Elephant Seal Program Assistant

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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: 07-22-2026

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 Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (EEB), is devoted to the study of ecological and evolutionary processes in marine and terrestrial and freshwater environments.

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

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of Roxanne Beltran, provides scientific guidance, support, and assistance with implementation, design and monitoring of research and teaching activities at Ano Nuevo Reserve, including but not limited to environmental, social, or biological science disciplines.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $27.07/hour
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: Core benefits

Schedule Information:

• Part-Time, Variable
• Percentage of Time: 50%, 20 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Monday to Friday with occasional weekends as needed
• Shift Includes: Days, Weekends

Employee Classification: Limited appointment

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

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Coastal Science Campus

Union Representation: TX Union

Job Code Classification: 009603 (LAB AST 2)

Travel: Up to 50% of the time

JOB DUTIES

50% - Data collection

• Collects data for key long-term research projects at Ano Nuevo Reserve and oversees volunteers to ensure proper data collection protocols are in place. (e.g. Pinniped colony monitoring, coverboard surveys, small mammal trapping, etc.).
• Drives a university vehicle to perform research at Ano Nuevo Reserve.

25% - Instrumentation

• Ensures instrumentation, infrastructure, and required field research commodities and other materials support research goals.

10% - Training

• Participates in training activities on research methods and measurement to research partners.

10% - Outreach

• Serves as a research ambassador to interpret research projects for classes and other members of the public that visit Ano Nuevo Reserve.

5% - Monitoring

• Assists with assessing and monitoring policies and procedures for remote field sites and / or research studies.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and two years of laboratory experience, or two years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences and one year of laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of safety, legal, cultural and regulatory requirements relative to field research responsibility.
• Knowledge of research discipline, principles, concepts, analysis and / or operations being conducted at field / remote sites.
• Proven ability to work independently and with a team.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong research and analytical skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Strong communication skills with research partners and project team members.
• 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 at a computer with or without accommodation.
• 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 walk to and work in remote areas with rugged terrain, heavy brush, biting and stinging insects, bears and mountain lions.
• Poison Oak is present. Incumbent must be willing to take the measures required to work in contact with and cut/remove poison oak.
• Ability to do occasional work in confined spaces such as attics and trenches while bending, stooping and/or kneeling with the possibility of being exposed to live electrical circuits and machinery.
• Ability to successfully work with and around a variety of fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides.
• Ability to conduct outdoor site visits, including use of required personal protective equipment, as required to conduct investigations, inspections, or view work in place.
• The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
• Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to occasionally work overtime with little or no advance notice.
• Ability to wear proper safety attire (long pants, closed-toe shoes, etc.) and personal protective equipment common in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• Will be required to wear a University provided uniform.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• 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.

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.

• "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

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.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

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 categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.