Job #JPF07461

PLANT SCIENCES / COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES / UC Davis

Apply now: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07461/apply

View this position online: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07461

POSITION OVERVIEW

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for the Jr. Specialist position is $55,000 at Step 1 or $58,600 at Step 2.

APPLICATION WINDOW

Open date: January 20, 2026

Next review date: Monday, Apr 6, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, Jan 20, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Potter lab in the Department of Plant Sciences is seeking a Junior Specialist to conduct research consisting of inventories of rare threatened and endangered plant species at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (WHIS). Inventories will focus on surveys of special status species and will target two general types of survey area: those suspected of hosting undiscovered populations), and those for which a baseline inventory dataset is needed. Surveys for new populations will search unexamined habitat that is considered suitable for hosting rare taxa. Baseline data collection will be aimed at capturing the status of known populations, seven years into post-fire succession. This portion of the inventory will incorporate macro-plots to collect data on species density, frequency, health, and threats, along with metrics to evaluate vegetation composition and structure.

Results from this inventory will be used to develop management objectives for species. Identifying known populations will inform threats to specific occurrences, allow for the prioritization of management actions, and streamline compliance for project implementation. The baseline data collected at plots will provide a snapshot on the status of fire successions effects on SSS status, vegetation structure and fuel loading, and invasive species threats. These datasets will be used to initiate management actions and provide a reference for adapting these objectives in the future.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (80%)

A. Collaborate with other research personnel, including the supervisor, undergraduate assistants, and National Park Service counterparts to conduct research activities involving inventories of rare threatened and endangered plant species at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (WHIS). Inventories will focus on surveys of special status species and will target two general types of survey area: those suspected of hosting undiscovered populations), and those for which a baseline inventory dataset is needed. Surveys for new populations will search unexamined habitat that is considered suitable for hosting rare taxa.

Baseline data collection will be aimed at capturing the status of known populations, seven years into post-fire succession. This portion of the inventory will incorporate macro-plots to collect data on species density, frequency, health, and threats, along with metrics to evaluate vegetation composition and structure.

1. Survey remaining habitat determined to be suitable for hosting target species based on proximity to known populations, local knowledge of potential habitat, and existing habitat suitability models.

2. Conduct baseline inventories for selected species at selected sites.

3. Help develop management objectives and recommendations for target species.

Evaluation of performance in research and outreach activities will be based on evidence documented in:

1) Quarterly written and oral progress reports prepared and delivered by the candidate.

2) Publications that acknowledge the Specialist's significant and meaningful contribution to the work or on which the Specialist is an author.

3) Active dissemination of information (beyond the boundaries of the campus) through informal instruction, presentations, or other means stemming from the Specialist's research accomplishments.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10% EFFORT)

A. Participate (attend and present at least one talk or poster) in scholarly conferences such as meetings of the California Native Plant Society and the Northern California Botanists.

B In collaboration with the supervisor, develop funding opportunities (including contributing to writing proposals) to further the research goals of the lab.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (10% EFFORT)

A. Serve as a liaison with National Park Service personnel to provide reports on progress on this project and discuss potential ideas and plans for other collaborative research involving UC Davis and the NPS.

B. Participate in outreach activities such as giving talks for the Davis Botanical Society, the California Native Plant Society, and preparing displays related to the project for events at the UC Davis Center for Plant Diversity Herbarium such as Biodiversity Museum Day and Botanical Teas.

Per UCD-APM 330, it is inappropriate to appoint an individual with a Master's or Doctoral degree in the relevant discipline or a baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of experience as a Junior Specialist. Candidates who hold a Masters or Doctoral degree will be disqualified from the Jr. Specialist position. The Department will not offer visa sponsorship for this position. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate that they are legally authorized to work in the United States.

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

A. Bachelor’s degree in Plant Sciences, Environmental Science, or related field (must be obtained at the time of appointment)

B. Experience conducting field research, including extended periods outside

C. Valid driver’s license (transport to and from various field sites within Whiskeytown National Recreation Area daily once a month during the first five months)

D. Skill in identification of plants native to California

E. Experience analyzing data and writing reports

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

F. Familiarity with the flora of serpentine soils in northern California

G. Experience conducting rare plant surveys

H. Experience camping

I. Experience developing recommendations for vegetation management based on plant survey or similar data

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Cover Letter

Authorization to Release Information Form - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.

Reference requirements

3 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07461

Help contact: ykreyes@ucdavis.edu