Arboretum Waterway Steward (MUSEUM SCI)

The Waterway Steward maintains and enhances the Arboretum Waterway in alignment with the strategic initiatives of the UC Davis Living Landscape Adaptation Plan. This position works directly with UC Davis faculty, students, and staff as well as key community members to maintain positive ecological and aesthetic quality of the waterway and associated habitat areas, manage and steward the aquatic environment and infrastructure within the waterway, and design and install habitat restoration and revegetation projects within the waterway and adjacent slopes and banks. This position develops, manages, and implements a student internship/volunteer program using the Learning by Leading model. The steward also develops, manages, and oversees highly skilled volunteers, civic and student service clubs, and others. The steward participates in a variety of activities related to the waterway and storm water, including meeting with donors, leading tours, and assisting with writing grants. They manage all aspects of assigned projects, including overseeing students and volunteers, budget planning, and grant expense reporting. The steward explores and establishes mutually beneficial partnerships with community and regional organizations to advance the work of the APG and enhance the Arboretum Waterway. The steward develops and leads public outreach efforts to raise awareness and advance the work of stewarding the Arboretum Waterway. The steward actively participates as an expert in assigned areas such as water quality, wetland and storm water management, habitat restoration, sustainability, and urban habitat. For full job description see https://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/recruitment.

Apply By Date

January 2, 2026 at 11:59pm

RECRUITMENT PERIOD ONE MONTH: Applicants will be screened after two weeks; and then on a weekly basis. The position can be filled prior to the removal date.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Current Certification or License for Pesticide Application from California Department of Pesticide Regulation with Right-of-Way and Aquatic certificationsmust be obtained within six months of hire.
• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• Bachelor's degree in natural resources related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in ecosystem restoration and/or aquatic ecology; such as habitat restoration planning, implementation and maintenance; identifying and cultivating plants native to the California Central Valley, especially riparian and wetland-associated species; erosion control; weed and pest control; and the operation and maintenance of spray equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to safely complete field tasks while carrying up to a 35-pound pack for sustained periods and working outdoors in physically challenging conditions, including wet, muddy, and/or uneven terrain; inclement weather; and temperature extremes.
• Demonstrated leadership skills to recruit, manage, teach, and engage adult volunteers and university students in hands-on outdoor land management activities, including experience using, teaching, and supervising the use of hand and power tools for landscape management.
• Demonstrated interpersonal, problem-solving, decision-making and communication skills to develop mutually beneficial partnerships with entities such as University departments, researchers, academic partners, students, community organizations and other stakeholders.
• Organizational and project management skills to work independently and as part of a team, to prioritize, organize, and manage multiple projects; to work effectively under pressure with conflicting deadlines; and to solve problems on an ad-hoc basis.
• Computer skills to use electronic mail, word processing, database, spreadsheet, timekeeping and communication software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing wetlands, watersheds, and/or storm water systems as they relate to natural receiving waters as well as experience working with regulatory agencies at the State and Federal levels, as it relates to water and the environment.
• Experience mentoring and fostering leadership in university students. Experience developing programs that allow students to take on successively greater leadership roles as their abilities grow.
• Experience recruiting, managing, supervising, and retaining highly skilled adult volunteers from diverse backgrounds, identifying what motivates individuals to give their time and resources, and cultivating positive relationships.
• Experience designing, planning, and delivering public programs; leading educational tours; and teaching scientific concepts to a variety of audiences.
• Fundraising experience with foundations, government agency grants, corporate entities and individual donors.
• Knowledge of chemical and biological interactions within an aquatic ecosystem and management practices to improve water quality and ecological health including understanding of water sampling methods, analysis, and ability to make subsequent management actions based on results.
• Knowledge of environmental regulatory requirements and monitoring procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• 55% - Waterway/Stormwater Management
• 20% - Oversee Student Intern Program
• 10% - Research and Training Support
• 10% - Community Engagement and Fundraising
• 5% - General Administration, Tool and Equipment Inventory, Operation and Maintenance

Department Overview

The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden (APG) is composed of three sub-teams that collectively hold responsibility for managing the entire campus landscape. This position will report to the Assistant Director for the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve/Naturalized Lands sub-team and collaborate with members of the Grounds & Landscape Services and Arboretum sub-teams. The goals of the APG are to create a more visitor-friendly campus, transition to a more sustainable and resilient campus landscape that is adapted to our future climate, make the academic programs of UC Davis visible to campus visitors, build environmental leadership in students and community partners, engage the public in lifelong learning opportunities, and leverage campus financial and human resources.

Key programs of the APG include the UC Davis GATEways Project, the Learning by Leading Program, and the Living Landscape Adaptation Plan. The GATEways Project transforms the campus into physical and programmatic portals for the public to engage in the riches of UC Davis. The Learning by Leading Program builds environmental leadership skills with students through hands-on, real-world projects and programs involving mentorship by staff, faculty and community members. The Living Landscape Adaptation Plan charts a course for building and sustaining a thriving campus landscape in the face of significant climate change disruptions.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $30.32/hr. - $48.78/hr. (Dept. budgeted range: $30.32/hr. - $46.41/hr. Commensurate with experience)
• Salary Frequency: Biweekly
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: MUSEUM SCI
• UC Job Code: 009723
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: RX-Research Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Other Requirements

• Must be able to operate a small paddle boat or kayak, wade up to the chest in water, have the ability to swim, and work in sticky mud. - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Work Environment

• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
• Current Certification or License for Pesticide Application from California Department of Pesticide Regulation with Right-of-Way and Aquatic certifications must be obtained within six months of hire. Must be able to operate 4-wheel-drive trucks, ATVs, boats, and agricultural equipment (including, but not limited to: herbicide sprayers, flail mowers, tractors, bulldozers, water trucks, pumps, range-drills, excavators, front-loaders, backhoes, and dump trucks). Must be able to work flexible schedule including evenings, nights, holidays, weekends. Outside work in summer heat or winter rain with potential exposure to snakes, rodents and ticks and their associated diseases and regular exposure to poison oak. Some office work, use of vehicles, and work in equipment shop. Must work with or be in areas where hazardous materials such as pesticides are present. Must wear protective/safety clothing and equipment when job requires its use. Employee may participate in required preventive medical monitoring programs such as blood tests, TB screening, etc., and are provided to Federal, State and University requirements. Position requires medical surveillance and assessment for respirator use.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

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 Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

#CA-SE