Aquatic Field Technician
University of Colorado Boulder
San Jose, CA, USA
USD 18-22 / hour
Posted on Jan 15, 2026
Job Summary
The Johnson Laboratory (Ecology & Evolutionary Biology) is seeking highly motivated aquatic field technicians to join an intensive, hands-on research program in the Bay Area of California. This position is designed for individuals who thrive in demanding field environments that love both field and laboratory work. Technicians will work together in a teams of 5–6 field staff while conducting rigorous aquatic sampling in freshwater pond ecosystems. The work focuses on amphibians, fish, and aquatic invertebrates and requires sustained attention to detail, physical endurance, and scientific precision.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
The Johnson Laboratory at the University of Colorado Boulder (www.johnsonlaboratory.com) is a diverse and multi-faceted research group devoted to the study of disease community ecology. It runs one of the longest observational records of multi-host, multi-parasite communities across over 80 ponds in California. The study of these systems, coupled with experimental research conducted in the lab as well as across whole ecosystems, has helped address fundamental questions about the spread of disease in complex systems.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Primary responsibilities include:
- Macro- and micro-level identification of amphibians, fish, invertebrates, and parasites
- Execution of standardized aquatic sampling protocols, including dip-netting, seining, visual encounter surveys, pathogen swabbing, and transects
- Necropsy of freshwater snails for parasite isolation
- Accurate data collection, entry, and management
- Set-up, maintenance, and breakdown of experimental mesocosms
- Regular communication and coordination with the Principal Investigator and Research Associate
- This role offers field and laboratory experience but requires reliability, independence, and the ability to work in complex field operations under variable conditions.
What You Should Know
- This position will require occasional weekend work. When scheduled (typically once per month), alternative days off will be provided. All staff are required to live at the field station in individual tents (to be supplied by the individual); however, the laboratory will cover all camping fees. The facility includes full bathrooms, hot and cold showers, a kitchen with multiple stoves and refrigerators, and laboratory space. Cell service is limited and varies depending on the number of guests and cellular provider.
What We Can Offer
The hiring range for this position is $18.00-$22.00 per hour.
Benefits
Temporary positions at the University of Colorado are not benefits-eligible, however, all positions are eligible for paid sick leave.
Be Statements
Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- Competitive candidates must have demonstrated aquatic field and laboratory research experience.
- Strong preference will be given to applicants with direct experience in freshwater snail necropsy and trematode parasite isolation, as well as proficiency in aquatic sampling techniques (e.g., seining, dip-netting, transects, and water chemistry).
- High-level competency in Excel and data management is required.
- Experience with experimental research and animal care, particularly involving snails and amphibians, is essential.
- Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or be near completion in ecology, veterinary science, or a closely related field.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Current CV
- Cover letter describing your specific aquatic sampling experience, prior scientific research experience (with emphasis on field and experimental work), your interest in working with the Johnson Laboratory specifically, and proposed start date (must be no later than May 11).
- Contact information for three professional references, including email addresses and phone numbers.
If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version (if applicable) as an optional attachment.
During the application process you will need to enter contact information for a reference who can write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. We will request letters and additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses.
For consideration, please apply by February 4th, 2026.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.