Lab Assistant; LAB AST

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the PI the 6 Field Crew positions will consist of two different crews (three people in each), working one after the other to a maximum of 1000 hours each. The Field Crew positions require following several established data collection protocols. The protocols relate to measuring shrub species and some trees; to destructively sample individuals of target species;

to collect litter; and to sample soils. Plants will be identified to species and measurements made of vegetation status, size, density, cover, etc., as well as measurements of landscape characteristics. The Field Crew will provide scientific insight and feedback to field coordinator and rest of project team from UC Davis based on observation of field sites. The Field Crew will assist Crew Leader to ensure that equipment and data are managed properly.

#CA-AR

Apply By Date: 9/30/2025

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Wilderness First Aid certified (certification may be accomplished after job offer is made, with registration cost paid by the employer)
• Required to hold a valid California 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
• No minimum education required
• Experience in vegetation sampling techniques
• Experience in backcountry camping;
  Experience using hand tools to cut bushes (pruning shears, chainsaw, etc.)
• Experience in ecology, forestry, botany, range science, or related natural science field
• Knowledge of and experience Mobile Apps for data entry purposes
• Knowledge of ecology, forestry, botany, range science, or related natural science field

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in shrub and forest vegetation data collection methods
• Knowledge/experience with Laboratory tasks (e.g., vegetation sample sorting, drying and weighing)
• Ability to identify California plants to the species level using a dichotomous key
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude in physically demanding and/or uncomfortable conditions
• Laboratory and/ Field tasks (e.g., vegetation sample sorting, drying and weighing)

Key Responsibilities

• 90% - Field Work
• 5% - Data Entry / Quality Control
• 5% - Laboratory Tasks

Department Overview

The UC Davis Institute of the Environment is a designated Organized Research Unit (ORU) reporting to the Office of Research. The Office of Research (OR) serves as the catalyst for advancing the research mission at UC Davis. Currently, OR oversees 7 ORUs, 13 Special Research Programs 4 IMPACT Centers, and central facilities with over 1,100 employees and annual expenditure and recharge income in excess of $210 Million.

There are several research centers under the Institute umbrella including the Center for Watershed Sciences, Center for the Health & the Environment, the Natural Reserve System, and several other research programs and initiatives.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $22.11-$26.05/hour
• Salary Frequency: Bi-Weekly
• Salary Grade: 194
• UC
  
  Job Title:
  
  LAB AST 2
• UC Job Code: 009603
• Number of Positions: 6
• Appointment Type: Staff:
  Limited
• Percentage of Time: 25% Variable
• Shift (Work Schedule): TBD
• Location: Davis
• Union Representation: TX-Technical Professionals
• Benefits Eligible:
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

• Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.
• If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..html
• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Work Life and Wellness programs and…