Careers

Title: Research Assistant

Department: Sciences

Duration: Indefinite

Job Summary

Reporting to Vantuna’s Assistant Director, the Research Assistant participates in boat-based fieldwork, primarily scientific diving, for 2-5 days per week year-round. Collaborating with existing staff and student researchers, this role contributes to multiple ongoing team-oriented research projects

This position is represented for purposes of collective bargaining by SEIU.

Job Duties

• 20% - Conduct boat-based research, including collecting data and performing work tasks (e.g., collecting sediment cores, retrieving equipment) while scuba diving. - (Essential)
• 15% - Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory and field equipment. - (Essential)
• 15% - Input data into databases and perform initial QA/QC. - (Essential)
• 10% - Operate, clean, and maintain vehicles, research vessels, and trailers. - (Essential)
• 10% - Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics, or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties (i.e., sonars, CTDs, ROVs, drones). - (Marginal)
• 10% - Conduct and monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with set protocols. - (Marginal)
• 10% - Supervise undergraduate students and volunteers including onboarding, training, and scheduling. - (Marginal)
• 5% - May perform duties for the dive program including accurate record keeping, maintaining compliance with AAUS standards, coordinating trainings, and performing checkout dives. (Requires divemaster or dive instructor certification). - (Essential)
• 5% - Provide technical support and services for scientists including placing orders for laboratory equipment and supplies. - (Essential)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field.
• Current AAUS dive certification with a minimum of 50 logged scientific dives and 60’ depth certification. Completion of an SBSA, state, or federally sponsored Motorboat Operator Training Course.
• One year of progressively responsible work experience in a similar research and/or scientifically focused program.
• Ability to work safely in a variety of demanding environmental conditions and have strong swimming abilities for water-based fieldwork.
• Valid California driver’s license and the ability to become an authorized driver of campus-owned vehicles. Ability to analyze, synthesize and organize data, and present findings in a comprehensible manner for different audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google drives/folders/forms, Adobe Acrobat, Web Editing, and social media applications or any combination of productivity programs applicable to position responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to be detail-oriented and thorough; skilled at anticipating and preventing potential problems and handling a wide variety of tasks with efficiency and accuracy.
• Strong commitment to a quality work product. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate verbally, in writing and electronically.
• Effective interpersonal skills as evidenced in the ability to collaborate with a variety of constituencies. Demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, inclusion & diversity.
• Demonstrated skill in adapting to and performing work effectively in high-volume, high accountability, confidential environment with multiple and changing priorities.
• Effective organizational, logistical, time management and planning skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks/projects simultaneously, prioritize and fulfill the functions of an office in a timely manner.
• Ability to self-motivate and work independently.
• Ability to provide effective leadership and training, and to work effectively and professionally across functions, disciplines, levels, and with diverse groups

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting subtidal biological surveys and knowledge of taxonomy and identification of southern California marine algae, invertebrates, and fishes.
• Experience with collecting data using remote sensing methods (e.g., ROVs, AUVs, sonars, drones). Trained in CRANE, Kelp Forest Monitoring Program, or PISCO protocol. Experience with database management.
• Divemaster or Dive Instructor certification.

EXPECTED HIRING RANGE:  $22.00 - $24.00/hr

If you are offered this position at Occidental College, your final base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as skills, education, experience, and/or geographic location. In addition to those factors, Occidental complies with applicable pay equity laws and considers internal equity among current employees when developing the final offer. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the base salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical in order to allow for future and continued salary growth.  We also offer a generous compensation and benefits package.