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Job no: 494937
Work type: Casual/Temporary
Location: Los Angeles
Categories: Hourly

Title: Field Research Assistant

Department: Vantuna Research Group

Duration: 9 months - End Date: December 31, 2026 (Possible Extension)

Employment Status: Non-Exempt, Part-Time, Up to 29 hours per week

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Director, the Field Research Assistant is an experienced and enthusiastic AAUS scientific divers assisting with grant-funded research programs. Fieldwork is conducted 2-5 days per week, year-round. This role accurately interprets and follows established guidelines and procedures and collect accurate data. Field research is conducted out of King Harbor in Redondo Beach but other locations may include San Pedro, Dana Point, Oceanside, Santa Barbara, and San Diego, therefore field research assistants transport themselves and dive gear to these locations.

Job Duties

• 80% - Conduct boat-based research, including collecting data and performing work tasks (e.g., collecting sediment cores, retrieving equipment) while scuba diving. - (Essential)
• 20% - Input data into databases - (Marginal)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant scientific field.
• Current AAUS dive certification with a minimum of 50 logged scientific dives and 60’ depth certification.
• Ability to work safely in a variety of demanding environmental conditions and have strong swimming abilities for water-based fieldwork.
• Ability to analyze, synthesize and organize data, and present findings in a comprehensible manner for different audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google drives/folders/forms.
• Demonstrated ability to be detail-oriented and thorough; skilled at anticipating and preventing potential problems and handling a wide variety of tasks with efficiency and accuracy.
• Strong commitment to a quality work product.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate verbally, in writing and electronically.
• Effective interpersonal skills as evidenced in the ability to collaborate with a variety of constituencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, inclusion & diversity.
• Demonstrated skill in adapting to and performing work effectively in high-volume, high accountability, confidential environment with multiple and changing priorities.
• Effective organizational, logistical, time management and planning skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks/projects simultaneously, prioritize and fulfill the functions of an office in a timely manner.
• Ability to self-motivate and work independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting subtidal biological surveys and knowledge of taxonomy and identification of southern California marine algae, invertebrates, and fishes.
• Trained in CRANE, Kelp Forest Monitoring Program, or PISCO protocol.

EXPECTED HIRING RANGE: $20.00/hr-$22.00/hr

Advertised: 28 Jan 2026 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close:

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