Staff Research Associate 1 Madera CA, Job ID 85116

Job Description

The Staff Research Associate 1 will help the Madera/Merced orchard systems program with field research for almonds, pistachios, and figs. Research projects currently in progress are related to nutrient and irrigation management of orchard crops.

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

Pay Scale:

$28.69/hour to $31.27/hour

Job Posting Close Date:
This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 4/6/2026.

Key Responsibilities:

• 50% Under close supervision, conduct fertilization research projects, including site setup and cleanup, keeping an inventory of supplies, and application of treatments
• 20% Collection of data, including leaf tissue and soil samples, stem water potential, and tree growth data including but not limited to trunk caliper/circumference and shoot extension
• 10% Maintain research plot at the Westside Research and Extension center. Tasks related to this include but are not limited to pruning and suckering of trees, maintaining the irrigation system (e.g. flushing and repairing lines), and communicating with field station crew to ensure weeds and vertebrate pests are managed
• 10% Maintain records of field activities
• 5% Communicate with grower-cooperators to coordinate field entry days
• 5% Assist with extension events, such as monitoring the sign in table, handing out materials, etc.

Requirements:

• Ability to work in field research, including setting up new research plots; accurately reading plot maps; the collection, processing, and proper storage of samples; and collecting data
• Ability to prioritize and execute research tasks based on project goals, standard operating procedures, and task lists
• Knowledge of implementing fertilization trials on a small scale, including soil, foliar, and/or applications through the irrigation system (fertigation)
• Ability to communicate with both the project lead and grower cooperators
• Ability to track and record tasks on a daily basis for accurate record keeping

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in pistachio and almond production systems
• Experience maintaining research plots, including monitoring plant health, irrigation systems or equipment is working properly and identifying issues that may compromise research results
• Experience with irrigation research, including installing and maintaining soil moisture sensors, implementing treatments, and collecting stem water potential

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
• Travel including travel outside normal business hours may be requested.
• Overtime and occasional weekend work as needed, usually on short notice to meet operational needs may be requested.
• 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 of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement:As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct 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. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace