Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Vantuna Research Group (www.oxy.edu/vantuna-research-group) at Occidental College is seeking experienced AAUS scientific divers to assist with its extensive grant-funded field programs. We research nearshore marine systems throughout the Southern California Bight and work on a variety of studies including MPA research, rocky reef restoration, NPDES monitoring, and long-term monitoring of rocky reefs. Our research program conducts fieldwork 2-5 days a week, year-round. It is essential that the applicant be able to accurately interpret and follow established guidelines and procedures, and collect accurate data.

This is a part-time temporary position (June 1-December 16th, 2022) with an hourly pay rate of $22. Successful applicants can expect to work a set schedule of three days per week (either Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Monday, Wednesday,
Friday - 24 hours/week, plus potential overtime). Workdays not in the field are spent on campus in the office and laboratory. Opportunities to work additional days may be available. Most field research is conducted out of King Harbor in Redondo Beach. Other locations may include San Pedro, Dana Point, Oceanside, Santa Barbara, and San Diego.

Applicants must be able to transport self and dive gear to these locations. On occasion, employees may have the opportunity to work evenings, weekends, or on multi-day trips, if available and willing.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND GOALS

• An experienced AAUS scuba diver and familiar with nearshore fauna of the Southern California Bight. Able to accurately identify and count algae, invertebrates, and fishes and collect additional data while scuba diving.

Must also be able to perform work tasks (e.g., collecting sediment cores, deploying and retrieving equipment) while diving.

• Assists with other non-diving field research including, but not limited to, water quality monitoring, otter trawling, plankton tows, purse seines, beach seines, and topside diver support as needed.
• Prepares dive gear and other equipment for field days.
• Performs various laboratory tasks, data entry, and QA/QC.
• Represents the College and program director in a positive manner to contracting organizations, subcontractors, and other College representatives and employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant scientific field
• Current AAUS dive certification ( required; no exceptions ) with a minimum of 50 logged scientific dives and 60’ depth certification (100’ preferred)
• Experience conducting subtidal biological surveys and knowledge of taxonomy and identification of southern California marine algae, invertebrates, and fishes

• Experience with Microsoft Office software.
• Must provide and maintain all dive gear; tanks and survey equipment will be provided and maintained by VRG

• Ability to lift 50 lbs
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Able to work safely in adverse weather conditions in a variety of demanding environmental conditions, and have strong swimming abilities for water-based fieldwork
• Full vaccination against COVID-19 including booster shots, when eligible
• Experienced in the operation and trailering of small boats (up to 25’), MOTC/MOCC course completion a plus

(preferred)

• Trained in CRANE, Kelp Forest Monitoring Program, or PISCO protocol (preferred)
• Nitrox certification (preferred)

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applications must include a CV, a cover letter describing experience and research interests, and contact information for three references. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

The deadline to submit your application is March 25, 2022.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Occidental is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding or related medical condition, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristic or information, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. Occidental is strongly committed to increasing the diversity of the campus community and the curriculum, and to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and just environment within which students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. Candidates who can contribute to this goal through their work are encouraged to identify their strengths and experiences in this area. Individuals advancing the College’s strategic equity and justice goals and those from groups that are underrepresented in the field are particularly encouraged to apply.

All qualified applicants will be considered for employment, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance
Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Occidental College is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with qualifying disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the application or employment process, please contact Human Resources.

As a condition of hire for a staff position and for appointment to a faculty position, Occidental College requires that all candidates who have received a conditional offer of employment complete an application form (if they have not already done so) and consent to a background check. Satisfactory completion of a background check, along with pre- employment verifications and references are required as a condition of employment, but only as permitted by federal, state, and local law, including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary

Pay: $22.00 per hour

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a minimum of 50 logged scientific dives and 60’

depth certification (100’ preferred)?

• Can you provide and maintain all dive gear (tanks and survey equipment will be provided and maintained by VRG)?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

License/Certification:

• AAUS dive certification (Required)
• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: One location

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