Field Researcher (FIELD RESEARCHER 2)

The Safford Lab is in need of a contract staff to work (1) as a field technician for four months under a UCOP-funded project to build 3-D models of forest fuels to support the development of a prescribed fire planning tool which will improve prescribed fire implementation to increase forest resilience to climate-driven phenomena like wildfire and drought. Work will primarily focus on field sampling of vegetation structure and destructive sampling of biomass, plus some use of terrestrial LiDAR scanning; and (2) to transition in October 2025 to a "research field coordinator and analyst" under a project funded by the Cal Air Resources Board to develop better allometric equations to permit quantification of shrub biomass and carbon. The project is in support of the California Carbon Cap and Trade program. This position will train, lead, and indirectly supervise a field crew for most of the calendar year, participate in some field work, and lead laboratory-based sample preparation, data compilation, and data analysis. Both of these projects fit well within DESP's strongly applied focus on resolution of key environmental problems tied to resource use and climate change. The timeline of this appointment needed is at minimum 1 year to start.

Apply By Date

05/09/2025 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 Driver's License Class C.
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification.
• 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
• MS or MA in forestry/forest engineering, ecology, natural resource management, environmental science, or fire science.
• Minimum of three years' experience in wildfire risk assessment and/or ecological monitoring.
• Demonstrated ability to efficiently perform standard field mensuration protocols, such as US Forest Service Common Stand Exam, Brown's Fuel Transects, and laser rangefinder-based measurements.
• Experience in field and/or laboratory identification of California plant species.
• Experience in destructive sampling of woody biomass.

Preferred Qualifications

• Federal firefighting red card or other fire management/firefighting qualification.
• Extensive experience in project development and management.

Key Responsibilities

• 80% - Field Monitoring
• 10% - Team Leader
• 10% - Data Management & Analysis

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 contract staff 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: $26.82 - $47.61 /hourly
• Salary Frequency: Bi-weekly
• Salary Grade: Grade 19
• UC Job Title: FIELD RESEARCHER 2
• UC Job Code: 005190
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Contract
• Percentage of Time: 100% Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8am-5pm
• 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 field work is carried out in California's forests and shrublands. Access to plots may involve hiking on unmarked trails in difficult terrain. Crews regularly encounter snakes, ticks, poison oak, and bears. Crews typically camp at employer-paid campsites. Some camps are set up at unofficial sites scattered across public lands. Camps change periodically depending on the length of work at each site. In some limited cases, crews may have to backpack to remote areas for several days of overnight stays. Working conditions can be physically challenging, with possible overnight stays in the backcountry.

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