Field Crew Leader in Shrub Sampling for Carbon Estimation (LAB AST 2)

The position involves leading a field crew over 12 months to locate and visit often remote field sites, sometimes in areas of recent wildfire burns, plus a month of office and laboratory work. The field crew will consist of two different crews (three people in each), working one after the other (mid-October 2025 to early April 2026, and late March 2026 to September 2026). The position requires following several established data collection protocols. The protocols relate to measuring shrub species and some trees; to destructively sample individuals of target species; to collect litter; and to sample soils. Plants will be identified to species and measurements made of vegetation status, size, density, cover, etc., as well as measurements of landscape characteristics. The Crew Leader will provide scientific insight and feedback to field coordinator and rest of project team from UC Davis based on observation of field sites and will also be involved in data analysis, describing results to rest of team, and assisting PI in writing report for funding organization. The Crew Leader will be responsible for ensuring field data quality and team management, for coordinating field scheduling and logistics with the Field Coordinator at UC Davis, and for communicating regularly with the Field Coordinator and rest of project team. #CA-AR

Apply By Date 9/30/2025

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Wilderness First Aid certified (certification may be accomplished after job offer is made, with registration cost paid by the employer)
• 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
• No Minimum Education Required
• Experience in shrub and forest vegetation data collection methods and identification
• Experience in backcountry camping and using maps, compass GPS for location and travel, Knowledge of and experience with Mobile Apps for data entry purposes
• Ability to identify California plants, especially shrubs, to the species level using a dichotomous key
• Excellent organizational skills for data management, samples and equipment management, crew management, and planning
• Ability to make executive decisions without input from supervisor when needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in ecology, forestry, botany, range science, or related natural science field
• Experience working with complex data recording equipment
• Experience with Laboratory tasks (e.g., vegetation sample sorting, drying and weighing)
• Experience in a variety of vegetation sampling techniques
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude in physically demanding and/or uncomfortable conditions

Key Responsibilities

• 75% - Field Work
• 10% - Data Entry / Quality Control
• 5% - Data Analysis / Writing
• 5% - Laboratory
• 5% - Field Campaigns

Department Overview

The UC Davis Institute of the Environment is a designated Organized Research Unit (ORU) reporting to the Office of Research. The Office of Research (OR) serves as the catalyst for advancing the research mission at UC Davis. Currently, OR oversees 7 ORUs, 13 Special Research Programs 4 IMPACT Centers, and central facilities with over 1,100 employees and annual expenditure and recharge income in excess of $210 Million. There are several research centers under the Institute umbrella including the Center for Watershed Sciences,
Center for the Health & the Environment, the Natural Reserve System, and several other research programs and initiatives.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $22.11-$25.47/hr
• Salary Frequency: Bi-Weekly
• Salary Grade: 194
• UC Job Title: LAB AST 2
• UC Job Code: 009603
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Limited
• Percentage of Time: 100% Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): 8-5
• Location: Davis
• Union Representation: TX-Technical Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Y
• 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

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Field method, equipment, and safety training will be provided by Field Coordinator. During the work week, crews will usually be car camping, with campsites paid for by the employer. Some camping will be in unofficial, "dispersed" sites on public lands. Campsites will change periodically depending on duration of work at each site. In some limited cases crews may be required to backpack into remote areas for multi-day overnight stays. The crew will be provided with a vehicle but crew members are responsible for their own transportation to and from the duty station at UC Davis at the beginning and end of the work week. Some driving may be on remote and rugged roads. Working conditions will be remote and rugged, with possible overnight stays in the backcountry.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• N/A

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