Field Researcher (FIELD RESEARCHER 3)

University of California - Davis
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, long term disability, tuition reimbursement, remote work
United States, California, Davis
May 09, 2025
Apply for Job Job ID 77805 Location Davis Full/Part Time Full Time Add to Favorite Jobs Email this Job Job Summary The Safford Lab is looking to hire a Contract Staff to lead two important projects that are already well underway, and serve a key supporting role in a third project, linked to sustainable management of California forests and shrublands. (1) In a UC Office of the President-funded project, the contractor will lead Safford Lab efforts to build 3-D models of forest fuels to support development of a prescribed fire planning tool to improve prescribed fire implementation to increase forest resilience to climate-driven wildfires and drought. Work will focus on field sampling of vegetation structure and destructive biomass sampling, plus some use of terrestrial LiDAR scanning. (2) The contractor will lead a project funded by Cal State Parks to develop standard vegetation and fuels monitoring protocols that are integrated across vegetation types, as well as a database to house the data. (3) The contractor will work with a team on a Cal Air Resource Board-funded project to develop allometric equations for shrubland carbon stocking; the project supports the California Carbon Cap and Trade program. The contractor will supervise up to four laboratory assistants, and one student laboratory assistant. All of this work fits well within DESP's strongly applied focus on resolution of key environmental problems tied to resource use and climate change. Apply By Date 05/23/2025 by 11:59 pm Qualifications Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position California Drivers License Class C 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 Bachelor of Science in forestry/forest engineering, ecology, or natural resource management or other closely related field of study Minimum of five years experience in forestry/forest engineering and/or ecological monitoring Professional level familiarity with standard field mensuration protocols, such as US Forest Service Common Stand Exam, Brown's Fuel Transects, laser rangefinder-based (including LiDAR) measurements Extensive experience in managing and supervising large field crews in complex projects Advanced knowledge of forest inventory and planning methodologies Advanced knowledge of statistics and database development Preferred Qualifications Federal firefighting red card or other fire management/fire fighting qualification MA or MS degree in any scientific or science education field Experience working on field project(s) with US federal or state government agencies Demonstrated ability to deliver on-time and to-specification results in high-pressure and complex projects Key Responsibilities 40% - Field Protocol and Database Development 25% - Field Crew Supervision and Administration 20% - Data Management and Analysis 15% - Project Admnistration Department Overview DESP consists of a diverse group of researchers and educators that come together around training students, and conducting fundamental and applied research to solve environmental problems associated with resource use, climate change, and population growth. DESP is unique within UC-Davis and the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in combining biological, physical and social sciences to find effective solutions to important environmental challenges. Department Specific Job Scope The contractor position will work in DESP in the Safford Lab, one of the best-known fire and vegetation ecology and management research units in the western US. The position will play key roles in projects tied to risk reduction and sustainable management of vegetation and carbon in California under increasingly extreme climate change and wildfire trends. POSITION INFORMATION Salary or Pay Range: $62,000.00 - $109,000.00 /annual Salary Frequency: Monthly Salary Grade: Grade 20 UC Job Title: FIELD RESEARCHER 3 UC Job Code: 005189 Number of Positions: 1 Appointment Type: Staff: Contract Percentage of Time: 100% Fixed Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday; 0800 - 1700 Location: Davis, Ca Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM) Benefits Eligible: Yes 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: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html * 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 The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC Community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles. https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271 The work environment of this position will include time spent both in indoor standard office laboratory conditions and rural outdoor conditions for research purposes. Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position 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: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination 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 To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks #CA-CB