Lab Assistant (LAB AST 1)

Entry-level professional with limited prior experience; learns to use professional concepts to resolve problems of limited scope and complexity; works on assignments that are initially routine in nature, requiring limited judgment and decision making. Employees at this level are expected to acquire the skills and knowledge to perform more advanced work following an agreed upon time in position, through defined training and development planning.
Position will be to assist with environmental science research and modelling with special focus on open ET, groundwater data analysis, and ArcGIS.

Apply By Date April 1, 2026 at 11:59pm PST

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

• High School Diploma.
• 1 year or more experience as a research or lab assistant.
• Knowledge of Open ET, Knowledge of R, Interest in California Groundwater.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental management, economics, hydrology, or a related field.

Key Responsibilities

• 50% – Research
• 50% – Data Analysis

Department Overview

The UC Davis Institute of the Environment is a designated Organized Research Unit (ORU) reporting to the Office of Research. The Office of Research (OR) serves as the catalyst for advancing the research mission at UC Davis. Currently, OR oversees 7 ORUs, 13 Special Research Programs 4 IMPACT Centers, and central facilities with over 1,100 employees and annual expenditure and recharge income in excess of $210 Million. There are several research centers under the Institute umbrella including the Center for Watershed Sciences, Center for the Health & the Environment, the Natural Reserve System, and several other research programs and initiatives. The Institute Administrative Services team provides support to the research centers and programs under the Institute umbrella with total expenditures exceeding $35M+ annually. The Institute is a large and complex ORU with 240+ affiliated faculty, professional researchers, adjunct professors, academic and staff support personnel. The ORU occupies 82,680 square feet of regular academic and administrative offices, laboratories, field buildings, and other special facilities in 24 buildings and off-site facilities.

This position will assist the environmental economics and hydrologic modeling labs to develop an integrated model of the Turlock Basin.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $25.75/hr. – $30.17/hr.
• Salary Frequency: Bi-Weekly
• UC Job Title: LAB AST 1
• Number of Positions: 2
• Appointment Type: Staff: Limited
• Percentage of Time: 25% – Variable
• Shift (Work Schedule): Manager will advise
• Location: Remote Worksite (REMOTE)
• Union Representation: TX-Technical Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: No
• This position is 100% remote

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
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead – 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.

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