Jr. Specialist- Potter Lab
Listed on 2026-01-24
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Research/Development
Research Scientist, Biology
Position overview
Salary range: A reasonable estimate for the Jr. Specialist position is $55,000 at Step 1 or $58,600 at Step 2.
Application WindowOpen date: January 20, 2026
Next review date: Wednesday, Feb 4, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Wednesday, Jan 20, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position descriptionThe Potter lab in the Department of Plant Sciences is seeking a Junior Specialist to conduct research consisting of inventories of rare threatened and endangered plant species at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (WHIS). Inventories will focus on surveys of special status species and will target two general types of survey area: those suspected of hosting undiscovered populations, and those for which a baseline inventory dataset is needed.
Surveys for new populations will search unexamined habitat that is considered suitable for hosting rare taxa. Baseline data collection will be aimed at capturing the status of known populations seven years into post-fire succession. This portion of the inventory will incorporate macro-plots to collect data on species density, frequency, health, and threats, along with metrics to evaluate vegetation composition and structure.
Results from this inventory will be used to develop management objectives for species. Identifying known populations will inform threats to specific occurrences, allow for the prioritization of management actions, and streamline compliance for project implementation. The baseline data collected at plots will provide a snapshot on the status of fire succession effects on SSS status, vegetation structure and fuel loading, and invasive species threats.
These datasets will be used to initiate management actions and provide a reference for adapting these objectives in the future.
- Collaborate with other research personnel, including the supervisor, undergraduate assistants, and National Park Service counterparts to conduct research activities involving inventories of rare threatened and endangered plant species at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (WHIS).
- Inventories will focus on surveys of special status species and will target two general types of survey area: those suspected of hosting undiscovered populations, and those for which a baseline inventory dataset is needed. Baseline data collection will be aimed at capturing the status of known populations, seven years into post-fire succession. This portion of the inventory will incorporate macro-plots to collect data on species density, frequency, health, and threats, along with metrics to evaluate vegetation composition and structure.
- Results from this inventory will be used to develop management objectives for species. Identifying known populations will inform threats to specific occurrences, allow for the prioritization of management actions, and streamline compliance for project implementation. The baseline data collected at plots will provide a snapshot on the status of fire succession effects on SSS status, vegetation structure and fuel loading, and invasive species threats.
These datasets will be used to initiate management actions and provide a reference for adapting these objectives in the future. The employee's specific project activities include: - Survey remaining habitat determined to be suitable for hosting target species based on proximity to known populations, local knowledge of potential habitat, and existing habitat suitability models.
- Conduct baseline inventories for selected species at selected sites.
- Help develop management objectives and recommendations for target species.
- Quarterly written and oral progress reports prepared and delivered by the candidate.
- Publications that acknowledge the Specialist's significant and meaningful contribution to the work or on which the Specialist is an author.
- Active dissemination of information (beyond the boundaries of the campus) through informal instruction, presentations, or other means stemming from the Specialist's research accomplishments.
- Participate (attend and present at least one talk or poster) in scholarly conferences such as meetings of the California Native Plant Society and the Northern California Botanists.
- In collaboration with the supervisor, develop funding opportunities (including contributing to writing proposals) to further the research goals of the lab.
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