Junior Specialist in Climate Smart Agriculture

The VISTA Farms-Food-Future (F3) Innovation team and the Experimental Smart Farm (ESF) are seeking qualified candidates to fill one position as a Junior Specialist in climate smart agricultural research. In the role of F3-ESF Junior Specialist, the candidate will be actively involved in agroecology research at our experimental smart farm and partner farms and the Farms-Food-Future (F3) Innovation program, and in the development of UC Merced as an Agricultural Experiment Station. This position will work closely with the UC Merced Agroecology Lab under the supervision of Dr. Rebecca Ryals. Key responsibilities include but are not limited to assisting with the design, planning, and execution of applied agricultural research studies. The candidate will be expected to collect, manage, and analyze data derived from soil health experiments in orchards and other agroecosystems, as well as coordinating and performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting tasks for our state-of-the-art agricultural research equipment. Filled position will span both laboratory and field settings, including time sensitive fieldwork activities, such as soil sampling, greenhouse gas flux measurements, planting and harvesting, and composting., Laboratory activities will include, but not be limited to, analysis of biological, chemical, and physical soil health indicators, compost characterization, carbon and nitrogen analysis of plants and soils, soil water retention measurements, processing of field data. Clear and effective communications from research findings, both through written reports and oral presentations, are a key part of the position as it will require working in close collaboration with senior researchers, faculty, and other relevant community advisors. Compliance with all safety and ethical standards is mandatory. Alternate work schedule, extended days, occasional weekends, and occasional travel are required. This is an exempt position.

Basic Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field

* Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail and contribute to innovative solutions to complex research challenges

* Demonstrated excellence in written, verbal, and visual communication skills for reporting research findings and recommendations

* Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and activities, as well as with other team members

* Ability to use digital tools, not limited to Microsoft products (Word, Excel)

* Ability to work and use sound judgement in outdoor work environments under difficult environmental conditions, such as heat and cold

* Ability to obtain and maintain a California Driver's License

* Ability to obtain and maintain successful training in safe field equipment operations

Preferred Qualifications

* At least 1-2 years of experience conducting or participating in applied agricultural research

* Experience working in a farming environment, including safe operation of machinery.

* Experience using various farming research technologies, such as gas analyzers, to collect and analyze data.

* Knowledge of modern farming practices and principles, including regenerative and/or sustainable agriculture.

* Experience in conducting fieldwork, such as soil sampling, plant pathology, crop science, or animal agriculture.

* Knowledge of one or more programming languages, such as Python or R

• 3 required (contact information only)

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (https://cie.ucmerced.edu/analytics-hub/student-statistics), UC Merced is committed to interdisciplinary excellence in research and teaching as well as to diversity, equity and inclusion. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced provides outstanding educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California. The Merced 2020 Project doubled the physical capacity of the campus, and enhanced academic distinction, student success, and research excellence (https://merced2020.ucmerced.edu/).

The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

Please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy.