"Staff Research Associate 2 (non-exempt) Browns Valley, CA, Job ID 79592"

Job Description

Under the supervision of the Center Director, the incumbent will be responsible for collection, management, analysis of data and records related to all-natural resource and beef cattle research projects as well as Center maintained long term monitoring plots and databases. Information will be developed by the incumbent from data collected and communicated/presented to other staff, researchers, stakeholder groups and the public.

The incumbent will be independently responsible to work on and assist with center approved research projects following strict research protocols. Incumbent will also be responsible for providing technical support and information for management activities that may or may not directly effect research projects. An example of this would be providing information to the AG Supervisor regarding grazing/non-grazing needs of research when annual grazing plans are developed.

Incumbent will provide leadership and act as lead person to Agriculture/Animal Technicians, Farm Maintenance workers and Student Assistants on research projects these staff members assist with. At times, the incumbent will work directly in developing research protocols as well as work directly with research PIs or their staff when procedures need to adapt.

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

Pay Scale: $28.88/hour to $37.36/hour

Job Posting Close Date: This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 7/24/2025.

Key Responsibilities:

60% RESEARCH SUPPORT

• Independently interacts with researchers and provides support to approved research projects, providing support for research projects in the broad areas beef cattle, climate change and natural resources. Follows strict research protocols while maintaining the ability to adapt to change as research changes or environmental conditions change. Assists with soil and vegetation sampling, plot irrigation, pesticide applications, livestock weighing, data recording and other research support tasks ai indicated by PI research protocols. Communicates potential environmental conditions to off-site research PIs that could have effects on research project outcomes. Maintain knowledge of current rangeland research sampling methodologies. Provides input regarding design, sampling and analysis methodologies. Works with the design, deployment, maintenance and troubleshooting of data loggers (CR1000, Hobo) and associated sensors. Responsible for data collection from dataloggers both manually and remotely over wireless/radio collection devises and stores data for future critical analysis.

20% RECORD KEEPING, DATA COLLECTION AND MANAGEMENT

• Independently responsible for the maintenance, analysis, summarization and development of output from new and existing databases, including but not limited to long-term grazing and range monitoring databases, weather records & beef production records. Develops and reports data for management purposes as required and assists with management decision making process derived from said data.

15% RESEARCH LEAD

• Acts as lead person to Agriculture/Animal Technicians, Farm Maintenance workers and Student Assistants that assist in on research project support at the Center. Responsible for the adherence of research project protocols, ensures sampling techniques and methods are followed and checks quality of work and data being collected. Is responsible for scheduling labor needs for research projects and matching appropriate personnel's skills to requested research tasks with the AG Supervisor.

5% PUBLIC RELATIONS

• Independently develop communications regarding center research and other databases to other staff, CE advisors, researchers, and the public. Participates in division wide programs and/or committees as needed.

Requirements:

• BS Agriculture, Animal Science, Range or Natural Resources or related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the broad areas for natural resources, plant and animal agriculture.
• Experience working on research projects and with research teams. Ability to follow research protocols.
• Knowledge of basic rangeland monitoring practices and basic livestock practices for animal and pasture health requirements. Ability to learn and execute safe and low-stress cattle handling methods.
• Skills to operate various hand and power tools. Skills to operate livestock scales and restraint equipment. Ability to use laboratory equipment such as scales and drying equipment.
• Proficient in use of Windows-based computers with knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Knowledge and experience in computerized record keeping methods and research principles.
• Hold a CA pesticide qualified applicator certificate (QAC) or the ability to obtain one after six months of hire.
• Skills to effectively communicate verbally and in writing and work with diverse individuals, work effectively in a team environment as well as independently with minimal direct supervision.
• Ability to work outdoors, in sometimes inclement weather for extended periods of time.

Preferred Skills:

• Ability to saddle a horse and effectively move cattle from pasture to pasture.
• Proficient in the use of GIS programs and related equipment (Trimble). Proficient use of Dataloggers and associated sensors.
• Skill to operate farm and general motorized equipment such as wheel tractors.