Staff Research Associate II - Wetland (Carlsbad, CA)

Position Number: 40028732

Payroll Title: SRA 2 NEX (009617)

Job Code: 009617

Job Open Date: 4/24/2025

Application Review Begins: 5/9/2025

Department Code (Name): MSII (MARINE SCIENCE INSTITUTE)

Percentage of Time: 100

Union Code (Name): RX

Employee Class (Appointment Type): Staff: Career

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Classified Indicator Description (Personnel Program): PSS

Salary Grade: STEPS

Pay Rate/Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $28.88 to $30.06/hr. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $28.88 to $46.46/hr.

Work Location: SONGS- Carlsbad, CA

Working Days and Hours: M-F, 8-5

Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits

Type of Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement, if applicable: N/A

Special Instructions:

For full consideration, please include a resume and a cover letter as part of your application.

Department Marketing Statement:

The Marine Science Institute ranks internationally as a leader in marine and environmental research. Its researchers stand at the forefront of their fields, regularly redefining our current knowledge of marine science and policy. Over 300 research projects funded by more than 80 awarding agencies with a value over $100 million in extramural and intramural funding are administered by MSI each year. Research at MSI spans 14 disciplines supporting research projects involving faculty, professional researchers, technical staff, graduate and undergraduate students. MSI provides educational outreach activities through the REEF (Research Experience and Education Facility) with 20,000 visitors annually.

Benefits of Belonging

Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work. Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards. Learn more about the benefits of working at UC

Brief Summary of Job Duties:

Provides field and laboratory support for long-term studies investigating the performance of a restored wetland and an artificial reef built to mitigate for adverse impacts to living marine resources caused by the operation of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. Under general direction conducts biological and physical surveys of coastal wetlands and kelp forests, processes samples in the laboratory, and assists in the development of the project's data management system.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in marine science or other related field
• 1-3 years In marine science or other related field
• Strong interpersonal skills, communication and analytical skills, with sharp attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, under supervision, and with other staff scientists to achieve project tasks and goals. Ability to endure the physical demands of an ambitious field schedule.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some required weekends, early mornings, and / or late nights.
• FAA Part 107 UAS license within 1 Year
• SCUBA diving open water certification Upon Hire

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of natural history and identification of coastal marine and wetland plants, macroalgae, invertebrate, fish, and bird species of southern California.
• Experience performing biological surveys of algae, invertebrates, fish, and birds in wetlands.
• Experience performing biological surveys of subtidal reef algae, invertebrates, and fish using SCUBA.
• Experience deploying, retrieving, troubleshooting, and processing data from environmental monitoring instruments.
• Experience operating small boats (up to 25 ft in length).
• Experience working with relational database management systems.
• Experience performing quality assurance / quality control procedures on large datasets.
• Experience writing code in interpreted languages (e.g., R, PHP, python).
• AAUS research diving certification Upon Hire
• Nitrox / Enriched air Upon Hire
• California Boater Card Upon Hire

Special Conditions of Employment:

• The position is located at the UCSB SONGS Mitigation Monitoring office in Carlsbad, California.
• Work schedule will vary and some work days may exceed 8 hours.
• Position dependent on grant funding.
• Required to hold a valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies and procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.
• UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment

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 allegation 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.

"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

Job Functions and Percentages of Time:

• 50% Field Assignment - Conducts field sampling of wetland vegetation, invertebrates, fishes, and birds using established protocols and knowledge of wetland natural history. Conducts aerial, topographic, and hydrological wetland surveys, and deploys, maintains and downloads data from environmental monitoring instrumentation. Assists with subtidal SCUBA surveys of the restored wetland, and artificial and natural reefs off southern California. SCUBA surveys involve assessing the presence of exotic species in the restored wetland, and monitoring the abundance, size, and diversity of kelp forest algae, invertebrates and fishes on nearshore subtidal reefs. Prepares sampling gear for use in the field and maintains them in proper working condition.

• 40% Laboratory and Database Assignment - Processes samples collected from the field and identifies and enumerates sample specimens. Provides general guidance to seasonal employees who assist with data collection and in sample processing. Prepares environmental monitoring instrumentation for field deployment. Enters data into project databases and assists in the development of quality assurance / quality control software designed to test, validate, and ensure data quality. Assists with the development of web-based data entry and checking forms, writing SQL code to create reference data from the project's data system, and writing unit tests using interpreted programming languages such as PHP and Python. Works with other project scientists to organize, develop, and improve data products. Manages documents (e.g., source code, SQL scripts, GIS maps, etc.) in the project's version control system. Assists in the maintenance of the project's data system by compiling metadata and archiving third-party data products (e.g., overflight maps, sample data).

• 10% Miscellaneous - Assists with routine maintenance and cleaning of project equipment, including but not limited to vehicles, vessels, and field sampling gear (e.g. seine nets, quadrats, etc.). Performs assorted tasks and errands as needed.

UC Vaccination Programs Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccinations Programs.
As a condition of Physical Presence at a Location or in a University Program, all Covered Individuals* must participate in any applicable Vaccination Program by providing proof that they are Up-to-Date with any required Vaccines or submitting a request for Exception in a Mandate Program or properly declining vaccination in an Opt-Out Program no later than the Compliance Date (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.). Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

For more information, please visit:

* UC Santa Barbara COVID-19 Information - https://www.ucsb.edu/COVID-19-information
* University of California Policy on Vaccinations - https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy

*Covered Individuals: A Covered Individual includes anyone designated as Personnel or Students under this Policy who physically access a University Facility or Program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training. A person accessing a Healthcare Location as a patient, or an art, athletics, entertainment, or other publicly accessible venue at a Location as a member of the public, is not a Covered Individual.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

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