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
Assistant Project Scientist - Applications due May 1
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
1) RESEARCH (90 %)
The appointee will assist in determining research goals in consultation with Principal Investigators. Relying on a demonstrated ability to perform cutting-edge publication-quality research in the areas of turbulence, river-lake interactions, limnological data analysis, and expertise in hydrodynamic modeling of rivers and lakes. The appointee will analyze river-lake dynamics and turbulent mixing in the nearshore of Lake Tahoe and other aquatic systems via 3D hydrodynamic numerical models; design, implement, and analyze observational measurements utilizing conventional limnological sampling techniques and cutting-edge technology such as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV), underwater gliders, and/or acoustic doppler velocity profilers (ADCP); represent TERC with Stakeholder groups and funding agencies; assist in meeting grant funding deliverables and reporting requirements, and collaboration with project partners and funders; engage collaboratively with other faculty and researchers in the analysis of data from other locations in the US and globally. The appointee will prepare manuscripts describing research results and publish in peer-reviewed journals in collaboration with PIs and/or other members of the research team. The appointee will collaborate on the preparation of research funding proposals. Depending on the level of contribution, the candidate will either be listed as a co-PI or as the PI (status may be granted by exception to UC policy).
2) UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)
The appointee will engage with TERC’s public outreach activities that include presenting scientific research results to the general public, providing scientific advice to individuals and public agencies and adapting research results for inclusion in museum-quality displays and activities. Teaching classroom courses is not an expectation of this position.
3) PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)
The appointee will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to his/her specific field and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The appointee will attend seminars to present research results and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups. When appropriate, the appointee may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings or educational functions.
Department: https://tahoe.ucdavis.edu/
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
- Ph.D. or equivalent degree in limnology, water science or engineering, aquatic ecology, or a closely related discipline.
- At least two years of experience working on sub-alpine and alpine systems.
- At least two years of experience conducting research on fluid mechanics in stratified systems.
- At least two years of experience leading, coordinating, and executing limnological field studies.
- Experience operating Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV).
- Experience in limnological data analysis using different programming languages.
- Experience and working knowledge of statistical packages.
- Experience working in remote sites.
- Experience writing and editing technical reports.
- Demonstrated experience in collaborative group science and multidisciplinary team research.
- Experience organizing and preparing electronic data reports for funding agencies.
Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)
- Knowledge of Lake Tahoe
- Knowledge of at least one other lake system
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06950
Help contact: alforrest@ucdavis.edu
Applications due May 1, 2025 at 11:59pm

Interns & Summer Internships (on-going)
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.