Junior Specialist - Soil Characterization

Position Overview

Salary range: $55,000, Step 1 or $58,600, Step 2.

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.

• Soil sampling, soil preparation, and standard soil analysis.
• Installation and upkeep of sensor networks.
• Data processing in Excel or other databases, data visualization, and contribution to project deliverables.
• Field campaigns including working outdoors in various weather conditions, managing equipment up to 40 lbs., and ensuring personal safety.
• Data analysis and statistical analysis, maintaining equipment in the field/lab, literature review, soil characterization experiments, data entry and quality control of datasets.
• Development of presentations and technical reports, and contribution to the preparation of journal articles.
• Participation in laboratory meetings, review of journal articles, engagement in research discussions, and potential presentation of research findings at technical meetings and professional societies.

The incumbent will assist in studies in consultation with the PI’s and other project scientists, learn and conduct standard soil characterization experiments, contribute to field soil sampling events, help collect and summarize data, assist in data analyses, and provide information for annual and related reports. They will also help write annual permitting reports, participate in lab discussions, and provide feedback on publications resulting from the work.

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

• Bachelor degree in soil science, ecology, agronomy, hydrology, geology or a similar discipline.
• Relevant or related research conducted in the hiring unit by start date.
• Ability to lift and maneuver 40 lbs. 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 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 materials.

• Experience with computer programming.
• Knowledge of soil sensor networks.
• Experience with big data.
• Knowledge and experience 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 of the data architecture.

Davis, CA

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.