Staff Research Associate 2 Bakersfield, CA, Job ID 85435
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
Job Description
Position Summary:
Under the supervision of the Kern County Viticulture Advisor, the incumbent will assist with conducting projects in vineyards and orchards that support the viability and productivity of Kern County research and extension programs. The incumbent is expected to: 1) assist advisors with experiment setup, data collection, data analysis, and extension and outreach activities; 2) order supplies and equipment and ensure proper operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment; 3) provide general supervision for student interns and lab assistants; and 4) manage vineyards established at the UC Shafter Research Farm. The incumbent is required to obtain a Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) and perform pesticide applications for experimental trials. Experience in viticulture and entomology research is preferred.
This position is a career appointment that is 100% fixed.
Pay Scale: $31.23/hour to $39.60/hour.
Job Posting Close Date:
This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 4/28/2026.
Key Responsibilities:
70%
• Assist with establishment of field, greenhouse, and laboratory trials
• Communicate directly with field trial cooperators to coordinate logistics related to on-farm research
• Prepare and set up equipment and supplies necessary for field work and data collection
• Collect soil, plant, water, and other types of samples, and set up equipment and data loggers for automating data collection
• Perform pesticide sprays for experimental trials
• Coordinate with office, farm staff, and ANR colleagues to arrange logistics for data collection
• Install and maintain equipment in laboratory and fields
• Perform data entry and basic analysis
• Coordinate activities with other lab and field research assistants
• Order supplies and equipment and ensure proper operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment
20%
• Oversee the daily schedules and activities of student interns
10%
• Coordinate with everyday vineyards operations at Shafter research farm
Requirements:
• Demonstrated organizational skills. to collect data and manage multiple tasks to ensure successful completion and maintain integrity of data.
• Ability to pay attention to details and produce accurate results.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to understand research project requirements, articulate assignments to research support staff, communicate with cooperators, staff, volunteers, and visitors, and disseminate information.
• Ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information of both applied and theoretical nature in field, laboratory, and office environments.
• Experience using Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Knowledge and experience in Excel spreadsheet formulas and graphing for data analysis.
• General knowledge of viticulture, entomology, and basic agricultural research methods.
• Working knowledge of soil and plant analysis and insect identification.
• Working knowledge of data collection and management
Preferred Skills:
• Bachelor’s degree in irrigation, plant sciences, soil science, or the equivalent education and experience.
• Bilingual communication/translation abilities in English and Spanish.
• Experience and understanding of basic field and laboratory safety, including handling pesticides, hazardous waste disposal, and storage of corrosives and flammables.
• Previous experience in a lead role
Special Conditions of Employment:
• Must possess valid California Driver’s License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
• 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.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
• Incumbent is required to possess a valid Qualified Applicator’s Certificate (QAC) at the time of hiring or obtaining a valid license within 6 months of the start of employment.
• Reimbursement for job-related travel is available and according to University policies.
• Travel, including outside of normal business hours. Ability and means to travel to sites on a flexible schedule determined by the needs of the program.
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
• https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH
• https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
• https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000701/AbusiveConduct
To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/7075794
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