Field Research Assistant

Job Posting: https://employment.ucsd.edu/field-research-assistant-135069/job/28990529

We are seeking three field technicians to work on the ongoing Argentine ant eradication program on San Clemente Island (SCI), a Naval installation on the southernmost of California’s Channel Islands, from May to October 2025.

All fieldwork will be conducted on SCI, which is owned and operated by the US Navy. The island is home to a large number of endemic and rare plant, animal, and bird species, with an extensive community of biologists, archaeologists, and researchers. The incumbents will collaborate frequently with other crew members, members of the Natural Resources Office (NRO), and Navy members.

The incumbent will work under the supervision of the PI and report directly to the Lead Field Researcher to assist with measuring the efficacy and conservation gains of Argentine ant eradication and implement eradication protocols in wildland areas. Daily fieldwork will include mapping the boundaries of Argentine ant infestations, hand and helicopter treating infestations, and conducting post-treatment monitoring. This position involves strenuous fieldwork that includes hiking rugged cactus and canyon terrain while mapping and treating Argentine ant infestations. Technicians will receive training in operating forklifts to perform helicopter-assisted treatments. Technicians will gain valuable experience with fieldwork, ant survey methods, and invasive species ecology while working and living on the biologically and topographically diverse San Clemente Island.

~Room and basic board will be provided while on San Clemente Island.

~Transportation via plane from Naval Air Station North Island Coronado to SCI will be provided.

~The work schedule will be 5 days on island and 2 days off, mainly working Thursday to Monday.

~This will be a 6-month limited position at 100% time, 40 hours a week, with the possibility of extension based on project and department needs.

~Portions of this project that do not require being on the island can be completed on the mainland.

~Training can be completed at the start of the field season.