Staff Research Associate 4

Staff Research Associate 4 - Napa, CA, Job ID 77793
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
Job Description
Program Area: Natural and Agroecosystems
The incumbent will work on projects at the intersection of natural and agricultural systems on topics such as climate adaptation and resiliency, restoration and integration of natural systems at the agricultural interface, and ecosystem services (water quantity and quality, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, recreation and nature appreciation). Invasive species will also be a focus area, including invasive plants that have economic and biological implications in natural and agricultural systems, and invasive insects that threaten forests, shrublands and other natural habitats.
Under direction, the incumbent will engage in difficult and complex research projects in collaboration with academic supervisors. The incumbent will also execute research projects and deliver outreach programs at the intersection of natural and agricultural ecosystems which have been broadly outlined by academic supervisors. The incumbent will make important original contributions pertaining to field experimental procedures and will lead the dissemination of knowledge to stakeholders in the community. The incumbent will contribute original ideas of major methodological significance proceeding both by reference to the general body of scientific knowledge and by application of trial-and-error methods. Incumbent will apply innovative analytical approaches to evaluate research findings and will deploy traditional and novel outreach tools to disseminate knowledge and encourage adoption.
This position is a career appointment that is 100% fixed.
The home department for this position is UCCE Napa County. While this position normally is based in Napa, 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: $73,046.78/year to $90,775.07/year
Job Posting Close Date:
This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 05/07/2025.
Key Responsibilities:
40%

• Proceed without specific direction to organize, plan, and carry out research data collection. Liaise with agricultural producers and natural resource managers to coordinate access and site-specific activities.
• Apply in-depth knowledge of statistical analysis to research data. Lead data analysis and reporting activities to ensure that project deliverables are met.
• Provide solutions to data collection, analysis, visualization, and management. Investigate, test, problem-solve and deploy novel tools to increase efficiency, reliability and reproducibility of data collection and analysis.
• Contribute to the implementation of data management systems, principally, but not limited to GIS-based tools.
• Take a leadership role in technical writing for peer-reviewed publications, extension materials, grant applications, and reports.

40%

• Plan, organize, and host educational events for stakeholder groups. Take a leadership role to develop and deliver original content.
• Develop guidelines and recommendations based on research findings.
• Develop original content for educational materials, including handouts, fact sheets, project website, and instructional videos.
• Communicate evidence-based practices to stakeholders and support uptake at seminars, field days, workshops, and other educational events.
• Assess project impacts using quantitative and qualitative tools. Apply feedback to improve project execution, outreach, and impact.

20%

• Consult with academic supervisor on nature and general approach to accomplish research and outreach objectives. Develop narrative reports, project proposals and budget suggestions in response to competitive funding requests.
• Contribute original ideas of major methodological significance to project plans.
• Assess accomplishments (outputs, outcomes and impacts). Suggest improvements to research processes and outreach activities. Suggest future areas of research and community engagement.
• Reference general scientific body of knowledge and coordinate with knowledge-area experts to develop project plans, conduct data analysis, and report project outcomes.

Requirements:

• Experienced professional with in-depth understanding of research instruments and scientific communication.
• Thorough knowledge and experience with analytical tools, including but not limited to spatial analysis, mapping, quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill to independently make technical determinations in the field of statistical and spatial analysis
• Advanced educational preparation and demonstrated experience in botany, horticulture, conservation biology, restoration ecology or closely related field.
• In-depth understanding of or demonstrated experience in agriculture
• Ability to exercise judgment, take initiative, and be resourceful in making decisions, consulting on occasion with academic supervisors
• Excellent oral and written communication skills or skills to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing.
• Expertise and ability to independently develop outreach content and educational materials
• Experience working in extension, communicating technical knowledge to a professional audience
• Experience evaluating adoption of practices using quantitative and qualitative measures
• Demonstrated proficiency of software and web applications to develop and deliver educational content via multiple platforms
• Function independently, contribute original ideas, and develop solutions to issues of diverse scope and problems
• Commitment to continued learning, growth, and professional development

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced degree (Master of Science) in botany, horticulture, conservation biology, restoration ecology or closely related field.

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.

a. 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

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