"Editor 4 - Davis, CA, Job ID 82673"

Job Description

Department Summary:

UC ANR Publications, the publishing arm of UC ANR, is responsible for the editing and graphic design of peer-reviewed materials produced by UC academics, UCCE personnel, and others. These publications are intended to benefit stakeholders in California's agriculture, natural resources, youth development and community nutrition sectors as well as the wider California population. Some publications appear in print and online. Many are available under an Open Access license, ensuring that UC research directly supports the communities it serves. Publications include single-page fact sheets, manuals covering all aspects of crop management, the California Master Gardener Handbook, and California Agriculture, the division's flagship journal.

Position Summary:

The Editor will oversee editorial management for manuscripts in production, perform developmental editing of complex scientific manuscripts; consult with and advise academic authors to ensure clarity and quality of final manuscripts; and uphold high editorial standards.

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

The home department for this position is Publishing. While this position normally is based in Davis, CA, this position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants living in the State of California at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University.

Pay Scale: $84,100.00/year to $119,400.00/year

Job Posting Close Date:
This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 12/05/2025.

Key Responsibilities:

50% Publications Management
Under general supervision of the Director of Publishing

• Collaborate with Editorial, Production, Marketing, and other ANR staff to develop and deliver high-quality publications on schedule.
• Under guidance of the Director of Publishing, prioritizes workflow and monitors progress to meet established deadlines.
• Works with Title Management database to schedule, track, and ensure publications remain on target.
• Collaborates closely with the Production Supervisor to meet all production schedule milestones.
• Manages and oversees freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers, providing training on ANR style and procedures.
• Provides input on decisions regarding new product development, vendor selection, platforms, software, and equipment needs.
• Develop content and sources for publications and written work.
• Works with Director of Publishing to monitor project costs and budgets.
• Oversee editorial team, assign projects and monitor performance.

40% Editorial Responsibilities

Manuscript Development

• Assess manuscripts, advise on readiness for editing and editing strategy, develop professional queries for authors.
• Ensure manuscripts present authors' ideas clearly, precisely, and effectively.
• Identify unique editorial needs for individual projects and develops appropriate solutions.
• Review sample chapters and provides ongoing feedback throughout the editing process.
• Serve as primary liaison with authors and volume editors on assigned projects.

Copyediting, proofreading

• Edit complex technical research papers for logic, organization, content development, sensitivity, emphasis, and writing quality.
• Apply departmental style guidelines and uphold high standards for article and publication quality.
• Copyedit manuscripts for style, grammar, and accuracy while maintaining ANR standards.
• Verify scientific nomenclature for accuracy and consistency.
• Resolve discrepancies and errors in cited references.
• Evaluate author and proofreader corrections for accuracy and clarity.
• Incorporate author and proofreader corrections using word-processing and desktop publishing software.
• Review and approve indexes with attention to detail and overall content structure.

10% Other

• Develop comprehensive understanding of ANR's mission, goals, and core audiences to inform new product opportunities
• Assist in development of author information, and other support materials
• Maintain current knowledge of ANR departments, existing publications, processes
• Identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement; support new standards and policies
• Perform other reasonable duties as assigned by the Lead Editor and/or Director of Publishing.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience / training.
• Demonstrated experience editing large and complex scientific manuscripts.
• Advanced knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, style, and punctuation.
• Advanced knowledge of appropriate editorial style and publication guidelines.
• Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Advanced attention to detail, project management and organizational skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, ability to creatively solve problems, and strong content development and project management skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of issues in agriculture, pest management and related fields.
• Knowledge of the scholarly publishing process, including peer review.
• Knowledge of computer applications for publishing, including Adobe Creative Suite and Title Management or similar title management database.