Laboratory Assistant 2 - Orland, CA, Job ID 81741

Laboratory Assistant 2 - Orland, CA, Job ID 81741

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

Job Description

The main responsibilities of the Laboratory Assistants are to set up, evaluate, and analyze field and lab research projects; prepare samples or specimens for examination, processing, and evaluation as well as set up & maintain research equipment. Assist in the setup, maintenance, and evaluation of field research projects. Summarize and minimally analyze research data; and assist in the assembly, testing, and operation of complex laboratory equipment.

Technical assignments at this level typically include duties such as: preparing samples for nutrient analyses, preparing complex reagents and media using basic ingredients, processing and testing field samples through sap analysis, preparing components required for media making, preparing field samples for examination by professional and/or academic personnel, preparing concentration specimens, collecting stem water potential measurements using a pressure chamber, evaluating plant and soil health using visual and laboratory methods, assist in experimental applications of registered chemicals to plants, monitoring insect pest populations, accurately weighing field yields using a harvest weigh cart, removing fluids and preservatives by pipetting and using solvents, assisting a team with harvest preparation and procedures, grinding tissues and placing in suspension, and dissecting plant and insect material exposing tissues for examination.

This position is a career appointment that is 100% fixed.

The home department for this position is UCCE Glenn County. While this position normally is based in Orland, CA, this position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants living in the State of California at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University.

Pay Scale: $22.02/hour to $23.28/hour

Job Posting Close Date:
This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 10/24/2025.

Key Responsibilities:

45%

Prepare samples for analysis. Refine research protocol as assigned by supervisor. Perform one or more standard repetitive laboratory and/or field experimental procedures that require technical scientific knowledge and skills. Set up and assist in the design of establishing plots, work to coordinate applications, and maintain plots.

30%

Collect and review data on established projects.

15%

Ensure the laboratory equipment and supplies are maintained, keep records; order, store and dispense a limited variety of standard supplies for a complex laboratory. Set up and maintain equipment such as fume hoods, fans, emergency lights, water drains and special fixtures; and assist in the assembly, testing and operation of complex laboratory equipment.

10%

Utilization of Excel, PowerPoint, Word and other tools to create reports and newsletters. Provide analysis data to supervisor in a variety of reports, write results in clear concise manner.

Requirements:

• Coursework and basic understanding of the scientific principles behind research area.
• Ability to perform physically strenuous field activities (lifting, carrying, harvesting, soil sampling, etc.) in the summer heat.
• Ability to use specialized lab and field equipment, with training.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks carefully and accurately.
• Ability to safely and properly operate a pressure chamber.
• Ability to use plant sap analysis testing devices in a lab setting.
• Ability to use data collection and measurement software, as well as Excel, PowerPoint and Word in order to detail the measurement.

Preferred Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Plant Science, Horticulture, or other related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Bilingual communication/translation abilities in English and Spanish.
• Experience with writing extension articles.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
• As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
  
  

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

To apply, please visit: https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucanr/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&JobOpeningId=81741&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=17&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant

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