This position is budgeted for $22.70 per hour and is non-negotiable.

SERG is a non-profit organization under the umbrella of the San Diego State University Research Foundation, committed to the preservation and restoration of southern California’s sensitive plant communities--fostering our unique natural environment and maintaining critical ecosystem services.

Research Assistants will help collect data on species composition, community structure and wildfire risk in montane forests of Southern California. This position requires working outdoors in all weather, hiking on rugged terrain, and week-long camping trips. This is a full-time, hourly position with full benefits.  Relocation benefits will not be offered. The work schedule will include five consecutive ten-hour days followed by two days off. Most of the season will involve car camping, either in designated campsites or in unofficial dispersed campsites adjacent to roads, with all camping equipment provided. The crew will be provided with a field vehicle, but crew members are responsible for their own transportation to and from the duty station (San Diego) at the beginning and end of the work period.

The following information is intended to be representative of the work performed by incumbents in this position and is not all-inclusive.  The omission of a specific duty or responsibility will not preclude it from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical extension of position responsibilities.

Field-based Responsibilities (95%)

• Assist in plant species identification
• Carry out measurements of forest stand structure, including characterizing vegetation, forest structure, fuel loads, and landscape condition
• Accurately record data in the field, with daily error checking

Other Responsibilities (5%)

• Office work, including data entry quality control
• Care and organization of field gear

Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge of conifer forest vegetation data collection methods
• Knowledge of identifying California tree and shrub species using a dichotomous key
• Knowledge of use of maps, compasses, and GPS units for navigation
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude in physically demanding conditions
• Knowledge of Excel for data entry
• Ability to understand, follow and enforce work rules and procedures
• Good attitude and strong interpersonal skills, even in a physically demanding setting
• Cross-cultural sensitivity
• Ability to motivate others in a kind but effective way
• Capacity for strenuous labor under a variety of weather and work conditions
• Ability to hike five or more miles per day with a heavy pack through difficult and steep terrain, frequently off-trail

Minimum Education & Experience

• Completion of sufficient lower division coursework or equivalent of one-year related experience in lieu of coursework.

Preferred Qualifications & Special Skills

• Bachelor's degree in biology, forestry, ecology or a related field
• Previous experience as a field technician in remote settings
• Wilderness First Aid certification
• Ability to identify common southern California plant taxa on sight, to the genus level
• Experience working in a remote field site
• Valid driver’s license, and experience with four-wheel-drive vehicles

Additional Applicant Information

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.