Course Technician - NR

About the Role

This is a Limited Non-Recruitment position to hire Olivia Lane and Stephanie Mow into the Course Technician role. The Course Technician takes a lead role in organizing field course logistics associated with student field work, transportation, and accommodations for field-intensive courses. The incumbent may also oversee water and field safety, including SCUBA, snorkeling, on-the-ground field support, and small boat operations, as well as assist in course safety (transportation, logistical).

Responsibilities

• Course Logistics (60%)
  • Coordinates organization and acquisition of field course supplies, field room and board, and transportation logistics.
  • Prior to departure, coordinates with departmental staff to purchase and organize field teaching supplies and food.
  • Works with course instructors and teaching assistants to identify and purchase needed items.
  • During the field portion of the course, organizes, maintains, and tracks field supplies and equipment to ensure compliance with the assigned budget.
  • Organizes menu planning, food purchase, and student preparation of food in the field.
  • Operates a vehicle to run errands related to procuring food and field supplies and traveling between reserves.
• Development/Repair and Maintenance (20%)
  • Develops lists of necessary field equipment and coordinates maintenance and repair with departmental support staff.
  • Reports safety issues to appropriate personnel and recommends improvements.
• Planning/Meetings/Administrative Tasks (20%)
  • Meets with course instructors, teaching assistants, and others to plan, set priorities, receive direction, schedule, and coordinate activities.
  • Processes, submits, and maintains all paperwork and communications for activities such as purchasing, time records, and reimbursements.

Requirements

• BA in biology, marine biology, ecology, environmental studies, geology, or related field, or equivalent knowledge and experience attained through coursework, including laboratory experience.
• Experience in field logistical support and marine and/or terrestrial fieldwork.
• Basic tools and equipment experience, as well as basic computer software experience (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, email).
• Excellent judgment and maturity to make appropriate safety and logistical decisions prior to and during fieldwork.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy, record and manage data, and create and implement protocols.
• Ability to give clear, concise instructions both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize workload effectively.
• Ability to work and interact effectively with diverse groups of faculty, staff, and students, and exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to oversee and direct staff, students, and other field support staff.
• Ability to effectively oversee crew and equipment in difficult field operations and show leadership in emergency situations.
• Ability to safely operate field transport (vans, trucks).

Special Conditions of Employment

• Must pass a pre-employment criminal history background check and employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license and participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) pull notice program.
• Ability to work long periods in wilderness conditions and travel to remote areas.
• Ability to perform work in rugged physical environments and inclement weather with challenging infrastructure requirements.
• Must work all scheduled hours on-site, including evenings and weekends, and accommodate a variable schedule for travel up to several weeks at a time.
• Ability to wear proper safety attire (long pants, closed-toe shoes, etc.) and personal protective equipment common in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to read signs, follow directions on labels written in English, and understand Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and chemical compound usage.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus within a defined regional or service area.
• Physical ability to hike and haul gear in the wilderness.
• Must complete UC compliance training within established time frames.
• Compliance with UC vaccination policies, including COVID-19 requirements.
• Mandated Reporter under the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA); must report known or suspected child abuse or neglect.
• Must exercise discretion in managing sensitive information, including employee/student records, health/patient records, financial data, and proprietary information.

Pay

Budgeted salary of $6,000 in total compensation, split over two months for each quarter by agreement.

Schedule

• Part-time, variable schedule (0% percentage of time, BYA).
• Workdays may include any day of the week, including weekends, with shifts during days and weekends.
• Limited appointment ending on 11/12/2026, with the possibility of extension.
• Work location is off-campus.