Field Research Assistant

at  UC San Diego

DESCRIPTION

Under close supervision, assist with field work the on-going Argentine ant eradication program on San Clemente Island (SCI), a Naval installation on the southern-most of California’s Channel Islands.
The incumbent will work under supervision of the PI and receive work direction from the Lead Field Researcher to assist with measuring the efficacy and conservation gains of Argentine ant eradication and implement eradication protocols in wild land areas. Duties include mapping the boundaries of Argentine ant infestations, preparing pesticide baits for deployment, hand treating infestations, coordinating helicopter-assisted treatments, and conducting post-treatment monitoring. This position involves strenuous fieldwork that includes hiking rugged terrain while mapping and treating Argentine ant infestations.
All field work will be conducted on SCI, which is owned and operated by the U.S. Navy as a test and evaluation site, shore bombardment range, and warfare training grounds. The island is home to a large number of endemic and rare plant, animal and bird species, with an extensive community of biologists, archaeologists and researchers. Incumbent will collaborate frequently with other lab members, members of the U.S. Navy, and other members of the SCI field station teams.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from high school or a GED and two years of laboratory experience or two years of college-level coursework including courses in biology or ecology, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Familiarity with identifying arthropods
• Experience with social insects in both laboratory and field settings.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain mechanical equipment, hand tools, herbicide/pesticide application equipment, and GPS units.
• Knowledge of and experience in general lab protocols.
• Skill in the use of standard laboratory equipment.
• Experience using computers as well as spreadsheet and word processing software such as Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory safety requirements and procedures, and ability to maintain up-to-date safety training certification.
• Basic knowledge of chemical regulations for safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals.
• Skill in maintaining clear and concise records with strict attention to detail. Ability to carefully follow oral and written instructions.
• Some knowledge of local customs and operations at field / remote sites. Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with faculty, academics, students, military, and civilian personnel of a variety of backgrounds.
• Ability to develop and maintain strategic relationships and partnerships with remote research partners. Ability to collaborate with multiple agencies to fulfill contractual duties.
• Willingness and demonstrated ability to embrace and consistently uphold the principles of community for a collaborative work environment.
• Familiarity with basic microbiological and sterile techniques
• Basic knowledge of ecological issues surrounding invasion ecology and island biogeography.

IF EMPLOYED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH OUR POLICY ON VACCINATION PROGRAMS, WHICH MAY BE AMENDED OR REVISED FROM TIME TO TIME. FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTIVES MAY IMPOSE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS.

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UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20
For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

Please refer the Job description for details