Marine Mammal Ecophysiology Researcher

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.

• How to Apply
• Troubleshooting
• Tips for Applicants
• FAQ's

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. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. 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: 03-07-2025

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

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's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The mission of the Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS) is to strengthen and promote coastal and marine science research and education. IMS meets this responsibility by building and contributing knowledge to better understand the world's oceans, the coastal zone, their complex processes, fascinating inhabitants, economic importance, and how people interface with this region. The vision of IMS is to be a leader in innovative resources that crosses research boundaries in marine science, coastal sustainability, and policy. This vision is focused on centralized research themes aimed at understanding the processes that drive climate, ocean circulation, and biogeochemical processes in marine and coastal ecosystems.

More information can be found at: https://ims.ucsc.edu/

JOB SUMMARY

Under general direction of Dr. Holser, the successful candidate will apply acquired skills and knowledge of pinniped ecology, physiology, and animal handling techniques to support field research projects of small to medium size and intermediate scope and complexity, including but not limited to research in animal behavior, anthropogenic disturbance, and climate effects on individuals and populations.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $30.56 - $35.00/hour. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Mid-level benefits

Schedule Information:

• Part-time, Variable
• Percentage of Time: 50%, 20 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Sun
• Shift Includes: Day, Weekend

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: Off-Campus

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 005189 (FIELD RESEARCHER 3) - Grade 20

Travel: Up to 25% of the time

JOB DUTIES

50% - Field Research

• Assists with all aspects of ongoing field research activities and interfaces with the public, university classes, and staff at research sites as needed.
• Travels from the coastal science campus to field sites (Ano Nuevo, etc.) using either personal or university motorized vehicles, transporting themselves, others, and/or gear.

35% - Preparation

• Supports research, data analysis, and manuscript preparation consistent with animal handling protocols, research objectives, and planned methods for scientific goals.
• Participates in preparation of manuscripts.

15% - Coordination

• Works with project leaders to coordinate procurement and operation of instrumentation, infrastructure and required field research commodities.
  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Thorough knowledge of safety, legal, cultural and regulatory requirements relative to field research responsibility.
• Thorough knowledge of research discipline, principles, concepts, analysis and / or operations being conducted at field / remote sites.
• Proven ability to work with a team, and to meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to work in ambiguous conditions.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Strong communication skills with project team members.
• Experience with capture techniques for both wild phocids and otariids.
• Ability to sample tissue from wild phocids and otariids - including blood, muscle, and blubber.
• Experience with programming biologging instruments and processing resulting data.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain strategic relationships and partnerships with remote research partners.
• Thorough knowledge of local customs and operations at field / remote sites.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California and be able to participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) pull notice program.
• Ability to work long periods of time in wilderness conditions and to travel to remote areas.
• Ability to perform work in a rugged physical environment and inclement weather with challenging infrastructure requirements.
• Ability to ascend/descend ladders with or without accommodation.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work primarily on campus, with periods of remote work possible based on operational needs. If a hybrid work schedule is confirmed, the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends.
  Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• Ability to perform essential physical job functions requiring sitting, standing, bending, squatting, walking, twisting, pushing/pulling, gross and fine finger movements, and kneeling, with or without accommodation.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

SAFETY STATEMENT

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

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. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
- Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment 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. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

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