Why work or volunteer with TERC?
UC Davis is a top-ranked research university brimming with innovation and is known for standout academics, sustainability, and Aggie Pride. The Tahoe Environmental Research Center is a field station that has been at the forefront of science research at Lake Tahoe since 1968. Work alongside world-class scientists, researchers, and educators to help sustain one of the most beautiful and unique places on Earth. Our small staff provides personalized attention for improved training experiences in a diverse array of opportunities giving you every reason to love working here. UC Davis TERC staff are proud to deliver high-quality teaching, research, and public service to further TERC’s mission and impact across the nation and throughout the world.
Job Opportunities
THREE-YEAR GRADUATE STUDENT FELLOWSHIP
TERC seeks proposals from UC Davis faculty to engage graduate students in research focused within the Tahoe Basin. Faculty nominations for the 2026-2027 academic year are due 19 January 2026. This opportunity and other TERC resources will be discussed in a TERC Town Hall on 6 January 2026 (CSMI Building 1350 11:30-1pm).
TERC seeks proposals from UC Davis faculty to engage graduate students in TERC research, education, and outreach as TERC Fellows. Co-mentored by two UCD faculty, the graduate students will receive 3 academic years (9 quarters) of support, contingent on continuing engagement with TERC activities and research alignment with the TERC mission. In addition, the TERC Fellows will be eligible to apply for summer support. Incoming students and continuing students are both eligible. This year, one TERC Fellow will be supported. The new fellow will join the two continuing fellows from last year’s cohort, who are conducting research on invasive species using environmental DNA, and nearshore algal bloom research using remote sensing. New TERC Fellow cohorts are anticipated to join in subsequent years. Each TERC Fellow will be expected to contribute to TERC activities such as outreach and TERC community events, and will benefit from interacting with TERC’s vibrant ecosystem of experienced staff, a growing network of engaged faculty, TERC partners across sectors, as well as early career colleagues. Faculty co-mentors of TERC Fellows will be expected to engage with other TERC faculty, contribute to TERC newsletters, and participate in TERC’s lecture series.
Application process
Co-mentoring pairs of faculty should apply by submitting a nominating proposal. Proposals should include a brief description of the graduate student project, a rationale for the proposed co-mentoring of the student, a description of how the project is aligned with TERC priorities, and a description of TERC resources (e.g., data, existing TERC outreach activities) as well as any other resources (e.g., grants) to be leveraged. The faculty team should include the prospective student’s CV and a brief personal statement from the prospective student, describing the student’s professional aspirations and interest in the proposed project. A complete package contains 3 parts: the nominating proposal should not exceed 2 pages; the student CV has no page limit; and the student’s personal statement should not exceed 1 page. Please combine all three documents in a single PDF with the student’s last name in the file name, and email to sehampton@ucdavis.com and alforrest@ucdavis.edu.
Applications are due 19 January 2026. The TERC Fellows selection committee will generate a short list of candidates to engage in Zoom interviews and make final decisions in February.
Proposed projects should be clearly aligned with the TERC mission and centered on the Lake Tahoe basin. Preference will be given to 1) new Ph.D. students currently being recruited for 2026, and 2) faculty with limited prior engagement with TERC, as the Center seeks to expand its community and the breadth of its activities. Questions should be directed to TERC Director Stephanie Hampton (sehampton@ucdavis.edu) or TERC Associate Director Alex Forrest (alforrest@ucdavis.edu).
STUDENT ASSISTANT 4 - CHEMISTRY LAB ASSISTANT
The Tahoe Environmental Research Center is recruiting for an undergraduate laboratory assistant. This position is located in Incline Village, NV. Under supervision, this position will be responsible for performing chemical analyses of lake, stream, soil, and other environmental samples associated with ongoing projects at Lake Tahoe and Clear Lake. Following TERC standard operating procedures, expectations for this position include sample storage and preparation; equipment maintenance and calibration; nutrient digestions, extractions, and colorimetric analyses; and safe shipping, handling, use, and disposal of hazardous chemicals. The lab assistant will be responsible for assisting with data management and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures. This position will be expected to work in collaboration with graduate students, technical staff and researchers associated with the Tahoe Environmental Research Center.
Specific lab duties include:
- Chemical analysis may include: ammonium, nitrate + nitrite, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, orthophosphate, total phosphorus, total hydrolysable phosphorus, particulate phosphorus, total inorganic carbon, dissolved organic carbon, chlorophyll, turbidity, & pH.
- Sediment nutrient digestions, extractions, and analyses for ash free dry weight and phosphorus and nitrogen content.
- Maintain and calibrate pipettes, balances, temperature of water baths, freezers, and refrigerators to ensure proper density and measurements of samples and standards for analysis.
- Safely store and maintain accurate records of samples, chemicals, standards, and standard reference materials.
- Draft and conduct chemistry runs based on holding time of samples.
- Validate methods by performing regular proficiency tests, making and using standard reference materials (SRMs), and calculating method detection limits, precision & accuracy.
- Properly clean glassware to prepare for chemistry runs and following chemistry runs.
- Assist with hazardous waste storage, disposal, and pickup. Adhere to all safety standards mandated by UC Davis.
- Properly store samples based on analysis required and discard samples following completion of chemistry and data finalization.
Specific data quality control issues include:
- Carry out QA/QC and finalization protocols on chemistry data regularly.
- Assist with general data management and reporting using TERC’s complex database management systems and software.
- Assist with data analysis and reporting on various projects such as the primary productivity study.
- Record data from equipment and enter data into TERC tracking software and database.
- Additional training will be provided on the job for specialized equipment, lab safety and field safety.
- The anticipated end date for this position is June 30, 2026 with the possibility of extension.
- Salary is $17/hour. May work up to 19.5 hours/week during academic year and 40 hours/week during breaks.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Must be enrolled in a degree program while carrying at least six units at a two-year or four-year college.
- Completion of coursework in ecology, environmental chemistry, atmospheric sciences, and geosciences.
- Prior lab experience, either from courses or employment.
- Familiarity with Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Integrity & communication skills.
- Ability to learn Quality Control (QC) procedures, safe handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals, decontamination procedures, and other laboratory skills.
- Familiarity with specific lab equipment, such as pipettes, graduated cylinders, volumetric flasks, balances, drying ovens, fume hoods and/or spectrophotometers.
- Experience with laboratory software to track samples and operate instruments.
UNR and Truckee Meadows Community College Students: Please use the link below to apply https://app.joinhandshake.com/emp/jobs/10049297/details
Enrolled Students at Other Institutions: Please submit a resume and cover letter to ftmgarcia@ucdavis.edu.
Summer Internships
Internships are open to any student from any school to work in the laboratory, in the field, and in science education at Lake Tahoe. While most opportunities are available during the summer months, other opportunities may be available throughout the year. Intern applicants are welcome to turn in a completed application which specifies their availability and area of interest at any time.
Volunteer Docent Program
UC Davis TERC coordinates a volunteer docent program to connect the talents of community volunteers to the needs and interests of visitors and students. Join a group of individuals who are helping to provide the best in science education and foster stewardship throughout the Tahoe Basin. Full-time and seasonal residents that value beautiful Lake Tahoe are highly encouraged to volunteer. Flexible scheduling is available.
Volunteer Opportunities
Other seasonal volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year. Please contact Alison Toy at antoy@ucdavis.edu for more information about upcoming opportunities.