Animal Technician - Reichmuth Lab

Overview

Job : 83942

Location: Santa Cruz

Full/Part Time: Part Time

How to Apply: For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

Initial Review Date (IRD): UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration.

NOTE:

Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link. The IRD for this job is: 2/10/2026

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It is known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus' DNA.

The Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS) is an organized research unit whose mission is to increase knowledge of the world's oceans. The Pinniped Cognition and Sensory Systems Lab at Long Marine Laboratory explores the perceptual and cognitive mechanisms in marine mammals, and how ecological, evolutionary, and life history factors influence behavior.

More information can be found at: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Under supervision of the Principal Researcher, the Animal Technician will provide general assistance to the Reichmuth Lab including behavioral and physiological research paradigms, care and training of resident marine mammals, general laboratory operations and maintenance, data entry and analysis, and administrative duties including mentoring undergraduate volunteers. The candidate may participate in outreach and education activities.

Budgeted Salary: $24.45/hourly

Benefits Level Eligibility: Core benefits

Schedule Information:

• Part-time, Variable
• Percentage of Time: 50%, 20 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week:
  Monday to Sunday to ensure animal coverage. Schedule to be confirmed with supervisor
• Shift Includes:
  Day

Employee Classification: Limited appointment

Job End Date: 5 months from date of hire with possibility of extension

Work Location: Long Marine Laboratory, Ocean Health Building

Union Representation: TX Union

Job Code Classification: 009525 (ANML TCHN)

Travel: Never or Rarely

• 40% - Research Support:
  Enter and analyze behavioral, physiological, and animal care data using various software; assist with setting up and running ongoing experiments in the laboratory.
• 35% - Animal Care:
  Provide animal care support for resident marine mammals, including diet preparation, feeding and training, record keeping, and facilities maintenance.
• 15% - Laboratory Duties:
  General tasks in the lab, including cleaning, organizing, equipment and supplies handling, and task completion as needed.
• 10% - Education and Outreach:
  Assist with training of volunteers and with field trips, demonstrations, and outreach activities.

• Bachelor's degree in natural or behavioral sciences or related field, via upper division coursework.
• Experience working directly with marine mammals.
• General computer skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, File Maker Pro, Image
  
  J, Expedata.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational/time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; flexible, with good judgment and discretion.
• Completion of in-house core training program and ability to teach in-house laboratory protocols.

• Experience acquiring and processing physiological data.

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Complete required training within established time frames including UC compliance training.
• Enrollment and completion of UCSC OHSS and UCSC IACUC training within 2 weeks of hire.
• Ability to work long periods in wilderness conditions and travel to remote areas.
• Work all scheduled hours on-site; variable schedule including evenings and weekends.
• UC vaccination policy compliance.
• CANRA mandated reporter requirements and related acknowledgments.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate will disclose if they have had final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years involving misconduct.

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, promote safety at work, and report accidents and injuries.

The Clery Act requires the annual security and fire…