Small Farms Soil and Water Conservation Staff Research Associate III

Date Posted: March 22, 2023
Closing Date:
Until Filled

The Research Associate will design and conduct applied research projects in irrigation, water and energy conservation, nutrient management, and soil conservation practices to support sustainable agricultural production and climate smart agriculture on small-scale and diversified farms in California's San Joaquin Valley. Research activities for this position are part of an applied research and extension program focused on both economic viability and environmental sustainability of small-scale production systems in a landscape where conservation of water, soil, and energy is essential to climate change mitigation and adaptation. New and emerging specialty crops cultivated by diverse cultural communities of small-scale and underserved farmers could provide innovative solutions to resource use challenges, including new and emerging drought-tolerant specialty crops and the use of cover crops in combination with on-farm groundwater recharge. Current research projects focus on efficient irrigation and nutrient management in small-acreage specialty crops; evaluation and adoption of soil conservation practices such as compost, cover crops, hedgerows, windbreaks, and mulch; and evaluation of new technology with the potential to support soil and water conservation on small-scale and diversified farms in the San Joaquin Valley. The Research Associate will contribute substantially to experimental design, selection and development of methods and protocols, planning of field work, data analysis, and interpretation of research results, working collaboratively with both small farms team members and participating farmers.

The Research Associate will work under the general supervision of the Small Farms and Specialty Crops Advisor in Fresno and Tulare Counties and will plan and direct research activities for on-farm trials and research plots involving multiple staff and academic team members. Responsibilities include communication and coordination with farmers participating in on-farm trials, with assistance from bilingual staff when appropriate. Supervisory responsibility for staff assisting with research trials may include supervising student or per diem assistants, AmeriCorps fellows, or additional staff positions. The Research Associate will prepare data summaries relevant to extension efforts and policy communications, assist in developing and submitting grant proposals, and track research expenses on current grants. Duties include collaborating on preparation of manuscripts for publication and presenting results of research at professional society meetings, as well as conducting extension presentations and assisting with outreach and extension efforts.

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

This position ends two years from date of hire with the possibility of an extension if funding permits.

Pay Scale:

$62,321.11/yr. to $79,068.55/yr.

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 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 a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California . All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to Appendix F, Section II.C. of the policy for the deadlines applicable to new University of California employees. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

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