Assistant Specialist-Crop Sensing Group-McElrone Lab

Salary range:
A reasonable estimate for this position is $61,300-$68,300
"Off-scale salaries", i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience.

The UC Davis-USDA ARS Crop Sensing Group seeks a full-time technician to assist field research activities in a variety of multidisciplinary projects in biometeorology, crop sensing technologies, and plant ecophysiology. This position will be housed in a USDA lab at UC Davis, support research activities at sites across the Central Valley and other wine-growing regions of California, and include work on grapevines, almonds, olives, pistachios, and other Mediterranean crops.

The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment) in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues, and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and/or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT)

The Specialist will work supporting the design and implementation of research data acquisition based on sensing systems such as hyperspectral and thermal sensors and cameras, LiDAR, Doppler LiDAR, and Distributed Temperature Sensors (DTS), among others. The Specialist will maintain the system to warranty appropriate performance, identify data quality issues, and develop plans to address potential problems. Specific task and responsibilities of the Specialist are:

• Develop Maintenance protocols and multiple Standard Operating Procedures to support the data collection.
• Train and work with researchers, junior specialists, and graduate and undergraduate students. The Specialist is responsible for overseeing the appropriate use of field research equipment and providing feedback when activities might compromise the safety of team members and/or the equipment.
• Prepare field supplies and maintain field instrumentation.
• Operate and maintain an inventory of specialized equipment and disposables used as part of this area of the Crop Sensing Group research program. Maintain the laboratory environment in a safe and organized manner, including keeping inventories of key equipment, chemicals, and disposables.
• Perform field assignments in a variety of conditions (e.g., weather, terrain, etc.)
• Record activities and complete work according to Field Operations protocol.
• Supports data management and analysis.
• Prepares data set summaries for reports, outreach documents, and scientific manuscripts. Contribute significantly to the preparation of manuscripts, including leading portions of the writing as appropriate based on technical expertise.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)

A. Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies, groups, and other educational and research organizations.

B. Review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to the area of expertise.

C. Participate in training programs to enhance skills.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)

A. May maintain liaison and respond to the needs of various industry organizations, state and federal agencies, and other external groups on issues related to area of expertise.

B. May participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus, and other University entities, as appropriate.

One-year appointment based on funding and performance with the possibility of renewal based on funding and performance.

PLEASE NOTE

An Assistant Specialist appointee should possess expertise consistent with four to six years of training and/or experience in the relevant area of research and specialization. Appropriate qualifications for appointees at this rank would include possession of a Master's degree in a relevant discipline, or possession of a relevant baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of research experience. It is inappropriate to appoint an individual with a doctorate in a discipline relevant or related to the research as an Assistant Specialist.

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

MS degree in Remote Sensing, Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geography, Hydrology, Meteorology, Horticulture, or Agronomy

PLEASE NOTE: a BS with 3 years of training past graduation or equivalent training will also be accepted

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• Experience flying uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) for research data acquisition
• Experience with thermal imagery acquisition and post-processing
• Experience with LiDAR systems and data port-processing
• Knowledge of best practices for accurate and repeatable field and laboratory measurements across multiple scientific disciplines
• Coding skills (e.g., Phyton, R+, Matlab)
• Experience with dataloggers and/or prototyping boards (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi)
• Technical skills using best practices in the field and the ability to identify issues with field sensor instrumentation
• Due to the limited number of positions, technicians must be willing and able to learn and perform procedures and methods outside their primary responsibility
• Willingness to perform maintenance and field sampling outdoors in sparsely populated, remote locations, ranging from 1/2 hour to 4 hours from the domain office. Overnight travel is typical throughout the summer season
• Ability and willingness to work varied field operations schedules (up to 12+ hours per day), including split-shift, part-time, pre-dawn early mornings, evenings, and weekends
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong work ethic and enthusiasm

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

• Experience with hyperspectral systems
• Experience with meteorological sensors
• Minimum field research experience in agricultural systems

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Apply link:
https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07069

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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