Associate Specialist (2 Positions) - Coastal Ecosystems, Seagrass Ecology, and Restoration

Position overview



Salary range:
A reasonable estimate for this position is Asst. Specialist $63,500 - $70,700; Assoc. Specialist $75,600 - 88,000; Specialist $93,200 - $194,800.

Application Window

Open date: April 23, 2026

Most recent review date: Friday, May 15, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Tuesday, Jun 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

NATURE AND PURPOSE

This position of Specialist provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment or with geography research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. Candidates must be apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintain technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork, and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to participate in the planning of research and educational programs.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I. Research in specialized areas (85% effort)

The objective of this research position is to improve understanding of the numerous ecosystem services of coastal wetlands and seagrass beds can provide both locally across California as well as through the Pacific Region, Mariana Archipelago comprised of Guam and Tinian among other nearby areas. Specialized field, laboratory and data analysis techniques will be utilized to ensure that data are properly collected and analyzed. The researcher will be expected to work with limited supervision and to make substantial contributions toward publishable research.

Field work will involve extensive travel time to location to restore wetland and seagrass beds. This will include but is not limited to conducting surveys to assess the plant community and their distribution within restored wetlands and seagrass beds. The candidate will also be responsible for sampling water quality (water level, clarity, light availability, turbidity, algal blooms, nutrient levels, salinity, and temperature), identifying habitat complexity, and sedimentary properties or any other additional methods based on the best available science.

The candidate will be responsible for seagrass survey methods utilized by previous field efforts and continuing data collection using the same methods for reproducibility. Additionally, the candidate will measure plant and algae frequency and percent cover, as well as macroinvertebrate frequency and density.

The candidate will collect sediment samples to identify target sites for seagrass restoration. This will include grain size distribution, nutrient content, and sediment accretion.

This position includes specialized laboratory and data analysis of vegetation, macroinvertebrates samples, processing of soils, and spatial data. Candidate will be familiar and able to use QC data and enter data into project databases using MS Access. Candidate is expected to analyze laboratory and field data using MS Excel, plotting software and the R statistical programming language.

This position will oversee and manage a busy working laboratory used by multiple scientists working on separate projects. This includes ensuring that the lab passes safety inspections, that it is well maintained and stocked with necessary supplies, and that it remains clean and efficient.

Will serve as a research coordinator on ecosystem services of coastal wetlands and seagrass beds projects conducted by PIs in the Center for Watershed Sciences, using specialized expertise, ensuring uninterrupted communication between field, laboratories, and data management.

Project functions and project output functions include preparation of reports, posters, and participation in manuscript writing. Creative activities include assisting in project design, grant writing, proposal review, and data analysis by providing to these endeavors the specialized expertise in ecosystem services coastal wetlands and seagrass beds to the PIs in the Center for Watershed Sciences.

Responsible for writing grant reports for agencies on projects within the area of expertise as requested by PIs and for writing research methods sections of papers in areas of expertise and reviews/comments on manuscripts.

II. Professional competence and activity (10% effort)

Develop relationships with partner agencies through attendance and participation in professional meetings, workshops, or conferences. Where opportunities are allowed, the candidate will review proposals or publications related to their areas of scientific expertise and practical experience.

III. University and public service (5% effort)

Will act as technical liaison on issues of ecosystem services of coastal wetlands and seagrass beds and respond to the needs of local agencies (Solano County Water Agency) state agencies (DWR, SWRCB, CDFW) and federal agencies (NOAA, NMFS, USFWS, DoD, USEPA), NGOs (Putah Creek Council, CalTrout, TNC, and similar) and other external groups. Serve on committees of department, college, campus, and other University entities, as appropriate. Mentoring skills to support their role as a mentor and trainer to students and junior specialists pursuing a similar area of study.

Department :

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

* Master's degree (completed or expected by start date) in geography, ecology, biology, environmental studies or related discipline, or equivalent experience

* Three years' experience in field and laboratory research

* Current driver's license

* Experience in small boat safety and handling

* Experience with aquatic sampling methods

* Experience synthesizing and analyzing data

* Ability to process and analyze data in Excel, Access, ArcGIS, and Program R

* Ability to assist with maintaining all research equipment and vehicles and to make repairs Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

* Experience in seagrass restoration

* Identify marine fishes

* Demonstrated field leadership experience

* Ability to organize, execute and evaluate a research project

* Familiarity with writing scientific papers

* Statistical knowledge

* Certifications in wilderness first aid, Swiftwater rescue and small boat handling Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

• Cover Letter (Optional)

• Statement of Research (Optional)

• Authorization to Release Information Form - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.

• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Apply link:

Help contact: View email address on click.appcast.io

About UC Davis

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal 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.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.

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 for federal law.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check.

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: "To Boldly Go," our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs' Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400.

UC Davis is also a national leader in inclusive practice. There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location
Davis, CA