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Position Overview

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers a unique recruitment opportunity for a Project Scientist (Assistant/Associate/Full Rank) with the California Institute for Water Resources with a 0.5 variable FTE appointment.

Location Headquarters: UC ANR, Davis, CA

Introduction:

The California Institute for Water Resources (CIWR) is a statewide program located within UC ANR. CIWR is based in Davis, CA, and has researchers and educators throughout the state of California. CIWR conducts research on sustainable water resources management for urban, environmental, and agricultural systems. CIWR is a member of the National Institutes for Water Resources and serves as a hub of water research in California. CIWR supports water research projects throughout the state, conducts research on urban and water resources management, and runs extension programs for improved irrigation and Climate-Smart Agricultural practices.

Purpose and Clientele:

The Project Scientist will support projects in CIWR related to water and wastewater management. The Project Scientist will:
• Use knowledge of urban water and wastewater systems to estimate future trends in water demand and wastewater generation and evaluate impacts of those changes on current and future systems.
• Participant in multidisciplinary collaborations to estimate effects of water conservation that will inform statewide policy.
• Collaborate with academic colleagues to develop economic modeling and assessments of water and wastewater operations in California.
• Support or lead outreach to industry organizations to understand challenges associated with climate change adaptation, water and wastewater service affordability.
• Collect and analyze knowledge from peer-reviewed studies, industry studies, and field work from extension specialists regarding the costs and benefits of water conservation and wastewater management services.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Identify, Compile and Analyze Literature on Economics of Water and Wastewater Management in California (40%):
• Lead outreach to academic researchers and agencies throughout the state to collect and analyze reports and data on water and sanitation services in underserved areas.
• Lead planning, problem resolution, and administration of CIWR projects commensurate with the level of appointment
• Initiate communications and data collection with project colleagues and external collaborators
• Initiate discussions with agencies and communities related to projects.
• Participate or lead outreach and extension efforts to address research needs.
• Participate in conferences and workshops.
• Support development of summary products and annual reports.

Data Collection, Management and Analysis (40%):
• Lead data collection and entry and ensure quality and accuracy of data.
• Direct analysis of datasets and prepare summary statistics, tables, and graphs.
• Independently write and present reports. Assist in preparing and reviewing drafts of papers and posters to ensure accuracy.

Writing and Publications (20%):
• Prepare high quality written and attractive materials including reports, program and project impact statements, blog posts, briefings, executive summaries, and presentations.
• Conduct literature reviews and summarize existing research relevant to projects.
• Support and contribute to authoring peer-reviewed journal articles.
• Prepare extension publications to disseminate research results.
• Prepare and give presentations.

Reporting Relationship: The project scientist serves under the administrative guidance of the Director of the California Institute of Water Resources within UC ANR.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications:

Education: A minimum of a Ph.D. degree in resource economics, environmental policy, public policy, engineering, or regional planning/development or a closely related field is required at the time of appointment.

Additional Requirements
• Demonstrated research experience through a combination of publications, professional experience in one or more previous positions, utilizing the techniques or methods required by the position and demonstrating technical knowledge.
• Knowledge of scientific and economic challenges for water and wastewater management
• Expertise in principles and methods for resource economics, environmental science, environmental studies, water management and/or environmental engineering.
• Experience with programming GIS and geodatabases.
• Knowledge and experience with economic modeling approaches for public policy making
• Demonstrated experience developing applied research studies used directly in local and statewide policymaking.
• Ability to work independently and seek guidance when needed, demonstrated through academic research, professional experience, or a combination.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills and presentation skills.
• Prior professional experience in applied water research.
• Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series and evidence for success in meeting required academic advancement criteria as per UC Academic Personnel Manual
• This is not a remote position. The candidate must be available to work onsite. In accordance with UC ANR Flexible Work Guidelines flexible work agreements are available upon approval by supervisors and periodic re-evaluation.

Desired Experience
• Proficiency in software such as ArcGIS Pro, R, or Python.
• Demonstrated ability to independently utilize scientific literature, online databases, and other relevant resources to apply to research projects and design of experiments.
• Knowledge/experience in procedures for collecting and synthesizing data from various sources, including publications, reports, surveys, and community outreach.

Skills Required: To be successful, a Project Scientist requires skills in the following:

Technical Competence and Impact
• Interact with collaborating scientists to achieve project objectives.
• Collect and analyze data for agency reporting and journal publications. Participate in extension education and outreach activities.

Communication
• Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal and information technology communication skills.
• Skills to communicate and extend technical information to diverse audiences are required.
• Participation in professional societies and conferences and ability to give presentations at seminars and continuing education functions.

Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team member with others.
• Able to adapt as circumstances warranted.
• Promote diversity, equity and inclusion.

Lifelong Learning
Demonstrated commitment to ongoing self-improvement - both professionally and as a person.

About UC ANR

UC ANR is a division of the University of California (UC) system that bridges the gap between local issues and the expertise of the UC system by providing research-based information, educational programs, and technical expertise to the public in areas such as agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, and youth development. UC ANR is part of a nationwide Cooperative Extension network, which began in the early 20th century to connect research from land-grant universities with the everyday needs of people in communities across the United States. Today, we collaborate with farmers, ranchers, diverse communities, youth and adult educators, and policymakers to address local and statewide issues related to food systems, water, climate change, and sustainable agriculture through a statewide network of campus-based researchers, county-based Advisors, and community educators. Our mission is to cultivate thriving communities, sustainable agriculture, resilient ecosystems, and economic prosperity in California and globally through equitable generation and sharing of collaborative, science-based solutions. Over 250 UC ANR academics conduct research, extension, and education serving all 58 counties from 70+ locations, including county-based UCCE offices, 13 statewide programs and institutes, and 9 research and extension centers. By working and living among those we serve, UC ANR expands the University of California’s reach to engage all people and communities in California, ensuring equal access to the resources UC has to offer. Our vision is that UC ANR will be valued in every California community for meaningful engagement and making a positive difference in people’s lives.

Learn More
• UC ANR and UC ANR Mission Statement.
• California Institute for Water Resources: https://ciwr.ucanr.edu/
• UC ANR administers Statewide Programs and Institutes that focus research and extension on solving priority problems that engage ANR academics and UC faculty in integrated teams
• UC ANR Strategic Initiatives help unify, communicate, and advocate for the work we do.
• UC ANR UC ANR uses seven Public Value statements to communicate how our work makes a difference to the public.
• UC ANR academics are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR’s commitment to UC ANR’s Affirmative Action policy
• UC ANR is committed to supporting inclusive excellence and is guided by UC ANR's Principles of Community. We strive to create an environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, feel valued and respected and have equal opportunities for growth and success.
• 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
APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Salary & Benefits
SALARY: The salary will be in the Project Scientist Series (0.5 variable FTE) from Assistant Rank Step 1 - $35.49/hour to Full Title Rank Step 6 - $73.19/hour. Step placement in this series is based on experience. For information regarding the Project Scientist represented series salary scales, please refer to: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2024-25/july-2024-scales/t37-b-n.pdf This is a represented position.

The Project Scientist position is a definite term appointment. The position is a one-year renewable term appointment with a merit cycle every two years. The performance in the position will be evaluated annually. The position will be extended based on the continued need for the position, performance and availability of funding.

Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, two days per month paid vacation, one day per month paid sick leave, and holidays. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website at: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html.

How to Apply
If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose “applicants” (refer to position #25-06).

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by May 8, 2025 (open until filled).

Questions?
Contact Tatiana Avoce (tavoce@ucanr.edu) or recruitment questions; for other questions, contact Evelia Joye (fecjoye@ucanr.edu).

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring work authorization without need of employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment period.

University of California Cooperative Extension
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.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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 categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

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

The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. 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 categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.