research questions to advance the scope and value of the overall project. Technicians will work together, with undergraduate and graduate students, full-time lab staff, and with short-term volunteers.
Technicians will be expected to conduct core tasks including:
- Identifying CA plants (annual grassland species), keying out unknown species, and conducting quadrat and point intercept surveys (**required knowledge – minimal training will be provided)
- Plant phenology monitoring
- Quantifying nectar concentration and pollen loads from select flowering plant species
- Plant-pollinator observations – interaction rates
- Meticulous data collection/data entry, and biweekly data proofing
- DOE- lab work (DNA extraction), basic statistical analyses
Technicians will also aid with the following:
- Driving a 4wd truck on unmaintained roads
- Driving between field sites and to/from UCSB campus (100+ miles)
- Maintaining experimental infrastructure (i.e. barbed wire fencing)
- Monitoring HOBO climate loggers
- Dragging for ticks
- Large herbivore dung count surveys
- Maintaining camera trap arrays for large wildlife
- Plant biomass collection
- Possible help with bird, small mammal, lizard surveys
Technicians should be comfortable lifting 40+lbs and working long hours outside in all types of weather; working both alone and on a team. Ideal qualifications and skills include:
-Completion of a degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, or a related field
-CA grassland plant ID and survey experience, and ability to use ID guides (ex. Jepson manual)
-minimum 1-year prior field and research experience
-valid driver’s license
This is a seasonal position, with no benefits, and an ideal start date in late March or early April. Food and lodging are not covered. Campsite when in the field is on rangeland–meaning, there are many cows nearby– with no electricity or potable water. Preference will be given to those interested in pursuing a career in ecology and research. Field site is on a working ranch: demonstrated strong interpersonal skills for communicating and working effectively with private landowners, fellow technicians, and program managers is preferred. Preference will be given to those able to work through summer. Experience driving off road in 4wd vehicles and able to do basic vehicle maintenance (i.e. change a tire) is desired.
Application Instructions:
All interested, qualified persons contact Devyn Orr at devyn@ucsb.edu with a letter of interest, resume/CV, and contact information for two references. In your email, please state your availability for start/end dates. If you have questions regarding this position, please reach out.