Jr. Specialist- Potter Lab

Open date: January 20, 2026

Most recent review date: Wednesday, Feb 4, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Wednesday, Jan 20, 2027 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.

The Potter lab in the Department of Plant Sciences is seeking a Junior Specialist to conduct research consisting of inventories of rare threatened and endangered plant species at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (WHIS). Inventories will focus on surveys of special status species and will target two general types of survey area: those suspected of hosting undiscovered populations), and those for which a baseline inventory dataset is needed.

Surveys for new populations will search unexamined habitat that is considered suitable for hosting rare taxa. Baseline data collection will be aimed at capturing the status of known populations, seven years into post-fire succession. This portion of the inventory will incorporate macro-plots to collect data on species density, frequency, health, and threats, along with metrics to evaluate vegetation composition and structure
Results from this inventory will be used to develop management objectives for species. Identifying known populations will inform threats to specific occurrences, allow for the prioritization of management actions, and streamline compliance for project implementation. The baseline data collected at plots will provide a snapshot on the status of fire successions effects on SSS status, vegetation structure and fuel loading, and invasive species threats.

These datasets will be used to initiate management actions and provide a reference for adapting these objectives in the future.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE
I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (80%)
A. Collaborate with other research personnel, including the supervisor, undergraduate assistants, and National Park Service counterparts to conduct research activities involving inventories of rare threatened and endangered plant species at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (WHIS). Inventories
will focus on surveys of special status species and will target two general types of survey area: those suspected of hosting undiscovered populations), and those for which a baseline inventory dataset is needed. Surveys for new populations will search unexamined habitat that is considered suitable for hosting rare taxa. Baseline data collection will be aimed at capturing the status of known populations, seven years into post-fire succession.

This portion of the inventory will incorporate macro-plots to collect data on species density, frequency, health, and threats, along with metrics to evaluate vegetation composition and structure.

Results from this inventory will be used to develop management objectives for species. Identifying known populations will inform threats to specific occurrences, allow for the prioritization of management actions, and streamline compliance for project implementation. The baseline data collected at plots will provide a snapshot on the status of fire successions effects on SSS status, vegetation structure and fuel loading, and invasive species threats.

These datasets will be used to initiate management actions and provide a reference for adapting these objectives in the future. The employee's Specific project activities include:

Evaluation of performance in research and outreach activities will be based on evidence…