Position overview Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is Step 1, $57,000/Annually Application Window Open date: August 4, 2026 Next review date: Wednesday, Aug 19, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date:

Tuesday, Sep 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled. Position description

Position Description Junior Specialist Department of Land, Air, and Water Resources University of California, Davis Kisekka Lab:

Irrigation and Agrohydrology Laboratory Position Summary:

The Kisekka Irrigation and Agrohydrology Laboratory at the University of California, Davis seeks a Junior Specialist to support research activities under the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP). The project evaluates the impacts of agricultural conservation practices on soil health, water quality, groundwater recharge, and nitrate transport in California's irrigated cropping systems. The Junior Specialist will conduct field monitoring, coordinate data collection, maintain research instrumentation, manage project datasets, and assist with stakeholder engagement and project reporting. The position requires extensive fieldwork at research sites in Esparto, Modesto, and Fresno, along with office-based data management and project coordination.

Major Responsibilities:

Research (80%) Field Monitoring and Data Collection (60%)

• Conduct routine monitoring of Deep Vadose Zone Monitoring Systems located in Esparto and Modesto.
• Operate and maintain soil nitrate sensing systems at the Fresno research site.
• Monitor and record groundwater levels at project sites in Esparto, Modesto, and Fresno.
• Measure and document beginning- and end-of-season soil nitrate concentrations and soil water content according to project protocols.
• Inspect and verify proper operation of irrigation flow meters and coordinate maintenance or repairs when necessary.
• Assist with installation, maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of field instrumentation.
• Help with water quality analysis for water samples collected at Esparto and Fresno. Data Management and Documentation (20%)
• Organize, archive, and maintain field datasets using the laboratory's UC Davis Box data management system.
• Maintain comprehensive electronic and hardcopy field notebooks documenting monitoring activities, field observations, equipment maintenance, and project events.
• Perform quality control checks on collected data.
• Assist with preparation of figures, tables, and datasets for project reports and publications. Professional Competence (10%) Grower Coordination and Outreach (10%)
• Coordinate annual meetings with participating growers and project collaborators.
• Collect annual production information from cooperating growers, including: o Crop yields o Irrigation records o Fertilizer application records o Other management information required for project analyses.
• Maintain communication with growers regarding monitoring schedules and site access. University and Public Service (10%) Project Reporting and Administrative Support (10%)
• Assist in preparing annual and quarterly project progress reports for

USDA NRCS.

• Compile monitoring summaries and project documentation.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and project planning activities.
• Assist with other research and extension activities within the Kisekka Laboratory as needed.

Expected Outcomes:

The Junior Specialist will contribute to the successful implementation of the

USDA NRCS CEAP

project by ensuring high-quality field measurements, maintaining reliable monitoring systems, organizing project data, coordinating with participating growers, and supporting timely preparation of technical reports and project deliverables. Their work will provide critical data needed to evaluate the effectiveness of agricultural conservation practices for improving water quality and resource sustainability in California's irrigated agricultural systems. In general, it is inappropriate to appoint an individual with a Master's or doctoral degree in the relevant discipline or a baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of experience with the specialized methods as a Junior Specialist. Required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program Qualifications Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Hydrology, Soil Science, Environmental Science and Management, Sustainable Agricultural Systems, or a closely related field.

In general, it is inappropriate to appoint an individual with a Master's or Doctoral degree in the relevant discipline or a baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of experience with the specialized methods as a Junior Specialist. Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• Experience conducting field research and environmental monitoring similar to that conducted under the CEAP project.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Experience with Microsoft Excel and electronic data management. Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team. Willingness to travel frequently to field sites throughout California. Valid California driver's license (or ability to obtain one). Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

• Experience with nitrogen mass balance monitoring and modeling.

Experience with Deep Vadose Monitoring System (VMS). Experience with groundwater well monitoring. Familiarity with soil nitrate sensing and water quality analysis. Experience maintaining scientific instrumentation. Experience using cloud-based data management platforms (e.g., UC Davis Box). Experience working with agricultural producers and other stakeholders. Application Requirements Document requirements Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. Cover Letter (Optional) Authorization to Release Information Form - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form . Reference requirements 2-3 required (contact information only) Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07796 Help contact: elespinoza@ucdavis.edu About UC Davis As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties

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Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into

UC RECRUIT

as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration. UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus . The University of California is an Equal Opportunity 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 status under state or federal law. 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 . The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in 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 . UC Davis is also a national leader in inclusive practice . There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health. 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 . The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information. 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. Job location

Davis, CA Job ID:

JPF07796