"Staff Research Associate 2 Non-exempt - Hopland, CA, Job ID 80236"

Job Description

This position leads, under Director and PI supervision, most aspects of field research activities at the Hopland Research and Extension Center (HREC). The primary focus of this position is on project management of up to 20 different research projects in diverse fields of study within agriculture and natural resources. This range includes plant science, soil science, animal science, wildlife ecology, oak woodland ecology, fire science, rangeland management, and hydrology. This position interacts with Primary Investigators (PIs) throughout the research process, from idea generation through project creation and refinement including design planning, plot construction, project implementation and management, data collection, analysis, and reporting. This position assists with duties related to livestock management of HREC's sheep flock, and all field maintenance activities required to keep a 5,358-acre research center functioning. In addition, this position will assist with or lead public outreach activities and extension events.

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

Pay Scale:

$28.88/hour to $36.62/hour

Job Posting Close Date:

This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 09/03/2025.

Key Responsibilities:

• 70%: Serve as primary lead, under supervision of Superintendent, in conducting field research activities at HREC. Perform technical observations in multiple fields of scientific investigation. Install, operate, and maintain field and laboratory instruments. Performs Ag Technician duties, as related to research activities, when needed. Serve as lead for supervising and directing undergrads and field assistants in data collection and fieldwork related duties. Manage multiple research projects simultaneously, organizing timelines and schedules to ensure research activities are conducted on time with precision and accuracy. Interface with PIs to develop and refine projects, and through an iterative feedback process ensure that theoretical ideas are turned into workable experimental designs. Coordinate with, and occasionally serve as lead for, facilities staff to implement project designs into workable field installations. Meet with researchers, both on and off site, to ensure coordination of current activities, address concerns, find solutions, and map out future goals. Develop innovative solutions to problems that arise in enacting projects, and work with the Superintendent and PI to modify, vary, or adapt standard procedures to meet project needs. Collaborate with Director, PIs, and Community Education Specialist to write and submit grant applications. Participate in annual Research Advisory Committee process of Soliciting, reviewing, refining, and approving research projects. Responsible for application, supervision and reporting of herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides. Tractor and machinery duties as needed for project management and field work in vineyard and research plots, and around barns and pastures.
• 10%: Works with administration, Community Education Specialist, and other staff, to plan and execute a broad range of extension activities, including researcher and professional field days, school trips, and intensive educational workshops with other collaborators. Develop original content or refine existing curriculum to present information for a range of audiences based on research results generated here at HREC. Demonstrate procedures used in research and field activities.
• 10%: Maintenance duties as required for maintenance of the property including: fence repair, plumbing repair, brush clearing, road repair, facility cleaning and repair, mowing around barns and infrastructure.
• 10%: Provide information to Center Director, Superintendent, Animal Techs, and Ag Techs regarding grazing/non-grazing and prescribed burning needs of research when annual grazing and burning plans are developed. On a backup basis, assist with animal care (livestock, guard dogs, wildlife) including: shepherding, herd and individual animal health assessment, vaccinations, lambing, breeding, field sampling, and predator management.

Requirements:

• Broad knowledge of scientific research principles, procedures, and protocols.
• Specific knowledge in and experience with agricultural and natural resource related fields of scientific inquiry, including but not limited to plant science, animal science, wildlife ecology, rangeland management and ecology, hydrology, and soil science.
• Experience and skill with conducting specialized field sampling and data collection and analysis, including work with live animals, remote field plots, electronic sensing equipment, and laboratory equipment.
• Excellent communication skills, written and spoken, including the specific ability to effectively discuss complicated technical and scientific questions. Ability to tailor communication to the specific audience, including a range from PIs to grade-schoolers and laypeople.
• Proficiency in basic computer programs including: MS Office, mapping programs, web research, document sharing.

Preferred Skills:

• Associate/Bachelor's Degree and/or equivalent experience
• Knowledge of pest control principles, pesticide application techniques and safety, and relevant regulations. Qualified Applicator Certificate required (can be earned within 6 months of hire).
• Proven skill and experience with a broad range of machinery including but not limited to agricultural tractors and implements, pruning tools (chainsaws, loppers), on and off-road vehicles, trailers, and some heavy equipment.
• Skills and knowledge of handling research animals to minimize stress including domestic livestock and wildlife. Experience with veterinary techniques.

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.
• 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.
• 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.