Junior Specialist position - Kisekka Lab

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Junior Specialist II, Department of Land, Air, and Water Resources, UC Davis

POSITION BACKGROUND

Kisekka, Harter Labs

We're seeking an agricultural scientist, agricultural engineer, environmental engineer, hydrologist, or other related background to join our research team studying alternative water and nitrogen (N) management systems in order to reduce nitrate (NO3-) leaching into groundwater. The team is working on understanding and mitigating leaching from fertilizer N applications as well as conservation practices that enhance water and N conservation in nut crops, citrus orchards, and processing tomatoes. This position will be a critical part of a team working to answer questions posed by various stakeholders, including growers, federal, state, and local agencies, and private industry organizations. The primary focus of the project is on developing innovative conservation practices for progressive farmers to manage N and water in the most environmentally benign manner while fostering economically sustainable yields.

Job Location: Davis, California

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Jr. Specialist will be instructed in the use of state-of-the-art scholarly research methods for hydrologic monitoring of water and N applications, operation of a wide range of instrumentation used in field scale hydrologic science, agronomy, and boundary layer meteorology.

Under the supervision of Drs. Kisekka and Harter, the Junior Specialist, will perform the following duties:

70% Research

* Collect data (vadose zone, groundwater, and agronomic data) from three field experiments located in the Central Valley (Esparto, Modesto, and Porterville).

* Maintain instrumentation for field experiments.

* Use UC Pre-purchasing systems to procure parts and supplies for labs and experiments.

* Organize, analyze, and present research data to project PIs.

* Assist with quarterly and annual research reports required by the funding agencies.

* Organize meetings and facilitate information flow between PIs and growers/landowners.

* Participate in the writing of scientific publications.

* Participate in Kisekka and Harter weekly Lab group meetings.

20% University and Public Service

* As part of academic training, will mentor undergraduates, volunteers, and similar assistants in field and laboratory methods and data collection, as appropriate.

* Assisting PIs in the planning and executing of public outreach-related milestones, events, and activities

10% Professional Competence

* Present research results at local, regional, and/or international meetings (e.g., USDA NRCS CEAP conference, Almond Board of California Annual Conference, CDFA FREP conference), at growers' meetings, and to cooperating landowners.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Working long hours in extreme weather conditions.

Travel to field sites near Woodland, Modesto, and Porterville.

Handling and moving heavy items and equipment.

Be able to lift 80 pounds to chest height.

Ergonomic hazards, including heavy lifting, repetitive motions, awkward motions, crushing or pinching injuries, etc.

Climb ladders to work on top of machinery and with equipment in tight, confined areas.

Must be on call and be able to travel on short notice.

Familiarity with agricultural-related field work.

Qualifications Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in agricultural science, agricultural engineering, environmental engineering, hydrology, or other related background. Degree must be awarded by start date.

Familiarity with agricultural-related field work.

a) Evidence of prior research experience in specialized areas.

b) Evidence of professional competence and activity.

c) Evidence of university and/or public service.

d) Evidence of strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

e) Evidence of excellence in communication skills with proficiency in both written and verbal English.

f) Evidence of ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

g) Commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusivity, within the department, the university, and across the broader academic community.

h) Experience in MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint) or other appropriate computer programs (GIS, R, SQL, MARK) to organize, summarize and analyze data.

* Valid driver's license

* Experience with Word and Excel

* Excellent communication skills

* Strong organizational skills

* Ability to work independently and as part of a team

* Previous research experience working in the lab and field

* Previous experience in vineyard soil research

* Previous experience in scientific conferences

* Experience with statistical analysis

* Fluent in Spanish

• 2-3 required (contact information only)

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
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