STAFF RESEARCH ASSOCIATE 2 Job Listing at University of California in Davis, CA (Job ID 66429)

Description

Job Description

Under supervision, incumbent will conduct research and extension projects in orchard systems to increase the visibility of Fresno and Madera/Merced orchard programs. The position will aid and enhance collaborative projects with university and industry affiliates, governmental agencies, and other local collaborators. The position will support research and extension projects through collecting and analyzing data, and helping to draft reports of the findings to be developed into peer-reviewed and trade articles. The Research Associate will coordinate and participate in outreach extension efforts including workshops, trainings, and help develop educational materials. The position may have a supervisory role over other research technicians and student assistants.

This position is a career appointment that is 100% fixed.

Pay Scale: $28.04/hour to $36.27/hour

Job Posting Close Date: 
This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 4/1/2024.

Key Responsibilities:

50%

Assist with establishment of field, greenhouse, and laboratory trials.

Prepare equipment and supplies necessary for field work and data collection.

Collect soil, plant, water, and other types of samples, and set up equipment and data loggers for automating data collection.

Coordinate with office and farm staff the logistics necessary for data collection.

Learn new procedures for sampling, processing samples and operating electronic equipment related to data collection.

Install and maintain equipment in laboratory and fields.

Coordinate activities with other lab and field research assistants.

35%

Compile and manage data using Excel or appropriate software.

Conduct basic data analysis necessary to quantify data integrity.

Keep academic staff and other project collaborators informed of data collection status, pertinent results and issues affecting research projects.

Assist in development of reports as required by funding agencies and outreach purposes.

15%

Perform other tasks such as ordering and maintaining equipment and supplies, prepare extension materials.

Requirements:

• Excellent organizational skills to collect data and manage multiple tasks to ensure successful completion and maintain integrity of data.
• Ability to pay attention to details and record data accurately. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to understand research project requirements, articulate assignments to research support staff, communicate with cooperators, staff, volunteers, and visitors, and disseminate information. 
• Ability to analyze, evaluate and synthesize information of both applied and theoretical nature in field, laboratory, and office environments.
• Excellent computer skills for using Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Knowledge and experience in Excel spreadsheet formulas and grafting for data analysis. 
• General knowledge of biological and natural sciences, including soils, entomology, and plant physiology and pathology. Working knowledge of basic agricultural research methods. order to produce reports.

Preferred Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in irrigation, plant sciences, soil science or the equivalent education and experience. 
• Bilingual skills: The ability to read, write, translate, and effectively communicate technical agricultural information in a language that is relevant to growers and farmworkers. The preferred language skills could be Spanish or Punjabi. 
• Experience and understanding of basic field and laboratory safety, including handling pesticides, hazardous waste disposal, and storage of corrosives and flammables.
• Experience in processing and analyzing data in SigmaPlot, SAS, R, SPSS, or other statistical software.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required.
• Travel including travel outside normal business hours may be requested. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
• Overtime and occasional weekend work as needed, usually on short notice to meet operational needs may be requested.
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
• As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited. 

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) brings the power of University of California research and education to all 58 California counties. Through research and extension in agriculture, natural resources, economic growth, nutrition, and youth development, we work to improve the life of every Californian.

Collaborating to solve problems.

Connecting to serve communities.

For over 100 years, our advisors, specialists, faculty and staff have been committed to connecting Californians to their land grant university. We are highly collaborative and mission-driven to promote the health and well-being of people and places across the state. We are also trusted partners with hundreds of community organizations in addressing California's most pressing challenges.

UC ANR is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ+ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

This position will promote, in all ways consistent with the other responsibilities of the position, accomplishment of the Affirmative Action goals established by the Division.  

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. If you have questions, please email the Human Resources Department.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time.  Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

Internal Candidates: Review the job posting and click the internal applicant link to apply. Use the same credentials used to login to UCPath to access the internal UC ANR job postings in order to apply.

Employment applications must be submitted online through our careers site.  Please note, we do not accept resumes or applications by email or on paper.

External Candidates: You must register to apply for a job or create a job search agent profile. Review the job posting and click the external applicant link to apply. Click the 'Register Here' link and follow the steps to create the account. The system will not prompt you to register until you try to apply for a job online.

Employment applications must be submitted online through our careers site.  Please note, we do not accept resumes or applications by email or on paper.