STAFF RESEARCH ASSOCIATE 2 Job Listing at University of California in Davis, CA (Job ID 66830)

Description

Job Description

Department Summary:

Working in full partnership with federal, state, local, and private resources, University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Capitol Corridor bridges the gap between local issues and the power of UC research through our youth development, home food preservation, nutrition, urban horticulture, and agricultural programs, serving Sacramento, Solano, and Yolo Counties.

Position Summary:

This position will conduct research and extension projects in orchard systems in order to increase the viability and productivity of the programs of the Yolo-Solano-Sacramento, Colusa and Sutter/Yuba Orchard Systems Advisors. The successful candidate will increase cooperative research and educational efforts with other university affiliates and governmental collaborators. They will work with the UC Advisors in grant writing, data collection, data analysis, and report writing.

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 4/23/2024.

Key Responsibilities:

35%

Provide research support without close supervision such as project management, field data collection, pest monitoring, soil and plant sample preparation and record maintenance.

Assist with design and implementation of field experiments based on review of scientific literature, in consultation with Advisors.

Assist with and sometimes lead writing of research grant proposals, in coordination with the Advisors.

30%

Perform data collection and entry. Inputs data into appropriate computer software. Produces summary statistics, table and graphs.

Draft narratives of the findings to be developed into layman and technical reports (funder reports, meeting hand-outs, articles and scientific manuscripts).

Assist with writing reports. Review drafts of papers, posters, etc to make sure they are an accurate reflection of the data findings.

Assist Advisors with basic analysis.

10%

Work with Advisors to communicate with collaborating growers/orchard managers/farm employees what tasks need to be completed to conduct research projects.

Provide progress reports to UC staff, researchers, and other participants within research projects, when needed.

10%

Maintain test plot equipment and supplies in functioning order (i.e., auger bits, shovels, pressure chamber, etc.).

15%

Assist in maintaining an extension program, including uploading and managing content of the SacValleyOrchards.com website, collating newsletters, and workshop and meeting logistics.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, agricultural science, pomology, weed science, soil science, or other related field.
• Minimum one year of experience in executing field research.
• Must possess working knowledge in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.) and R (or other statistical program).
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Must be a self-starter, with the ability to work independently and in groups and seek guidance when necessary.
• Ability and willingness to do physical work outdoors in adverse weather conditions (warm or cold) when dust, mud, rain and/or bees are present, and in pesticide-treated fields or orchards (when such work is permitted by re-entry intervals and other applicable pesticide laws and regulations).
• Experience in data collection, input and analysis in appropriate computer software.
• Experience writing technical reports from analyzed data.

Preferred Skills:

• Ability to read and comprehend articles from technical publications.
• Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish, or another commonly spoken language in the agricultural community. The ability to communicate effectively in the science and agricultural fields is preferred. Candidates who only speak English will still be seriously considered.
• Experience/comfort working in orchard crops.
• Ability to use a pressure chamber and take stem water potential readings.
• Experience monitoring agricultural pests and diseases.
• Experience giving presentations.

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. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
• Travel including travel outside normal business hours may be requested.
• 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.