The Associate Specialist for Water Resources will assist in all phases of applied water resource management research and extension efforts in Orange County. The specialist is expected to record academic accomplishments, including contributions to published or in-press research in the field and a demonstrated record of University and/or public service.
The Associate Specialist is responsible for conducting water-related research and extension activities focusing on the needs of Orange County. The candidate will also be involved in national and statewide projects for collaborative project activities in the areas of water conservation and water quality.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide independent input to the research - designing and conducting applied water management research in both urban and agriculture systems. The specific activities include monitoring and mitigation of pollutants in surface runoff, development of water use recommendations for landscape ornamentals, quantification of plant growth responses to deficit irrigation and alternative water sources, such as reclaimed. Research is a combination of a small amount of lab work with the majority being conducted in the field.
- Work primarily on projects focusing on conserving and protecting water resources in Orange County.
- Take a leading role in water research activities located at South Coast Research and Extension Center and field studies located in the county, supervising technicians and seasonal student assistants.
- Provide county with assistance in convening and facilitating watershed collaborative groups bringing to the group the UC network of researchers to assist in solving critical issues faced in a watershed.
- Utilize expertise in research data collection and summarization and statistical analysis.
- Have a significant contribution to writing extension reports and publishing scientific peer-reviewed and relevant extension articles.
- Be actively involved in organizing extension and field meetings, conference calls, and other professional activities, especially assisting county personal with technical information on pollution sources and mitigation from landscape and agricultural production activities.
- Be involved in University and public service depending on the funding and needs.
- Participate in related health and safety training related to the operation of pesticide application equipment if needed.
Reporting Relationship: The Associate Specialist is administratively responsible to the Water Resources Advisor at UCCE Orange County.
Qualifications and Skills Required
Required Qualifications
- A Master's degree or other advanced degrees in disciplines such as Environmental Science, Pest Management, Horticultural Science, Plant Science or a closely related field is required by the appointment date.
- Evidence of publishing scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals is required.
- A valid California driver’s license is required.
- Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills are required. Experiences in report writing, public speaking, and extension are required.
Desired Qualifications:
- Additional background or experiences in working with watershed groups, integrated pest management, and a variety of irrigation systems are highly preferred.
- The ability to build partnerships and to work with multidisciplinary teams is desired.
Skills Required: To be successful, Associate Specialists require skills in the following:
Technical Competence and Impact
- The Associate Specialist is expected to use their professional expertise to make scientific and scholarly contributions to the research enterprise of the University and to achieve recognition in the professional and scientific community. This will include presenting research results at professional meetings and publishing manuscripts of research results in peer-reviewed journals.
Communication
- Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal and public speaking communication skills.
- Skills to communicate and extend technical information to diverse audiences are required.
- Participation in professional societies and conferences and ability to give presentations at seminars and continuing education functions.
Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team member with others.
- Able to adapt as circumstances warranted. Promote diversity, equity and inclusion.
Lifelong Learning
Demonstrated commitment to ongoing self-improvement - both professionally and as a person.
About UC ANR
The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) consists of a network of scientists and educators working in partnership across the California. We are committed to developing and supporting healthy food systems, healthy environments, healthy communities, and healthy Californians. UC ANR administers UC Cooperative Extension UCCE), which is responsible for program development and delivery in the counties throughout the state of California.
Learn more about
Salary & Benefits
SALARY: The salary will be in the Associate Specialist Rank, Step 1 ($65,200 annually). For information regarding the Associate Specialist series salary scales, please refer to: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2022/july-2021-scales/t24-b.pdf. This is a represented position.
The Associate Specialist position is a non-career track position. The position is a two-year (renewed annually) term appointment with a merit cycle every two years. The performance in the position will be evaluated annually. The position will be extended based on performance and availability of funding.
Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits including two days per month paid vacation, one day per month paid sick leave, and approximately thirteen paid holidays per year. ANR is part of UC’s Family-Friendly Policies. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website at: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html
How to Apply
If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose “applicants” (refer to position #21-21)
Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by October 18, 2021; open until filled.
Questions?
Contact Tatiana Avoce; email: tavoce@ucanr.edu
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) for the duration of the appointment period.
University of California Cooperative Extension
Please note the UC Policy on COVID vaccination and working for UC: For the safety and well-being of the entire university community, the policy will require, with few exceptions, that all students, faculty and staff be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus before they will be allowed on campus or in a facility or office." Please visit https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/2021/07/ucs-covid-19-vaccine-policy.html for more information.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.
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.
Required Qualifications
- A Master's degree or other advanced degrees in disciplines such as Environmental Science, Pest Management, Horticultural Science, Plant Science or a closely related field is required by the appointment date.
- Evidence of publishing scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals is required.
- A valid California driver’s license is required.
- Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills are required. Experiences in report writing, public speaking, and extension are required.
Desired Qualifications:
- Additional background or experiences in working with watershed groups, integrated pest management, and a variety of irrigation systems are highly preferred.
- The ability to build partnerships and to work with multidisciplinary teams is desired.
