60% appointment Junior Specialist II, Department of Viticulture and Enology 

6/1/2015 to 12/31/2015 with possibility of renewal. 

A Junior Specialist II is needed to coordinate and conduct agricultural field research projects from state funded programs. 

*Job Summary:* 
Were seeking an agricultural scientist, environmental engineer, hydrologist or other related background to join our research team studying alternative water and nitrogen (N) management systems in order to reduce nitrate (NO3-) leaching into groundwater. The team is working on understanding and mitigating mobilization of reactive forms of N (NO3- , NH4+ and the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide) from fertilizer N applications as well as practices that facilitate water and N conservation in nut crop orchards and vineyards. This position will help answer questions posed by some of California Agricultures biggest players including state regulatory agencies and private industry organizations. The successful candidate will participate in field and laboratory analyses of soil fertility (N), plant water use at the landscape scale including both evapotranspiration and water use from soils. A primary focus of the project is in developing innovative methods for progressive farmers to manage N and water in the most environmentally benign manner while fostering economic sustainable yields. The Jr. Specialist will be instructed in the use of state of the art methods for hydrologic monitoring and water and N application, operation of a wide range of instrumentation used in field scale hydrologic science, plant physiological ecology and boundary layer meteorology. The successful candidate must have an interest in participating as a team member in a multidisciplinary project, and to travel to research sites three days a week, on sometimes short notice. 

Please send a CV and short statement of interest to Teena Stockert (cmstockert@ucdavis.edu) and David Smart (drsmart@ucdavis.edu) in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at U.C. Davis. 

*Essential Responsibilities:* 
*(Job Functions)* 

50% TECHNICAL 
- Collect data from field experiments. 
- Fabricate and maintain instrumentation for field experiments. 
- Operate heavy machinery such as backhoes, skip loaders, trenchers, dump trucks, and drill rigs. 
- Manage safety needs of staff in the field and when using heavy equipment. 
- Use UC Pre-purchasing systems to procure parts and supplies for lab and experiments. 

30% SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH 
- Ability to make independent decisions when collecting and processing data. 
- Execute innovative field and laboratory experimental design and methods. 
- Organize and present data to project managers. 
- Assist with quarterly reports as well as dissemination of results. 

20% PROJECT ADMINISTRATION 
- Organize meetings and facilitate information flow between P.I.s for multi-departmental projects. 
- Orient and train new project staff on purchasing system and travel reimbursement system. 
- Set up travel and accommodations for overnight work trips. 
- Exercise independent judgment in organizing, coordinating and distributing work to staff 
- Establish and maintain relations between owner of project site and researchers 
- Work with the accounting personnel of multiple departments and clusters to make sure project funds are allocated correctly. 

*Physical Demands:* 
- Working long hours in extreme weather conditions. 
- Travel away from home for periods of time, ex) Napa, Turlock and Madera. 
- Handling and moving heavy items and equipment. 
- Be able to lift 80 pounds to chest height. 
- Ergonomic hazards including heavy lifting, repetitive motions, awkward motions, crushing or pinching injuries etc. 
- Exposure to agricultural herbicides and pesticides. 
- Exposure to hazardous laboratory chemicals. 
- Climb ladders to work on top of machinery and with equipment in tight, confined areas. 

*Work Environment:* 
- Must have a valid drivers license and be able to operate motor vehicles. 
- Must attend safety training courses including the safe use of radioactive substances. 
- Must be on call and be able to travel without much notice. 

*Minimum Qualifications:* 
- At least 1 year of experience in performing agricultural related field work. 
- Bachelors degree in agricultural science, environmental engineering, hydrology or other related background. 

*Preferred Qualifications:* 

SKILLS/ KNOWLEDGE: 
- Agricultural farming operations. 
- Tractor or field equipment operations course. 
- Equipment procurement systems. 
- Keep and maintain inventory of supplies. 
- Communicate orally and in writing. 
- Standard/safe laboratory and field practices. 
- Standard protocols regarding safely working in an agricultural environment. 

ABILITIES: 
- Concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted. 
- Enter and record data in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice guidelines. 
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 
- Work with diverse teams/growers 
- Be able to troubleshoot and make new decisions during changing conditions. 

Please send a CV and short statement of interest to Teena Stockert (cmstockert@ucdavis.edu) and David Smart (drsmart@ucdavis.edu) in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at U.C. Davis.