Jr Specialist-Greenhouse & Nursery

The Junior Specialist in the Greenhouse and Nursery operations will assist in the daily management and maintenance of the University's greenhouse and nursery facilities. This position is ideal for individuals interested in plant science, horticulture, or sustainable agriculture, providing hands-on experience in a dynamic academic environment. The Junior Specialist will support research activities, educational programs, and outreach initiatives related to the greenhouse and nursery production.

Key Responsibilities:

* Assist in the daily operations of the greenhouse and nursery.

* Support research projects, conducting experiments, and collecting data as directed by senior staff.

*Help maintain greenhouse and nursery equipment, tools, and supplies, ensuring a safe and organized work environment.

*Participate in educational outreach programs, including workshops and demonstrations for students and community members.

*Collaborate with faculty, staff, and students on research initiatives and special projects.

* Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Computer Science, Environmental Science, 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 tractor and drone operations.

* At least 1-2 years of experience conducting or participating in applied agricultural research, preferably in a smart farm environment.

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

* Experience using various farming technologies, such as drones, sensors, and automation systems, 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.

* Familiarity with geospatial, IoT and AI technologies used in precision agriculture, and applied statistics.

* 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.