Junior Specialist 40% variable, represented - Irrigation and Soils Lab at UC Cooperative Extension Stanislaus (26-10)

Job Description

Application Window

Open date: March 19, 2026

Next review date: Thursday, Apr 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Sunday, Jul 26, 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

Position Overview

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) is seeking a Junior Specialist to work in the Irrigation and Soils Lab at UC Cooperative Extension Stanislaus County.

Duties include:

• Conducting research and extension focused on improving water use efficiency in orchard and vineyard cropping systems;
• Coordinating with multidisciplinary team;
• Inputting and analyzing data and reporting results;
• Contributing to writing grant proposals and grant reports;
• Ensuring safety protocols are followed when operating and maintaining equipment and managing lab inventory.
• Coordinating and participating in extension outreach efforts including workshops, training, and help develop educational materials;
• Performing field data collection including stem water potential, soil water content, nut quality, yield, plant growth, etc.;
• Building, calibrating, and installing sensors for in-field plant-based and environmental data collection;
• Supporting general research support improving Ag water management in orchard and vineyard cropping systems in North San Joaquin Valley, and contributing to progress reports and manuscripts. The successful candidate will be actively involved in publishing research results, participating in research planning, implementation, and analysis, with opportunities for co-authorship in research and extension publications, if desired.

Reporting Relationship: The Junior Specialist will be administratively responsible to the UCCE Irrigation and Soils Advisor.

Location Headquarters: UCCE Stanislaus County, Modesto, California

Required Qualifications and Skills

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in water management, soil science, plant science, or a related field at the time of appointment.

Additional Qualifications:

• Interest in and desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Experience in field and lab data collection related to the topics of investigation.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing clientele and project needs.
• This is not a remote position. The candidate must be available to work onsite. In accordance with UC ANR Flexible Work Guidelines flexible work agreements are available upon approval by supervisors and periodic re-evaluation.
• Applicants must have unrestricted and permanent work authorization in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Skills Required: To be successful, Jr. Specialists require skills in the following:

Professional Competence and Activity
The Junior Specialist will participate in outreach activities, helping academics organize and conduct clientele meetings and field days, prepare extension publications, contribute to blogs, newsletters and other forms of outreach.

Communication
Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal and public speaking communication skills.
Skills to communicate and extend technical information to diverse audiences are required.

Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team member with others.
Able to adapt as circumstances warranted. Promote diversity, equity and inclusion.

Lifelong Learning
Demonstrated commitment to ongoing self-improvement.

Salary & Benefits

SALARY: The salary will be in the Junior Specialist Rank, from Step 1- $26.35 to Step 2 - $28.07 hourly. Step placement in this series is based on experience. This is a represented position. For more information, please see Salary scale

The Junior Specialist position is a non-career track position. The position is a 40% variable, one-year appointment with the possibility to extend for a second year. The performance in the position will be evaluated annually. Extension of the position will be based on continued need, performance and availability of funding.

Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, two days per month paid vacation, one day per month paid sick leave, and paid holidays. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website Benefits

How to Apply

If interested in this position, please visit UC Recruit and choose "applicants" (refer to position #26-10).

Closing Date: To ensure full consideration, application packets must be received by April 30, 2026 (open until filled).

Questions?
Contact Tatiana Avoce at tavoce@ucanr.edu

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research and Extension - Please submit a Statement of Research and Extension Interests including how your current and/or past research and extension experience could contribute to, or be applicable to, the needs of the local community. Provide examples of potential goals and outcomes from your research and extension activities.
• College Level Transcripts - Electronic transcripts or legible scanned copies (PDF) of original transcripts will be accepted. Transcripts must identify course work completed, grades earned, degrees conferred and confer dates. Please DO NOT send transcripts that are password protected.
• References - Please provide 3 references including names, titles, emails and phone numbers.

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Job location

Modesto, CA