Job description
Position Information
Job Title
Staff Research Assistant II
Posting Number
201000688
Posting Type
Regular
Contract End Date
Salary Range
Hiring Range
$67,460.77 - $87,609.00 per year
Full Time or Part Time
Full Time
If Part Time, List Work Hours
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
Under general supervision, work as part of a multi-institution collaborative project in forests of the Big Sur area of California to provide research support and project coordination; conduct community outreach; participate in training programs for professionals and the general public in classes throughout central California; and perform general laboratory and administrative support. Research emphasis is on the ecology of forest tree diseases in California, specifically epidemiology and ecology of sudden oak death in coastal forests.
Minimum Qualifications
- B.S. degree in Ecology, Plant Pathology, related field or equivalent combination of academic training and experience.
- Skills to plan and implement a broad range of research projects and to provide innovative input based on consultation with the academic supervisor and collaborators regarding the nature and general plan of approach.
- Experience establishing forest field plots, tree disease identification, laboratory techniques as part of pathogen isolation and identification.
- Experience with identification of native and exotic plants found in California forests.
- Skill in identification of symptoms of diseases caused by Phytophthora ramorum.
- Experience using GPS, reading maps, mapping trees, measuring trees, and plant identification.
- Field experience in forest ecology and forest pathology research.
- Experience diagnosing forest tree diseases in California, especially those caused by Phytophthora.
- Experience organizing and delegating work of field assistants, particularly seasonal undergraduate students and multi-year graduate students.
- Technical writing skills to contribute to authorship of technical research papers in refereed journals and to keep detailed records of field experiments.
- Experience in public outreach and research presentations. Skills with Microsoft access, spreadsheet, statistics, GIS, and graphics programs.
- Knowledge of general field and laboratory safety procedures.
- A background check is required for all regular benefited positions
- The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment
Preferred Qualifications
Physical Demands
Field work in Big Sur area requiring long hours in the field, hiking to field plots in forested/rugged terrain, in all types of weather.
Typical Essential Functions
50% RESEARCH; Plan field research experiments, take surveys and collect data on Phytophthora ramorum and other plant diseases, complete work and data summarization using Access databases, collaborate with other institutions in the design and implementation of surveys and research methods. Install, maintain, re-visit plots, perform experiments and take surveys and samplings.
20% FIELD CREW OVERSIGHT; Supervise tasks, coordinate technical training, monitor work/quality control and ensure standard operating procedures, and keep track of travel expenses of temporary assistants in the field.
20% PUBLIC OUTREACH; Conduct community outreach sessions for professionals and general public on current research projects; organize, participate, and contribute to planning meetings; respond to public calls reporting sudden oak death in the Bug Sur region; and present results of research at professional meetings.
10% ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES; Order field and lab supplies. Perform administrative duties such as preparing new hire paperwork, worker’s compensation forms, etc.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- In conjunction with the project director, supervise a field survey team for 10-15 weeks each summer field season (May through September).
- In conjunction with the project director, monitor employees to ensure that they remain in compliance with policies and procedures.
- Subordinates may include undergraduate research assistants, graduate students, and intermittent employees.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Cal Poly Corporation provides excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, paid sick leave/vacation and holidays. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check, educational and employment verification, and reference check, as required.
The California State University system (CSU) requires that students, faculty, and any employees of organizations who access campus, or any CSU facilities, to be either fully vaccinated or qualify for a medical or religious exemption. Please note if you are chosen for a position with the Cal Poly Corporation you will be asked to fill out a Vaccine Attestation once you are hired. This attestation will ask if you are vaccinated or asking for a medical or religious exemption.
AA/EEO/Disability/Protected Veteran Employer
The California State University system (CSU) requires that students, faculty, and any employees of organizations who access campus, or any CSU facilities, to be either fully vaccinated or qualify for a medical or religious exemption. Please note if you are chosen for a position with the Cal Poly Corporation you will be asked to fill out a Vaccine Attestation once you are hired. This attestation will ask if you are vaccinated or asking for a medical or religious exemption.
AA/EEO/Disability/Protected Veteran Employer
Posting Detail Information
Open Date
03/08/2023
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Review of Applications Begin Date
jackharris.com is the go-to platform for job seekers looking for the best job postings from around the web. With a focus on quality, the platform guarantees that all job postings are from reliable sources and are up-to-date. It also offers a variety of tools to help users find the perfect job for them, such as searching by location and filtering by industry. Furthermore, jackharris.com provides helpful resources like resume tips and career advice to give job seekers an edge in their search. With its commitment to quality and user-friendliness, jackharris.com is the ideal place to find your next job.