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Junior Specialist position with the Nutrient Management Lab Group.

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Position overview

Salary range: $49,000.00/annually

Position description

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to contribute to applied research projects in agricultural and environmental sciences. The successful candidate will join the nutrient management group (http://geisseler.ucdavis.edu/) in the Department of Land, Air and Water Resources at UC Davis. The candidate will support our team working on different projects focusing on nitrogen management in cropping systems across California.

Responsibilities will include i) processing and analyzing plant samples to determine the amount of nitrogen removed from the field when crops are harvested, ii) conduct laboratory incubations to determine the amount of plant-available nitrogen released when cover crops are incorporated into soil, and iii) support graduate students collecting soil and plants samples in the field and processing and analyzing these samples using variety of analytical methods. Training on procedures and methods used will be provided.

I. Research (90%)
The Junior Specialist will be involved in research projects focusing on crop nitrogen uptake and removal as well as soil nitrogen turnover in cropping systems across California.

The junior specialist will be mainly responsible for two projects. One projects involves processing a wide range of plant material collected by collaborates at harvest and analyzing the samples for total nitrogen. The resulting values will be used by growers across the Central Valley to determine nitrogen removed from fields at harvest in order to meet regulatory reporting requirements. A second project will involve conducting laboratory incubations to determine how much plant-available nitrogen becomes available when cover crop residues are incorporated into soil. The results of this project will support organic and conventional growers making fertilization decisions. For both projects, the Junior Specialist will enter the data into spreadsheets and perform quality control and basic analysis of the data. Training on all procedures and methods used will be provided.

The Junior Specialist will also support graduate students working in the nutrient management lab group. Activities will include collecting soil and plant samples in commercial fields of participating growers, processing the samples in the laboratory and analyzing them using a variety of analytical methods.

Depending on experience and interest, the Junior Specialist will review reports and manuscripts prior to submission, help write sections that they worked on, such as field data collection and laboratory methods, and will engage in discussions on the interpretation of results.

The ultimate goal of the research done by the nutrient management lab group is to provide growers and crop consultants with science-based data on crop nitrogen removal and availability to help meet regulatory requirements and to support their fertilization decisions, and thereby reducing the risk of groundwater contamination with nitrate.

II. Professional Competence (5%)
The Junior Specialist will be encouraged to attend seminars at the university, local scientific conferences, as well as local University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) meetings with a focus on topics relevant to the projects.

III. University and Public Service (5%)
The Junior Specialist will provide mentorship for undergraduate students working in the laboratory.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• A Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, or a related field by the time of the appointment.

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

• Valid California driver’s license.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Experience working in a laboratory and in the field.
• Experience in Word and Excel or other appropriate computer programs to organize, summarize and analyze data.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

Reference requirements
  • 2-3 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF05372

Help contact: ajlanderson@ucdavis.edu

About UC Davis

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals’ with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to inclusive excellence by advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. UC Davis celebrates the multi-cultural diversity of its community by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment demonstrated through a variety of resources and programs available to academics, staff, and students. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values of UC Davis that are embedded within our Principles of Community and are tied with how to best serve our student population. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service can best be fully realized by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values, which are included in our Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Vision, our strategic plan: “To Boldly Go,” our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs’ Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400: Policy on University of California Diversity Statement. UC Davis is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offers a plethora of resources on their website, and the Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (HEDI) has outlined similar goals in their Anti-Racism and DEI Action Plan.” There are a plethora of links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our Administration, Diversity and Inclusion, Rankings, Locations, Native American Land Acknowledgement, Sustainability, Visiting UC Davis, UC Davis Health, and Campus Safety.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

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Job location

Davis, CA