Soil Conservationist jobs in Sacramento, CA

We are seeking to fill two positions of Junior Specialist with experience in soil, plant and/or agricultural sciences, preferably with a background in nutrient cycling, greenhouse gas emissions and soil organic matter studies to join a collaborative research team at the University of California, Davis. These specialists will be supervised by the Project Manager alongside Prof. William Horwath in the Department of Land, Air, and Water Resources, but will also work closely with other lab team members.

This appointment will be for 2 years (24 months).

The prospective candidate will join large scale, collaborative research projects evaluating the impacts of climate-smart management practices within California agricultural production systems. Practices considered climate-smart, such as sustainable nutrient and irrigation management, cover cropping and organic amendment application, show promise as methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester soil carbon. Yet, the long-term impact on yield and crop performance within California's diverse cropping systems is uncertain.
This project aims to explore the potential of implanting these practices to enhance soil health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve agronomic sustainability.
Roles and responsibilities: While the specialist will have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of the project, their focus will be on conducting laboratory analyses and fieldwork related to soil, nutrient cycling, and greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, the successful candidate will (1) assist with establishing field research sites and lead sampling campaigns to the sites (2) conduct lab analyses of field-collected soil and greenhouse gas samples (3) organize and report project data to project leadership. The specialist will also help maintain relationships with other project collaborators, as well as participate in outreach efforts. Finally, the specialist will also participate in results interpretation and will be given opportunities to co-author manuscripts (if desired). Even further, the Junior Specialist will have an opportunity to develop their own research project within the general aims of the study and will receive mentorship from the project leadership to do so (again, if desired).
The duties of this position include:

Research (90%):
The junior specialists will support both laboratory and field work. They will be expected to complete sampling for soil nutrients, greenhouse gases, field management data, and crop yields at relevant time points throughout the year. Following sample collection, the specialist will lead lab analyses of soil, nutrient, and greenhouse gas samples. They will maintain inventory levels of supplies and reorder as required. They may also assist in data analysis and co-author manuscripts (if desired). As part of their professional development, the specialist will be allowed to develop an individual project within the context of the main study.
Prepare supplies for soil and plant sampling as required
Conduct soil physical, chemical and biological analysis
Analyze, synthesize, and manage collected data
Maintain lab equipment and general lab organization
Regular soil, plant and/or gas sampling from study sites
Laser based gas flux measurements: set-up, operate, and maintain sampling equipment
Deep core soil sampling: sampling in the field to a depth of 1 m for multiple soil health indicators
Measure onsite soil physical properties: bulk density, infiltration, aggregate stability
Potential for overnight stays on field sampling trips

Professional competence (5%):
The junior specialist will maintain strong relationships with landowners and participate in meetings of the research team with key stakeholders. They will also be encouraged to present project results to stakeholders and/or scientific audiences. They will also assist in report writing.

University and public service (5%):
The junior specialist will aid in mentoring undergraduate field assistants in field and/or laboratory methods. They will also participate in outreach efforts, including field days and the development of outreach materials.

Bachelor degree in sustainability, soil science, biology, biochemistry, agricultural sciences, environmental studies, or a related field

Ideally, the candidate would have some prior experience with field and/or laboratory methods related to soil, nutrients, and crops. Experience in field gas collection and analyses is desired but training can be provided as needed. They must also be able to work outdoors under strenuous conditions, including transporting soil and gas sampling equipment over rough terrain. They must possess a valid driver's license and be able to drive field vehicles to the study sites.

• 2-3 required (contact information only)

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.