Lead Scientific Diving & Lab Technician-Marine Ecology

The Smith Lab at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for a lead diving field technician in marine ecology. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Smith, the technician will assist with interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in marine community and ecosystem ecology and conservation. In particular, this position is part of a collaborative study between UCSC and the Monterey Bay Aquarium aimed at evaluating whether propagule delivery or herbivory are the predominant impediments to kelp forest recovery. The project aims to determine how physical oceanographic processes and alternative ecosystem states reciprocally influence patterns of propagule (i.e., sea urchin larvae and kelp spores) delivery in a foundational primary producer and a habitat-forming grazer. We will use a triangulation of approaches by combining empirically measured rates of propagule delivery with biophysical oceanographic modeling to reveal how hydrodynamic forces affect coupling between the delivery of propagules and large-scale patterns in ecosystem states. SCUBA diving is an essential function of this job.

General responsibilities: the technician will play a central role in coordinating field and laboratory components of the study. Serving as the primary field technician, the incumbent will organize field operations and operate small boats and dive vessels. Field responsibilities will include conducting scientific diving, installing and maintaining experimental equipment underwater, conducting field surveys, and collecting samples for laboratory analyses.

In addition to field operations, the technician will manage daily laboratory operations. Core responsibilities will include processing biological samples, culturing kelp spores, performing microscope-based analyses, and onboarding undergraduate students and volunteers. The incumbent will train and supervise undergraduate students and volunteers in laboratory and field protocols and will maintain high standards of data entry and quality control and ensure smooth coordination across project institutions.

Other responsibilities include coordinating resources for on-going research projects; planning and organizing logistics for local and remote field missions; independently developing and refining sampling design and protocols as needed; collecting and performing quality control and basic analysis of data as well as organizing and modifying project databases; maintaining small boats and vehicles; and contributing to the development of technical reports and grant proposals. Given the nature of the position, the diving field technicians must successfully work independently and as part of a team and they must consistently demonstrate strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills.

Applicants with experience in the following areas are strongly encouraged to apply: MOTC certification and experience operating small (15'-25') vessels in coastal waters of central California; organizing and leading groups of research divers in potentially harsh field conditions (including scheduling, ordering, and task coordination); experience with data analysis in R, and/or training and overseeing technical field assistants.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

AAUS Scientific Diving Certification: Selected candidates must provide a letter of reciprocity (LOR) from a participating AAUS institution certifying qualification as a Scientific Research Diver prior to employment.

The hiring unit will not sponsor employment-eligible immigration statuses for this position.

Smith Lab: https://smithlab.ucsc.edu/

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department: https://eeb.ucsc.edu/

• Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent foreign degree) in marine biology or related field (e.g., marine sciences, biological oceanography, etc.).
• A minimum of one year of experience in laboratory and/or field research relevant to the advertised position (e.g., processing biological samples, performing microscopic-based analyses, and entering and quality-checking data, etc.).
  
  
• Demonstrated knowledge of species identification of algae, invertebrates, and fishes in kelp forest ecosystems along the coast of California.
• Experience with conducting field research in kelp forest ecosystems along the coast of California.

Your application must demonstrate (e.g., in your C.V. or cover letter) that you meet all of the basic qualifications when you submit your application. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
  

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at jobaccommodations@ucsc.edu or (831) 459-4602.

Notice of Availability: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), UCSC publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.

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. The university sponsors employment-based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz, as outlined in campus policy CAPM 102.530.

UCSC is a smoke & tobacco-free campus.

UCSC is committed to addressing the spousal and partner employment needs of our candidates and employees. As part of this commitment, our institution is a member of the Northern California Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (NorCal HERC). Visit the NorCal HERC website to search for open positions within a commutable distance of our institution.

The University of California offers a competitive benefits package and a number of programs to support employee work/life balance.

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.

VISIT UC Santa Cruz