About Berkeley
At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation - driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that…
benefits California, the U.S., and beyond. Together, we change the world.
At Berkeley, the best careers are built on a foundation of continuous learning and growth. We actively support professional development by providing all full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours of paid time per year and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups.
We invite applicants who are inspired by our Principles of Community and who are eager to be part of our exciting Strategic Plan, which charts Berkeley's next era of excellence.
Learn more about some of our accomplishments at Points of Pride.
Departmental Overview
Angelo Coast Range Reserve seeks two technicians to contribute to fieldwork and research for a research project titled Grassland Conservation in the Cannabis-Impacted Eel River Watershed: Biodiversity Monitoring, Soil Health Restoration, and Community Education. This work will take place at Angelo Coast Range Reserve, and at nearby study sites. For more information about Angelo Coast Range Reserve, visit www.angelo.ucnature.org.
Position Summary
The Field Technicians will support data collection focused on plant communities, arthropods, soil and root microbiomes, grass outplanting success, metabolomics, and wildlife monitoring across multiple field sites and controlled experiments, with training and oversight provided by project personnel. Work will involve extensive field sampling in remote environments, field data collection, greenhouse support, laboratory processing, arthropod specimen handling, and detailed data management following standardized scientific protocols.
Primary responsibilities include conducting vegetation surveys using CNPS Relevé quadrat sampling protocols; installing and maintaining wildlife monitoring equipment; ground-dwelling arthropod sampling and processing; assisting with soil, rhizosphere, and grass root endosphere sampling for microbiome analyses; and assistance with seedling propagation, outplanting, and monitoring of outplanting success.
This position requires the ability to work safely and independently in remote field settings under variable weather and terrain conditions. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and adherence to safety protocols are essential. The project offers experience in plant and insect ecology, developing familiarity with flora and fauna in the South Fork Eel watershed, biodiversity monitoring, and plant biology.
Responsibilities
- Field Sampling at Research sites - 35%
- Processing wildlife camera and sound recorder data - 20%
- Assisting with educational and outreach events - 10%
- Greenhouse plant care - 15%
- Processing biological samples (arthropod, plant) - 20%
Required Qualifications
- Ability to work in remote field settings.
- Ability to hike over steep and uneven terrain while carrying field equipment and supplies.
- Ability to work outdoors for extended periods under varying weather conditions.
- Ability to maintain careful attention to detail during repetitive sampling and laboratory procedures.
- Ability to maintain professional conduct and strong safety awareness during field and laboratory operations.
- Ability to work flexible hours.
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with/willingness to learn about California native plant communities and common grassland species.
- Plant identification skills and/or willingness to learn regional flora.
- Understanding of/willingness to learn standard field sampling techniques for vegetation, arthropods, soils, and wildlife monitoring.
- Familiarity with/willingness to learn about greenhouse plant propagation.
- Strong organizational and record-keeping skills, including maintaining detailed field notes and data collection.
- Experience using spreadsheets and/or databases.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Education / Training
- High School Diploma or Equivalent (Required)
Licenses / Certifications
- CA Driver's License (Required)
Salary & Benefits
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $27.04 (Step 1) - $29.26 (Step 3).
- This is a non-exempt, bi-weekly paid position.
- This is a 6-month, part-time (20 hours/week), Limited [temporary] position that is eligible for UC benefits.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.
Driving Required
Required to hold a valid 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.
Other Information
- This recruitment has 2 openings.
- This work will take place at Angelo Coast Range Reserve, and at nearby study sites.
- This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
- This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Technical Unit (TX) between the University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/tx/index.html
- The automatic conversion to career status, as provided in Section B.2. above, will not occur when: c. The funding for the position is "one time" funding, of eighteen (18) months or less.