Biological Science Technician

OUR STATEMENT
The San Jose State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) is committed to building a work environment where everyone can show up as their own self and have an opportunity to contribute, develop, and advance in their career. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are core values of the organization. We strive to attract, retain, and develop employees who reflect the community and society where we work and live. The Research Foundation aims to develop a culture where everyone feels welcome, shares their views, and where differences in backgrounds and perspectives are seen as adding value.

GENERAL NATURE OF POSITION

The Research Technician will support field-based research focused on waterbird nesting biology, habitat use, and movement ecology across California and the western United States. Research efforts span multiple regions, including California's Central Valley, San Francisco Bay, the Klamath Basin (Oregon and California), and the Great Basin (Oregon, Utah, and Nevada).

Data collected through this position will contribute to regional and multi-state studies examining avian biology, habitat relationships, and movement patterns of focal waterbird species. This role requires extensive fieldwork, adaptability to changing schedules, and the ability to work in challenging outdoor environments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct nest searching and systematic nest monitoring of multiple waterbird species.

• Perform vegetation sampling and habitat assessments.

• Capture and safely handle waterbirds; assist with attachment of transmitters for movement studies.

• Conduct standardized waterbird surveys and habitat surveys.

• Collect detailed biological and environmental data in the field.

• Enter, compile, organize, and perform quality control on field data using spreadsheets and tabular data formats.

• Maintain accurate and thorough field notes and data records.

• Follow established field protocols and safety procedures.

• Work collaboratively with research staff and partners across multiple study regions.

• Perform other related duties as assigned to support research objectives.

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS

Reports to the project director. Frequently interacts with other researchers and project partners.

None.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related field.

Job Knowledge and Skills Required

• Experience with biological fieldwork, wildlife surveys, or ecological data collection.

• Ability to identify bird species in the field (particularly waterbirds).

• Experience or willingness to learn nest searching, bird capture, and bird handling techniques.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Demonstrated reliability and ability to meet deadlines.

Physical Demands

• Flexibility to work variable hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and occasional nighttime work.

• Ability to work long hours outdoors in wetland and upland habitats.

• Ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain and work in variable weather conditions.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the SJSURF. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or the continued employment of current SJSURF employees who apply for the position.

Compensation Range:

BENEFITS
The SJSURF provides an excellent benefits package to benefited employees. The comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Four company health insurance plans to choose from (employee contributions differ according to plan and level of coverage).

• Employer-paid dental and vision for both employee and eligible dependents.

• Life, AD&D, LTD with supplemental coverage opportunities.

• 14 paid federal & state holidays.

• Retirement Plan: 403 (b) employee contribution plan component and a 403 (b) employer contribution component, which vests immediately.

• Vacation-hour accruals and separate sick-hour accumulations.

• Employee discounts.

• Paid training and professional-development conferences.

Please visit the Benefits & Compensation page on the SJSURF website for more detailed information.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The SJSURF is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with physical or mental disabilities in the employment, recruitment, examination, interviewing, and hiring processes. If you are a job seeker with a physical or mental disability, and you require a reasonable accommodation to search, apply, or interview for a job opening or otherwise need a reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process, please contact us at foundation-jobs@sjsu.edu. In the email message, please indicate your full name, phone number and the type of assistance required. You must not reveal the underlying medical reason for your needed reasonable accommodation or otherwise disclose confidential medical information.

ABOUT THE SJSU RESEARCH FOUNDATION
SJSURF employment is separate and distinct from San Jose State University (SJSU) or state of California employment. SJSURF employees are not employees of SJSU or of the state of California. SJSURF is a non-profit auxiliary of SJSU. SJSURF is totally self-supported. The majority of the organization's funding comes from the federal government, and other public and private entities. With annual revenues totaling over $65 million, programs managed through SJSURF cover a rich diversity of applied research, public services, and educational-related activities.

San Jose State University Research Foundation is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. It also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.

It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment or services are not subjected to discrimination. We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity. This policy is in accordance with federal, state and local laws and reaffirms the Research Foundation's continuing commitment to both the spirit and intent of equal employment opportunity laws and policies.

San Jose State University Research Foundation is an EOE M/F/Vet/Disability. Learn more about our organizations EEO and AAP policy by visiting our website HERE. Data metrics on the AAP is available for review upon request. Please also visit OFCCP for additional resources: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters.

If you have any questions or need assistance or an accommodation in completing this application, please contact Research Foundation HR at (408) 924-5582.

We participate in E-verify. Please click here for more information