Associate Specialist Coastal Ecosystems, Seagrass Ecology, and Restoration

Position Overview

This position of Specialist provides technical or specialized expertise in the planning and execution of a research project. Candidates must be apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintain technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork, develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to participate in the planning of research and educational programs.

Asst. Specialist $63,500 - $70,700;
Assoc. Specialist $75,600 - $88,000;
Specialist $93,200 - $194,800.

Open date:
April 23, 2026
Most recent review date:
Friday, May 15, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Final date:
Tuesday, Jun 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

This position of Specialist provides technical or specialized expertise in the planning and execution of a research project. Candidates must be apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintain technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork, develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to participate in the planning of research and educational programs.

• I. Research in specialized areas (85% effort)

  The objective of this research position is to improve understanding of the numerous ecosystem services of coastal wetlands and seagrass beds that can provide both locally across California as well as through the Pacific Region, Mariana Archipelago comprised of Guam and Tinian among other nearby areas. Specialized field, laboratory and data analysis techniques will be utilized to ensure that data are properly collected and analyzed.
  
  The researcher will be expected to work with limited supervision and to make substantial contributions toward publishable research. Field work will involve extensive travel time to restore wetland and seagrass beds. This will include surveys to assess the plant community and their distribution within restored wetlands and seagrass beds, sampling water quality, identifying habitat complexity, and sedimentary properties. The candidate will also measure plant and algae frequency and percent cover, macroinvertebrate frequency and density, and collect sediment samples for seagrass restoration.
  
  Laboratory work will include analysis of vegetation, macroinvertebrates, soils, and spatial data, using QC data, MS Access, MS Excel, plotting software, and R.

  The position will oversee and manage a busy laboratory used by multiple scientists, ensuring safety, maintenance, and cleanliness. The Specialist will serve as a research coordinator, ensuring communication between field, laboratories, and data management, preparing reports, posters, and participating in manuscript writing, grant writing, and proposal review.

  Responsible for writing grant reports for agencies and research methods sections of papers, and reviewing manuscripts.

• II. Professional competence and activity (10% effort)

  Develop relationships with partner agencies through attendance and participation in professional meetings, workshops, or conferences. Where opportunities are allowed, the candidate will review proposals or publications related to their areas of scientific expertise and practical experience.

• III. University and public service (5% effort)

  Act as a technical liaison on issues of ecosystem services, responding to the needs of local, state, and federal agencies and NGOs, serve on committees, and provide mentoring to students and junior specialists.

• Master's degree (completed or expected at start date) in geography, ecology, biology, environmental studies or related discipline, or equivalent experience
• Three years' experience in field and laboratory research
• Current driver's license
• Experience in small boat safety and handling
• Experience with aquatic sampling methods
• Experience synthesizing and analyzing data
• Ability to process and analyze data in Excel, Access,…