Native Plant Program Assistant Field Botanist

Location: Santa Cruz
Job ID: 51708
JOB POSTING
Please note: For full consideration for an interview, all applicants are required to include a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (https://academicaffairs.ucsc.edu/contributions-to-diversity/index.html). When submitting your application, include your statement by uploading it as an additional attachment.
Multiple hires will be made. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. To ensure your application is reviewed, apply by the initial review date (IRD).
Applicants are encouraged to apply for both this position and the Native Plant Program Field Botanist (Job # 51369) position.
Appointment will range from 50-100% time to be determined in collaboration with program leadership.
NOTIFICATIONS
UC Vaccination Policy: With limited exceptions, COVID-19 vaccinations are required for Covered Individuals under the Policy. Covered Individuals include all employees, students, or trainees who physically access a University facility or program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training.
Covered Individuals do NOT include employees who work 100% remotely with NO expectation that they will physically access any University location or program at ANY time. If 100% remote work ends, the employee is subject to policy.
INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)
UC Santa Cruz staff jobs are posted until filled. Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. NOTE: Materials submitted after the IRD will be forwarded only at the request of the hiring unit. Submit your materials before the IRD to ensure consideration by the hiring unit.
The IRD for this job is: 04/24/2023

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ
UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum and Botanic Garden is a unit with the Division of Academic Affairs. As a division, we are committed to the ongoing work of building an inclusive and supportive community, where we collaborate to achieve shared goals. We seek to attract and develop a diverse workforce who contribute to these goals, support our increasingly diverse faculty, staff, students, and community members, and contribute to equity across our institution.
The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden's rich and diverse collection contains representatives of more than 300 plant families of Mediterranean climates. The garden maintains collections of rare and threatened plants of unusual scientific interest. Particular specialties are world conifers, primitive angiosperms, and bulb-forming plant families. Large assemblages of plants from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and California natives are displayed on the grounds. Many of the species in these collections are not otherwise available for study in American botanical gardens and arboreta.
Please note: For full consideration for an interview, all applicants are required to include a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (https://academicaffairs.ucsc.edu/contributions-to-diversity/index.html). When submitting your application, include your statement by uploading it as an additional attachment.
More information can be found here: https://arboretum.ucsc.edu/
JOB SUMMARY
The Assistant Field Botanist assists the program lead and field crew in furthering the program's statewide vegetation mapping goals. The position is supervised by the program leadership and is seasonal for seven (7) months with the possibility to extend an additional month. Work continues the following spring as funding permits.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Budgeted Salary: $25.68 - $28.06/Hourly. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary above the posted range. The salary shown above is the budgeted range the University reasonably expects to pay.
No. of Positions: 2
Benefits Level Eligibility: Core benefits
Schedule Information:

• Shift Includes: Day
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Part-time, Full-time (depending on field work)
• Percentage of Time: 50% - 100%, 20-40 Hours per Week

Employee Classification: This is a Limited appointment
Job End Date: 7 months from date of hire with possibility of extension (seasonal work)
Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus
Union Representation: RX
Job Code Classification: MUSEUM SCI AST (009724)
Travel: Up to 50% of the time
JOB DUTIES
45% - Collect Field Data

• Collect vegetation field data for Program vegetation projects, including plant species identification and cover, other vegetation characteristics, and environmental data following standardized protocol and methods according to the CNPS/CDFW Rapid Assessment/Releve Protocols.
• Use a mobile electronic device for navigation and locational data collection.
• Field work will be performed on a week on-week off basis and on weeks involve primarily camping and staying in motels.
• Understand vegetation classification according to the Manual of California Vegetation and be able to identify representative stands to select/establish survey plots based on rapid species identification of dominant and characteristic plants.
• Conduct field work safely and follow all permit and access requirements.
• Accurately and legibly complete data field forms.
• Communicate regularly with lead person about data collection progress and issues. Download electronic data and update data progress records on a weekly basis.

35% - Conduct Data Entry

• Ensure all specimens collected for identification purposes are identified within a timely fashion and make changes to the field form and database accordingly.
• Enter data into a standardized database according to established protocols.
• Collect field data in an organized system.
• Quality control data to ensure data accuracy and completeness.

10% - Planning and Logistics

• Assist lead and field crew with planning and logistics for field data collection.
• Organize and prepare material and equipment for field work.
• Contact landowners and land managers to assist with land access.

5% - Training and Meetings

• Attend career development and training programs, seminars, etc., as appropriate to contribute to the goals and objectives of the program.
• Attend staff meetings, planning meetings, and trainings for the planning and implementation of vegetation sampling and mapping projects.

5% - Administration

• Perform administrative tasks, including tracking time worked; travel expense claims, and mileage logs.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships.
• Experience with the flora and vegetation of California.
• Demonstrated commitment to data collection integrity.
• Associates (AA) degree or higher in biology, botany, ecology, environmental science or related field or a combination of education and/or work experience.
• Ability to organize work and reason logically; analyze situations accurately.
• Ability to use computer equipment effectively, including using word processing, spreadsheet and database software (MS Word, Excel, Access).
• Ability to gather floristic, vegetation, and environmental data in the field and office.
• Ability to work on multiple priorities with attention to detail.
• Ability to draft clear, brief reports.
• Ability to follow directions.
• Ability to place high priority on personal safety and the safety of coworkers, particularly in the field.
• Ability to analyze field data.
• Ability to be adaptable and work independently.
• Ability to work with and support people from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, including those from currently marginalized and historically under-represented groups.
• Ability to learn to identify plants.
• Ability to make and record accurate field observations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to learn to use floristic keys including Jepson, digital resources, and dissecting scopes to identify plants.
• Skill to efficiently perform data management.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to equity and inclusion in the workplace.
• Experience with the use ArcGIS products for data capture.
• Ability and judgment to safely drive "off-road" to remote mountainous survey sites throughout California.
• Experience with the Manual of California Vegetation.
• Experience with vegetation sampling including CDFW releve and rapid assessment protocols.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to sustain exposure to dusty, noisy environments and inclement weather as necessary to carry out assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.
• Ability to perform work in a rugged physical environment and inclement weather with challenging infrastructure requirements.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• Ability to perform essential physical job functions.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• Poison Oak is present. Incumbent must be willing to take the measures required to work in contact with and cut/remove poison oak.
• The University of California has implemented a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy covering all employees. To be compliant with the policy, covered employees must submit proof of vaccination or have an approved exception or deferral, eight (8) weeks from date of hire.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California.
• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to travel within a defined regional or service area.
• Ability to work in conditions of variable temperature/weather with possible exposure to strong, unpleasant odors, high levels of noise and vibrations, and exposure to dust and allergens.
• Ability to work long periods of time in wilderness conditions and to travel to remote areas.
• Ability to walk to and work in remote areas with rugged terrain, heavy brush, biting and stinging insects, bears and mountain lions.
• Will be required to work a hybrid work schedule, days of the week and number of days to be determined, and be able to fulfill requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.

SAFETY STATEMENT
All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.
HOW TO APPLY
Attach your resume and cover letter when applying for this job opening. Do not attach any documents to 'My Activities'. Visit our How to Apply tutorial for detailed instructions on our applicant process.
EEO/AA
The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO USE THE UCSC ON-LINE PROCESS
View full job description and access on-line application:
https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucsc/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=11&JobOpeningId=51708&PostingSeq=1
To ensure review of application materials by the hiring unit, they must be submitted on or before the initial review date (IRD) via the Staff Employment Opportunities web site; https://jobs.ucsc.edu. A computer is available at the UC Santa Cruz Staff Human Resources Office located at Scotts Valley Center. The Scotts Valley Center is located at 100 Enterprise Way, Suite E100, Scotts Valley, CA 95066. To learn more or to request disability accommodations, call 831-459-2009. Hearing impaired are encouraged to use the California Relay Service at 800-735-2922. UC Santa Cruz is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.
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