Lab Assistant - Williams Lab (LAB AST 2)

Under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator and graduate researcher, the lab assistant will assist with field and laboratory activities associated with a UC Davis research project examining bumble bee community composition, floral resources, and habitat use, primarily at two national parks, Lassen Volcanic National Park and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.
The position requires following established survey protocols to collect data on bumble bees and floral resources. Field tasks include conducting walking transect surveys to record foraging bumble bees, identifying bees to species, recording floral associations, and collecting photographic vouchers to support species identification. Additional protocols involve identifying flowering plant species, estimating floral abundance along transects, and recording habitat characteristics and environmental conditions.
The lab assistant will assist the graduate researcher in ensuring that field equipment and data are properly managed, including organizing photographic records, entering field data, and verifying data accuracy. Work will involve long days outdoors in remote locations, hiking several kilometers per day over uneven terrain, and working in variable weather conditions while carefully following established research protocols.

Apply By Date April 24, 2026 at 11:59pm PST

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

• 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
• Undergraduate coursework in Ecology, Entomology or related areas.
• Field experience conducting ecological or environmental surveys.
• Ability to work long days outdoors in remote field locations and variable environmental conditions.
• Ability to hike several miles per day over uneven terrain.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately follow data collection protocols.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a small field team.
• Willingness to stay in field station housing multiple days per week.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience identifying plants or insects in the field.
• Familiarity with observing and collecting pollinators, particularly bees.
• Experience with data entry and data quality control in spreadsheets.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude in physically demanding outdoor conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• 80% - Field Work
• 15% - Data Entry / Quality Control
• 5% - Laboratory / Organizational Tasks

Department Overview

The Department of Entomology & Nematology is a teaching, research, and extension department within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The Department of Entomology and Nematology encompasses disciplines studying the two most prevalent and important groups of invertebrates affecting man and the environment. The overall mission of the department is to address the broader scientific and societal importance of arthropods and nematodes by working seamlessly along the continuum that interconnects basic to applied science. Overall, departmental research can be grouped into five broad areas: biodiversity, ecology, functional biology, sustainable agriculture, and vector biology. Department faculty and research staff strive towards synergy between emerging areas of fundamental science and mission-oriented research to translate basic science into solutions for stakeholders. Perhaps more importantly, the department prepares the next generation of students to assume leadership in arthropod and nematode sciences through the department's undergraduate and graduate programs.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $25.81/hr. - $30.49/hr.
• Salary Frequency: Bi-Weekly
• UC Job Title: LAB AST 2
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Limited
• Percentage of Time: 100% - Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday-Friday, 8:00AM-5:00PM
• Location: Davis, CA.
• Union Representation: TX-Technical Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

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 - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 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.

The field season will run approximately mid-May through mid-September. Field work will typically occur ~3 days per week, though schedules may vary depending on weather, travel logistics, and survey timing. Field days may be long and may not follow a traditional Monday-Friday schedule.

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