"Associate/Full Specialist - Fuels and Fire Ecology - YLESP - Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management - Shive Lab"

Position overview

Position title: Associate Specialist or Specialist

Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position: salary scale. A reasonable full-time salary estimate for this position is $75,600-$93,200.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: Winter 2025-26

Position duration: One year with the possibility of extension based on performance and success in securing additional grants.

Application Window

Open date: December 19, 2025

Next review date: Sunday, Jan 4, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Sunday, Jan 18, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management at the University of California, Berkeley, seeks applications for an Associate/Full Specialist in the Shive Lab, in the area of fuels and fire ecology. Dr. Kristen Shive (PI), is an Assistant Cooperative Extension Specialist with the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, & Management (ESPM) within the Rausser College of Natural Resources (RCNR) at the University of California, Berkeley.

In line with the goals of the UC Cooperative Extension program, the Shive Lab seeks to answer research questions that can directly support forest managers and private citizens in adapting to increasing wildfire activity in forested ecosystems. To ensure our work is relevant to forest management, our research questions are developed in cooperation with forest managers, policy makers and other scientists, and we use a combination of robust, quantitative field studies and spatial analyses to address them. We also then extend our research to practitioners in the form of research briefs, reports and workshops. At present, we work in the giant sequoia and mixed conifer forests of the Sierra Nevada, as well as coast redwood forests, addressing questions around fuel accumulation, forest recovery and reforestation.

This position will focus on drafting extension materials around postfire tree mortality and fuels treatment effectiveness monitoring, and will contribute to research projects in the lab.

Specific responsibilities include:

1. In collaboration with the PI, gathers relevant research on delayed tree mortality, drafts planned extension materials (which can include Fact Sheets, Research Briefs, webinars or workshops) and coordinates with experts in the field to receive feedback.
2. Surveys the literature and existing extension materials to evaluate extension needs around fuels treatment monitoring. Leads a needs assessment survey for practitioners and coordinates field visits to evaluate how needs vary across California ecosystems. Works with the PI to develop a plan for new extension materials to the meet practitioner's needs.
3. Assists with ongoing and new research projects. Depending on project need, this position may provide logistical support, analyze field data, enter and organize large datasets or conduct spatial analyses. The position may also support fieldwork on occasion, but this position is primarily office-based.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Contract: UC Academic Researchers Contract

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Master's Degree or equivalent international degree.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
3 years of post-degree relevant research experience.

Preferred qualifications

• Master's Degree in ecology, ecosystem science, forestry, geography, plant sciences, or a related field
• Strong R programming and GIS skills.
• Robust experience in project management and implementing forest inventory fieldwork.
• Research experience in forest ecosystem management and/or science.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and participate in efficient and open collaboration.
• Experience working with, and translating science for, practitioners in the creation of extension and outreach materials.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Job location
Berkeley, CA