Junior Specialist & Assistant Specialist Fangue Laboratory; Dept. of WFCB at UC Davis

Position Overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for Jr. Specialist position is $57,000 at Step 1 or $60,700 at Step 2. A reasonable estimate for Asst. Specialist position is $65,800 - $73,200.

Open date: July 16, 2026

Next review date: Thursday, Aug 20, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) – Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Friday, Sep 18, 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.

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in the field of Eco-physiology; relating to aquatic animals' thermal performance, swimming performance, and behavior near engineered structures. This person may also be involved aquaculture studies with native fish to the Sacramento/San Joaquin Watersheds.

The position requires the candidate to conduct experiments with fishes, including their environmental tolerances, preferences, and behavior. This may include laboratory-based experimental research and/or field based observational research utilizing telemetry technologies. Applicant will preferably have experience with CA native anadromous fishes, specifically salmonids, smelt, or sturgeon. This position will be involved in research aimed at improving our understanding of the ecology of native fishes with direct application to the conservation of these imperiled species.

General responsibilities include the care of sensitive fish species, construction/maintenance of experimental systems, and performance of high-quality research in a laboratory or field setting. Working outdoors in various weather conditions; working in Quonset Hut-type laboratories where indoor temperatures can exceed outdoor temperatures; working evenings or weekends to fulfill experimental or test fish maintenance requirements, as well a working during normal working hours in temperature-controlled office and laboratories.

Must be able to move coolers filled with water and fish (up to 50 lbs.) must be able to withstand the weather and temperature related working conditions as previously described with possible work as a deckhand on a university boat. Responsibilities may also include maintaining acoustic telemetry equipment in the field/lab, assisting during acoustic transmitter implantation, and assisting in quality control of datasets.

A successful applicant will be required to communicate with funding agencies, assist in writing technical reports, and contribute to the preparation of journal articles. They will attend laboratory and sub-team meetings, review journal articles, engage in discussions on research and the interpretation of research results, and have the possibility of presenting research findings at technical meetings and professional societies.

The ideal candidate will have strong problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team. They will also have demonstrated the attention to detail required to successfully collect, organize and store data.

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.

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

JUNIOR SPECIALIST:

• A Bachelor degree in fisheries sciences, biology, ecology, conservation, physiology, behavior, or similar degree in a discipline relevant or related to the research conducted in the unit hiring the appointee, or experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant research methods by the time of appointment.

ASSISTANT SPECIALIST:

• A Master's degree in fisheries sciences, biology, ecology, conservation, physiology, behavior, or similar degree in a discipline relevant or related to the research conducted in the unit hiring the appointee, or possession of a baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of research experience, or five or more years of experience…