Junior Specialist - Kisekka Lab

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%)

1. 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.
2. 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%)

1. 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%)

1. 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

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.

• 2-3 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07796