Program Manager, UAS (CIRCA)

California State University, Los Angeles
University Auxiliary Services (UAS)

Position Title: Program Manager
Project: CSU Sentinel Site Biodiversity Network Project
Department: Biological Sciences
Supervisor: Dr. Eric Wood
Position Type: Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Compensation: Approximately $30.00/hour
Hours: Approximately 31-32 hours per week
Project Period: June 2026 - December 31, 2028 (continued employment contingent upon funding and satisfactory performance)

Position Description

The Program Manager will assist with implementation and coordination of the CSU Sentinel Site Biodiversity Network Project at California State University, Los Angeles. The project is part of a statewide biodiversity monitoring initiative and includes long-term ecological monitoring at sites in Northeast Los Angeles, including Ascot Hills Park and Ernest E. Debs Regional Park.

The Program Manager will support field operations, equipment deployment and maintenance, student coordination, data management, and communication with project collaborators across the CSU Sentinel Site Network.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

* Coordinate day-to-day operations of the Sentinel Site monitoring project
* Conduct and assist with ecological fieldwork in Los Angeles County
* Deploy, maintain, and retrieve wildlife cameras, acoustic recorders, and related field equipment
* Assist with biodiversity monitoring of birds, mammals, bats, reptiles, amphibians, and vegetation phenology
* Organize, manage, and process ecological datasets and metadata
* Assist with uploading and organizing data within statewide data platforms and cloud-based systems
* Coordinate scheduling and logistics for field activities and student participation
* Assist with training and supervising undergraduate student assistants
* Communicate with project collaborators, agencies, and partner institutions as needed
* Assist with preparation of reports, summaries, and project documentation
* Drive to field sites and transport field equipment as necessary

Minimum Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, wildlife biology, or related field
* Experience conducting ecological fieldwork
* Strong organizational and communication skills
* Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
* Experience with data management and spreadsheet organization
* Valid driver's license and ability to travel to field sites in Southern California
* Ability to work outdoors in variable environmental conditions and hike moderate distances carrying field equipment

Preferred Qualifications

* Master's degree in ecology, biology, environmental science, or related field
* Experience with wildlife cameras, acoustic monitoring equipment, GIS, R, or ecological data analysis
* Experience supervising or mentoring undergraduate students
* Familiarity with Southern California ecosystems and biodiversity
* Experience coordinating research or environmental monitoring projects

Physical Requirements

This position includes outdoor fieldwork involving hiking, lifting and carrying field equipment, and working in variable weather and terrain conditions.

Application Materials

Applicants should submit:
* Cover letter
* Resume or CV
* Contact information for three references

The incumbent must demonstrate an interest or ability in working in a multicultural/multiethnic environment. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the UAS. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or the continued employment of current UAS employees who apply for the position.

Review of applications/resumes will begin on 05/18/2026 and will continue until the position is filled; however, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications/resumes are received. A cover letter and resume are required. UAS hires only those individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Americans with Disabilities (ADA) requested accommodations should be made in advance to the UAS Human Resources Department.

Cal State LA University Auxiliary Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.