Project Scientist with California Institute for Water Resources (Project Scientist, Assistant-Associate Rank-Represented) 24-06

Date Posted: May 13, 2024
Closing Date:
June 19, 2024

Job Description: Download

Position Overview
Location: UC ANR Second Street Building, Davis, CA

The University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers a unique recruitment opportunity for a Project Scientist with the California Institute for Water Resources (CIWR) to conduct research and communications in CIWR. UC ANR coordinates a statewide network of researchers and educators in partnership with Counties that are dedicated to the development and application of knowledge to address local agricultural, environmental, youth, and health issues. Over 200 UC ANR UCCE academics conduct research, outreach and education from locally based Cooperative Extension offices in over 70 locations. Our mission is to bring the University of California directly to Californians through research, extension, and education programs that support:

• Sustainable, safe, and nutritious food production and delivery
• Economic success in a global economy
• A sustainable, healthy, and productive environment
• Science literacy and youth development

By working and living among those we serve, UC ANR expands the University of California's reach to engage all people and communities in California, ensuring equal access to the UC system.

Introduction:

The California Institute for Water Resources (CIWR) is a statewide program located within UC ANR. CIWR is based in Davis, CA, and has staff throughout the state of California. CIWR conducts research on sustainable water resources management for urban, environmental, and agricultural systems. CIWR is a member of the National Institutes for Water Resources and serves as a hub of water research in California. CIWR supports water research projects throughout the state, conducts research on urban and water resources management, runs extension programs to improve water and agricultural practices, and supports public education and outreach through a strong online presence.

Purpose:

The Project Scientist will lead and support applied research and communications in CIWR through job duties that capitalize on the Project Scientist's expertise and interests. Applied research and communications are two core missions of CIWR. CIWR's applied research program supports collaborations with partners on topics of water resource management, drinking water and wastewater access, and irrigation and nutrient management. CIWR's communications program supports public education, outreach, and joint activities with campus partners across the state. The Project Scientist will develop job duties in one or more areas of interest that further CIWR's research and extension programs, promote CIWR with internal and external audiences, and manage projects. The Project Scientist will work closely with CIWR staff and collaborators in developing a set of duties that further CIWR's role as a hub for applied water research in the state.

The Project Scientist will:

• Provide analysis, management, and administration of CIWR's applied research projects in collaboration with colleagues in UC ANR and California's universities.
• Conduct research in one or more areas of interest that support CIWR's mission.
• Undertake communications and outreach with one or more audiences of university extension related to water management and climate science.
• Work with campus and external partners to build long-term collaboration opportunities for joint projects and programs with an extension focus.
• Promote CIWR with internal and external audiences.
• Promote a collegial and collaborative environment in CIWR.
• Support development of proposals.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Research Program Management (60%):

• Lead and support applied research in water management and drinking water that employ interdisciplinary research methods and modeling approaches,
• Initiate and scope collaborative research with collaborators across university faculty, staff, students, and state and regional water agency professionals.
• Draft written reports of research methods and results to be developed into scientific journal articles and extension publications.
• Contribute to proposal development.

Research Communications and Outreach (20%):

• Support research communications focused on outreach to one or more extension audiences, such as communities, media, and agency and industry partners.
• Support and manage outreach with campus partners to promote collaborative projects and programs.
• Coordinate discussions with agencies and communities related to projects.
• Prepare and conduct presentations.
• Participate in planning outreach and extension efforts to address research needs.
• Participate in conferences and workshops.
• Support development of summary products and annual reports.

Grant and Contract Development (20%):

• Work with CIWR colleagues and collaborators in UC ANR, UC, and CSU research groups in seeking out opportunities for new funding and developing new projects.
• Support or lead grant and contracts.

Reporting Relationship: The Project Scientist will report to the Director for the California Institute of Water Resources.

Additional Requirements

• Demonstrated research experience through a combination of professional experience in one or more previous positions, utilizing the techniques or methods required by the position and demonstrating technical managerial knowledge.
• Experience in aspects of initiating and/or managing academic research and extension programs or projects.
• Interest in supporting or leading applied research projects with staff, colleagues, and students
• Interest in or experience with outreach, communications, and engagement of research to diverse audiences
• Ability to work independently and seek guidance when needed, demonstrated through academic research, professional experience, or a combination.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills and presentation skills.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability and property damage

insurance on vehicle used is required. Must possess a valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University Vehicle.

• This is not a remote position. The candidate must be available to work onsite. In accordance with UC ANR Flexible Work Guidelines flexible work agreements are available upon approval by supervisors and periodic re-evaluation.

Desired Experience

• Prior experience in water resources policy and management.
• Familiarity with multidisciplinary research including both methods from natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences.
• Experience with financial and personnel management.
• Proficiency in a programming language such as R, Python, or Julia.

Skills Required: To be successful, the Project Scientist requires skills in the following:

Technical Competence and Impact

• Interact with collaborating researchers to achieve project objectives.
• Collect and analyze data for agency reporting and publications. Participate in extension education and outreach activities.

Communication

• Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal and information technology 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.

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 state of California. We are committed to developing and supporting healthy food systems, healthy environments, healthy communities, and healthy Californians. UC ANR administers Statewide Programs and Initiatives (SWP/I's) that focus research and extension on solving priority problems that engage ANR academics and UC faculty in integrated teams to work on complex issues requiring trans-disciplinary approaches; as well as UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE), which is responsible for program development and delivery in counties throughout the state.

Learn more about

• UC ANR at https://UCANR.edu
• California Institute for Water Resources: https://ciwr.ucanr.edu/
• Our Strategic Initiatives http://ucanr.edu/sites/StrategicInitiatives/
• Our Public Value statements at https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/Divisionwide_Planning/UC_ANR_Public_Values/

• DEI: Further to the above, academics are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR's commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion https://ucanr.edu/sites/Professional_Development/Office_-_Team_Management/Diversity_Equity_Inclusion_Belonging/

• Affirmative Action: Further to the above, academics are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR's commitment to affirmative action. Learn more of UC ANR Affirmative Action policy: http://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/Diversity/Affirmative_Action/
• The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. We 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 create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

SALARY: The salary will be in the Project Scientist series from Assistant Step 1- $71,500 up to Associate Step 5 - $107,600 annually of the Represented Project Scientist Fiscal Year Salary Scale Table. The rank and step placement in this series commensurate with experience and professional qualifications/education. For information regarding the Project Scientist salary scales, please refer to https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2023-24/july-2023-acad-salary-scales/t37-b.pdf

This is a represented position.

The Project Scientist position is a definite term appointment. The position is a two-year renewable term appointment with a merit cycle every two years for Assistant 1-Associate 3, and a three-year term with a merit cycle every three years for Associate 4-5. The performance in the position will be evaluated annually. The position will be extended based on the continued need for the position, performance and availability of funding.

Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, two days per month paid vacation, one day per month paid sick leave, and approximately thirteen paid holidays per year. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website at: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose "applicants" (refer to position #24-06)

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by June 19, 2024 (open until filled).

Contact Tatiana Avoce (tavoce@ucanr.edu) for Recruitment questions; for other questions, contact Evelia Joye (fecjoye@ucanr.edu).

"Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring work authorization without need of employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment period."

University of California Cooperative Extension

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.

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.