Research Associate - Santa Cruz, CA,

Job Information

Job

Location:

SANTA CRUZ

Full/Part Time:
Full Time

Under supervision, incumbent performs a wide variety of standard repetitive laboratory and/or field experimental procedures at the full operational or journey level of skill in one field of specialty; or performs a limited variety of non-standard laboratory and/or field experimental procedures requiring ingenuity, resourcefulness, and adaptability to special and changing needs of research in one specialized field.

Incumbent typically performs a wide variety of standard repetitive procedures without detailed technical supervision, usually in a well-established occupational field (i.e. chemistry, microbiology, ecology, plant science etc.). They may also modify, vary or adapt standard procedures to meet the needs of research projects, or improve tests that are unsatisfactory, and after studying available literature, analyze and alter conditions under which determinations are made.

This position is a career appointment that is 100% fixed.

$32.91/hour to $42.64/hour

This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 09/03/2026.

• 35% Field Work and Research – In consultation with the supervisor, plan and assist in coordination of project experiments. Ensure that sufficient materials are available to provide required safety training and documentation to assure safe work environment. Provide research support by conducting in-field data collection including but not limited to soils, plant, water, and pest data. Manage field data collection materials in appropriate manner for processing needs.
• 30% Data Preparation – Collect data and prepare initial reports. Modify, vary, or adapt standard procedures to meet the needs of the research project. Improve tests that are unsatisfactory. Convert raw data into testable value; conduct basic statistical analysis. Ensure that there is the necessary information to evaluate each trial. Generate summary and overview reports of program activities as needed. This includes educational event and field demonstration evaluations and monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting as needed.
• 20% Reporting and Writing – Summarize research findings for use in articles (popular press, newsletter and journal) using MS Office suite programs and statistical programs. Assist in preparation of grant proposals and in summarizing literature and data needed for funding group reports and assist in writing publications and peer reviewed publications in scientific journals. Prepare graphical summaries, using Microsoft Excel, that will be used to demonstrate the discovered data in publications.
  
  Review studies, literature, attend workshops, seminars, training.
• 10% Outreach – Coordinate and collaborate with federal, state, county, and local agencies and community based organizations on the delivery of programs to support program functional area.
• 5% Needs Assessment – Assess stakeholder needs for diversification and adaptation of sustainable practices. Use needs assessment information to research and inform educational programs that respond to identified needs.

• Demonstrated scientific/research experience or formal education in functional area.
• Experience with research and/or teaching.
• Scientific knowledge and skill to make technical determinations and/or observations.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and outreach to community partners.
• Demonstrated experience with computers, software, and social media for the development and delivery of newsletters, presentations, and other educational materials. Experience using Microsoft Office.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience with data compilation in order to produce reports.

• 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.
• Travel including travel outside normal business hours may be requested.
• Overtime…