Junior Specialist & Assistant Specialist for Otolith Geochemistry & Fish Ecology Laboratory, De

Position overview

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

Open date: August 14, 2026

Next review date: Saturday, Aug 29, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Wednesday, Sep 30, 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.

UC Davis Dept. of WFCB, Otolith Geochemistry & Fish Ecology Laboratory

Junior Specialist & Assistant Specialist

Position

Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to participate in field and laboratory studies of native fishes in the San Francisco Estuary. Opportunities will generally be interdisciplinary, combining standard practices in fisheries ecology, including field surveys and fish dissections and morphometrics, along with otolith age and geochemical approaches to reconstruct fish life-histories, growth rates, and migration patterns of endangered species.

The position requires the candidate to conduct laboratory-based fish and otolith research and/or field-based observational research using surveys aboard a research vessel. The applicant will preferably have experience in fisheries ecology, working with CA native fishes and using otolith-based techniques. This position involves research aimed at improving our understanding of the ecology of native fishes to inform key policy decisions for the State of California and enhance the effectiveness of science-based management for endangered species and essential habitats.

Work will be conducted under the supervision of Dr. Levi Lewis in the Otolith Geochemistry & Fish Ecology Laboratory (OGFL, sample statement), Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology at UC Davis.

General responsibilities may include fish dissections and measurements, preparation of otoliths for age, growth and otolith laser ablation geochemistry, image analysis, geochemical analysis, field surveys to determine the distribution and abundance of fishes, and quantification of zooplankton samples. Field surveys include working outdoors in various weather conditions, including remote field areas where temperature and sun exposure levels can be high. Field sampling may include evenings and travel away from home for up to 1 week at a time, including weekends to conduct surveys.

Laboratory and office work is generally conducted during normal working hours in temperature-controlled office and lab facilities, but can include weekends and evenings as needed. Must be able to lift equipment up to 30 lbs.; must be able to withstand the weather and temperature-related working conditions as previously described with careful attention to personal safety and avoiding weather-related illness. Must be able to travel for a week-long sampling events and work nights and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities may also include maintaining equipment in the field/lab, literature review, data collection, and assisting in data entry and quality control of datasets. A successful applicant will be required to communicate with funding agencies, help write technical and permitting reports, and contribute to the preparation of journal articles. Depending on field duties and schedule, they will attend laboratory meetings, review journal articles, engage in discussions on research and the interpretation of research results, and may 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 both independently and as part of a team. They will also have demonstrated the attention to detail required to successfully collect, organize, and store data, as well as to communicate critical project needs, changes, or challenges to senior staff and faculty in a collaborative setting.

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.

The duties of this position are designated to the following criteria:

JUNIOR SPECIALIST

Research (90%