Lab Assistant (LAB AST 2)

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:

• 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

• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources

• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services

• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles

• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Environmental Demands

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Loud noise levels - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Field method, equipment, and safety training will be provided by Field Coordinator and Crew Leader. During the work week, crews will usually be car camping, with campsites paid for by the employer. Some camping will be in unofficial, "dispersed" sites on public lands. Campsites will change periodically depending on duration of work at each site. In some limited cases crews may be required to backpack into remote areas for multi-day overnight stays. The crew will be provided with a vehicle but crew members are responsible for their own transportation to and from the duty station at the beginning and end of the work week. Some driving may be on remote and rugged roads. Working conditions will be remote and rugged, with possible overnight stays in the backcountry.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

N/A

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit:

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

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