Job Announcement:
Field Biologist to Support Grinnell Project
Museum of Vertebrate Zoology
University of California, Berkeley

Position Length: Up to two years, depending on available funding
Pay: $37,920 to 39,456 annually
Application deadline: March 17, 2008

The Museum of Vertebrate Zoology at UC Berkeley is currently engaged in a long-term project to document changes in diversity and distributions of small mammals and birds in California through re-surveys of sites originally examined by Joseph Grinnell and colleagues in the early 20th Century. The intent is to use these data to test the performance of model-based predictions of species’ responses to changes in climate and land-cover, and thereby improve on predictions of future responses. There is considerable scope for creativity within the broad goals of the project.  With support from the National Science Foundation, we seek to recruit a field biologist to support and participate the field programs and related curatorial activities in the MVZ. Further information can be found at http://mvz.berkeley.edu/ or by contacting the Director of the MVZ, Craig Moritz, at craigm@berkeley.edu.

DUTIES

This position is primarily responsible for leading field teams to survey mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians from a variety of sites in California. This work involves gaining access to land, helping to acquire permits, becoming familiar with historic field notes, and organizing field trips.  Time in the field involves trapping mammals, mistnetting birds, catching herps, and preparing a significant portion as study specimens. In addition, time will be spent managing data acquisition (e.g. trapping and mistnetting effort, photograph records, wildlife observation records) and curation of the specimens. As the team leader, the position requires a high level of independent judgment and decision-making abilities to oversee and resolve non-routine situations on surveying field trips in remote parts of California. These remote field trips may last several weeks at a time. The position also may involve modifying or revising established field experimental procedures based on knowledge of general field collection protocols. Time not in the field will be spent helping to curate specimens and photographs, organizing data, writing reports, correcting database errors, and preparing for subsequent trips. Depending on interests of the appointee, there will be opportunity to participate directly in data analyses and preparation of papers for publication

This position requires experience in field surveys of vertebrates, including specimen preparation, plus a degree in a relevant field of biology. Familiarity with California vertebrate fauna is highly desirable and demonstrated experience in data management would be an advantage. Must have, or be willing to acquire, California driver’s license. 

Salary range: Staff Research Associate II; $37920-39456 p.a.  commensurate with skills and experience. The position is available for up to 2 years, depending on available funding.

To apply for this position, please visit http://jobs.berkeley.edu/. Click the link for Search and Apply for Jobs Now! At that page, click the link to View Job Posting / Apply for Job. You will need to create an account to apply for this job.  Once you have done that, you can search for the position by its number, 008066. Click the box to the right of the job title under the heading Job Basket. Scroll to the bottom and click Apply for Jobs in Basket.  On the following pages, click the next buttons until you arrive at the page to click Submit. After that, click on the View Application Status to confirm your selection. If you have any problems, please contact UC Berkeley Employment Services at 510-642-4621.

The University of California is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.