Field Researcher; FIELD Researcher RP

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Science Director, Sea Doc Society, UC Davis (072072-VM: Wildlife Health Center), this position helps fund, conduct, and publish research associated with the health of the Salish Sea Ecosystem and its fish and wildlife. This includes working with the Science Director to develop research questions that will provide data that improve conservation, organizing field operations on land, below water, and on the water to collect data and samples, managing data, submitting samples for testing, analyzing results and working with Sea Doc's science team to publish peer‑reviewed publications.

As part of the Sea Doc Society, this person will also assist with grant writing and reporting, donor engagement, educational outreach, equipment maintenance, and other day‑to‑day activities that ensure Sea Doc accomplishes its mission of ensuring the health of marine wildlife and ecosystems through science and education.

June 30th 2026, by 11:59PM

• American Academy of Underwater Scientists (AAUS) research diving certification, including cold‑water diving experience, and experience operating small research vessels with Motorboat Operator Training certification.
• Possession of a Washington State driver's license, or the ability to obtain one within three months of hire.
• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences (e.g., ecology, wildlife biology) or equivalent education and experience in an animal‑based field.
• Experience using R, GIS, and other analytical tools for statistical analysis and data visualization.
• Experience with cold‑water research diving and small motorboat operations, including familiarity with marine fieldwork protocols and safety procedures.
• Physical capability to work in remote outdoor locations under varying weather conditions to carry out various (sometimes strenuous) field activities including being on small boats for long days, conducting research surveys, using hand tools and equipment, and walking/hiking long distances and/or for long periods.
• Flexibility to adjust workload and priorities and respond to diverse and changing deadlines and needs; organizational skills and ability to maintain thorough and accurate records.

• Experience identifying Salish Sea marine mammals, birds, fish, and invertebrates; conducting underwater research photography and videography using DSLR cameras; and performing data analysis using R (including exploratory statistics, data manipulation, ggplot2, regression and Bayesian modeling, R Markdown, Shiny, and Git Hub).
• Master's degree in biological sciences (e.g., ecology, wildlife biology) or equivalent education and experience in an animal‑based field.
• Experience identifying mammals, birds, fish, and invertebrates of the Salish Sea, with proficiency in above‑ and below‑water photography and videography.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including prior peer‑reviewed publication experience, and proficiency using R, GIS, and other statistical and data visualization tools.
• Physically capable of working in remote outdoor environments under varying weather conditions, including long days on small boats, conducting field surveys, using hand tools and equipment, and walking or hiking long distances.
• Highly organized and adaptable, with the ability to manage shifting priorities and deadlines, maintain accurate records, and respond effectively to evolving project needs.

• 65% – Research
• 15% – Educational and Programmatic Outreach
• 15% – Field Equipment Preparation and Maintenance
• 5% – Other Duties Assigned

• Salary or Pay Range: $28.16/hr. – $48.47/hr.
• Salary Frequency: Bi‑weekly
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC
  
  Job Title:
  
  FIELD RESEARCHER 2 RP
• UC Job Code: 005245
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff:
  Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M‑F, 8am‑5pm
• Location: Davis
• Union Representation: RP – Research and Public Service Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on‑site and remote work)

• 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…