Lab Assistant 2 - Ventura, CA, Job ID 88333

Lab Assistant 2 – Ventura, CA, Job ID 88333


University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources



Job Description

Position Summary:

The main responsibilities of the Laboratory Assistants are to support data collection of field and lab research projects set up, evaluate, and carry out field and lab research projects; prepare samples or specimens for examination, processing and sectioning tissue as well as set up & maintain research equipment. Assist in the setup, maintenance, and evaluation of field research projects. Summarize and minimally analyze research data for quality control; and assist in the assembly, testing and operation of complex field and laboratory equipment.

Technical assignments at this level typically include duties such as: following SOPs for data collection, collecting and preparing plant, soil and water samples for laboratory analyses, shipping samples, data entry, harvesting research trials, conducting irrigation systems assessments, spraying trials, support and preparing for Advisors meetings. The lab assistant is expected to be able to follow the protocols and have excellent communication skills.

Department Summary:

The UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) was established in 1914 by the passage of the Smith-Lever Act, which was signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson. The purpose of the legislation was to develop science-based information about agriculture, youth development, home economics and natural resources, and deliver that information to local audiences. This was done via the development of a national Cooperative Extension Service (CES). In California, Cooperative Extension operates under the auspices of the University of California, with support from county government. There is a UCCE presence in every county in California. UCCE is very active today. We operate programs such as 4-H and Master Gardener. We continue to conduct research and outreach activities in agriculture and natural resources, as well as nutrition. In partnership with our community, we strive to: Create healthy communities; Create a healthy food system; Create a healthy environment; and Create healthy Californians. We began operations in Ventura County in 1914. We are funded in part by the County of Ventura. Generations of Ventura County residents have benefited from the knowledge we co-create.

This position is a career appointment that is 50% variable.

Pay Scale: $27.54/hour to $30.00/hour

Job Posting Close Date:
This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 09/07/2026.

Key Responsibilities :

45%Collect and prepare samples for analysis. Support refining research protocols as assigned by supervisor. Perform one or more standard repetitive laboratory and/or field experimental procedures that require technical scientific knowledge and skills. Set up and assist in the design of establishing plots, work to coordinate applications, and maintain plots.

30%Collect and review data on established projects.

15%Assist with maintenance of laboratory equipment and supply inventory: keep records; order, store and dispense a limited variety of standard supplies for a complex laboratory. Set up and maintain equipment such as fume hoods, fans, emergency lights, water drains and special fixtures; and assist in the assembly, testing and operation of complex laboratory equipment.

10%Utilization of Excel, PowerPoint, Word and other tools to create reports. Provide initial data analysis to supervisor in a variety of reports, write results in clear concise manner.

Requirements:

• Coursework and basic understanding of the scientific principles behind research area.
• Ability to perform physically strenuous field activities (lifting, carrying, harvesting, soil sampling, etc.) in the summer heat.
• Ability to use specialized lab and field equipment, with training.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks carefully and accurately.
• Ability to use data collection and measurement software, as well as Excel, PowerPoint and Word in order to detail the measurement.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
• Overtime and occasional weekend work as needed, usually on short notice to meet operational needs may be requested.
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
• As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs , as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an 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; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, 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

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