The Associate Director of Operations is responsible for running day-to-day activities of the Oiled Wildlife Care Network’s (OWCN) Management Team at its headquarters (located in the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine). This position focuses on coordination of subject matter expertise and content related to the rescue, care, and rehabilitation of oiled wildlife; management of physical assets for the program; coordination of the initial deployment operations for emergency response efforts. This role works in close coordination with the Director of the program and the Associate Director of Network Management, who leads the management of the 45 Member Organizations and 1600 responders who empower the OWCN to deliver world class emergency response efforts to oil spills in state waters of California. This role will supervise content experts in the roles of animal health and care, as well as field operations, and a logistics unit.
Apply By Date 8/22/2026 at 11:59pm
RECRUITMENT PERIOD ONE MONTH: Applicants will be screened after two weeks; and then on a weekly basis. The position(s) can be filled prior to the removal date
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
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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
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Bachelor’s degree in related area and/or 6 or more years of related experience.
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Experience with emergency response.
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Demonstrated supervisory experience.
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Collaborative and team-oriented, detail-oriented and able to set priorities and meet timelines; capable of making decisions in a fast-paced and rapidly changing work environment.
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Ability to travel on a monthly basis around California for routine partner visits and to deploy with limited notice for emergency response activation's; comfortable with flexible working hours.
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Exceptional writing and communication skills with experience teaching and conducting training in informal or formal settings.
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Experience with incident command/emergency response.
Preferred Qualifications
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Advanced degree (DVM/PhD).
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Experience working in an academic or state/federal government setting.
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Technical expertise in wildlife medicine/care or wildlife field operations, ideally in emergency situations.
Key Responsibilities
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40% - Leadership and Administration
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30% - Content Management and Training Support
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15% - Asset Management
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15% - Other
Department Overview
The Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN, owcn.vetmed.ucdavis.edu) is a globally recognized wildlife emergency preparedness and response program that is administered through a partnership between the University of California, Davis and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Office of Spill Prevention and Response, and is powered by over 40 member organizations across the state of California, including major zoos, aquariums, and wildlife rehabilitation facilities. Its purpose is to provide best achievable capture and care to wildlife impacted by oil spills across California. The program is coordinated by a Management Team that sits at UC Davis and ensures readiness activities, including over 3,000 responders and technical capacity during non-spill times and deploys for responses during spill times. This cornerstone program sits in the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center (WHC) of UC Davis, a multidisciplinary unite focused on the health of free-ranging and captive terrestrial and aquatic wild animals. As a Center of Excellence within the One Health Institute (OHI), the WHC implements the One Health approach, recognizing that the health of animals, people and the environments they share are inextricably linked. At UC Davis, the WHC/OHI is the organization under which faculty, staff, students, and other partners come together to address the complex issues surrounding conservation and health in a changing world. The WHC administers several high-profile wildlife
POSITION INFORMATION
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Department Budgeted Salary or Pay Range: $94700.00 - $130000.00
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Salary Frequency: Annually
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Salary Grade: Grade 24
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UC Job Title: PROJECT POLICY ANL MGR 1
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UC Job Code: 000568
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Appointment Type: Staff: Career
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Percentage of Time: 100%
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Shift (Work Schedule): Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
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Location: Davis CA
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Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
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Benefits Eligible: Yes
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This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)
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
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UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
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Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
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Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
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Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
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Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
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Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
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WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
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On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
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Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
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Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
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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
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Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Environmental Demands
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Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Mental Demands
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Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
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Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
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Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
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Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
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Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
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Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
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Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
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Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ 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.
Subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws, Regulations and University policy (including vaccination policy for COVID-19 and influenza). Work long hours in a variety of conditions on short notice. Work with a variety of people in both small and large teams. Work in inclement weather, at times walking/hiking for long distances or for extended periods, or working on boats for several hours. Wear personal protective equipment and protective clothing, including in hot, humid environments while working long hours or during physically demanding activities. Work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present. Work with potentially dangerous wildlife. Work occasional overtime, holidays, and weekends. Vacation might be restricted during peak periods.
Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
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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
