Junior Specialist - Soil Characterization

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The UC Davis Institute of the Environment is seeking a highly motivated individual to collaborate with a large and diverse project team to support laboratory and field trials to evaluate co-application of organic amendments with enhanced rock weathering on agricultural landscapes. The appointee will co-lead soil sampling efforts and the installation and maintenance of sensor networks at two field sites (in Yuba and Fresno Counties). This position will be expected to manage and mentor undergraduate research assistants to assist with processing of soil samples and training for basic soil characterization experiments. The appointee will be responsible for a variety of soil characterization experiments such as total organic carbon, particulate organic carbon, mineral associated carbon, pH, bulk density, texture and other protocols as needed. The appointee will be in charge of management and archival of all data generated by the lab and sensor networks and will assist with data visualization and statistical interpretations of these data. This position is also expected to contribute to the development of online decision support tools by bringing soils expertise and data science skills to collaborate with tool developers.

General responsibilities include soil sampling, soil preparation, standard soil analysis, sensor installation, sensor upkeep, data processing in excel or other databases, data visualization, collaborative contribution to project deliverables. Field campaigns will include working outdoors in various weather conditions, including field areas where temperatures can reach extremes, working evenings or weekends for sampling events. Laboratory and office work is conducted during normal working hours in temperature-controlled office and lab facilities. Must be able to lift equipment up to 40 lbs.; must be able to withstand the weather and temperature-related working conditions as previously described with careful attention to personal safety and avoiding weather-related illness. Responsibilities may also include data analysis, statistical analysis, maintaining equipment in the field/lab, literature review, soil characterization experiments, and data entry and quality control of datasets. This position will help develop presentations, technical reports, and contribute to the preparation of journal articles. When possible, they will attend laboratory meetings, review journal articles, engage in discussions on research and the interpretation of research results, and may have the possibility of presenting research findings at technical meetings and professional societies.

Required Qualifications

This Junior Specialist position must have prior experience in a soil characterization lab, strong problem-solving abilities, data science experience, and strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Strong organization skills and ability to successfully collect, organize, and maintain data are required, as well as ability to communicate critical project needs, changes, or challenges to senior staff and faculty in a collaborative setting.

Research (95%):

The incumbent will assist in studies in consultation with the PI's, and other project scientists. They will learn and conduct standard soil characterization experiments. They will contribute to field soil sampling events. They will help with collecting and summarizing data, may assist in data analyses, and will provide information to be used for annual and related reports. They will assist the project by writing annual permitting reports and by participating in lab discussions. They will contribute to- and provide feedback on any publications resulting from the work.

University and Public Service (5%)

The incumbent may participate in management of space and safety within the laboratory.

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor degree in soil science, ecology, agronomy, hydrology, geology or similar discipline

relevant or related to the research conducted in the hiring unit by start date.

Ability to lift and maneuver 40 pounds throughout the day.

Field experience sampling soil

Laboratory experience conducting standard soil characterization procedures

Experience in the description and classification of soils

Strong organizational and communication skills.

Experience in Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, R, GIS to summarize and analyze data.

Exposure to data science techniques and operations

Proficiency in both written and verbal English.

Good oral and written skills

Ability to read and explain material safety data sheets (MSDS) and knowledge of laboratory safety and proper use and handling of potentially hazardous

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with computer programing

Knowledge of soil sensor networks

Experience with big data

Knowledge and experience in using GPS equipment and GIS software ( e.g. ArcGIS, QGIS).

Knowledge and experience in data management, QAQC, and statistical analysis

Ability to work with digital soil survey data and knowledge the data architecture

Department: https://environment.ucdavis.edu/

Bachelor degree in soil science, ecology, agronomy, hydrology, geology or similar discipline

relevant or related to the research conducted in the hiring unit by start date.

Ability to lift and maneuver 40 pounds throughout the day.

Field experience sampling soil

Laboratory experience conducting standard soil characterization procedures

Experience in the description and classification of soils

Strong organizational and communication skills.

Experience in Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, R, GIS to summarize and analyze data.

Exposure to data science techniques and operations

Proficiency in both written and verbal English.

Good oral and written skills

Ability to read and explain material safety data sheets (MSDS) and knowledge of laboratory safety and proper use and handling of potentially hazardous

Experience with computer programing

Knowledge of soil sensor networks

Experience with big data

Knowledge and experience in using GPS equipment and GIS software ( e.g. ArcGIS, QGIS).

Knowledge and experience in data management, QAQC, and statistical analysis

Ability to work with digital soil survey data and knowledge the data architecture

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

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.
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