Junior Specialist - (1-2) Environmental Flows and Water Policy in California

Position overview

Salary range :

A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000.00, at Step 1 or at Step 2 $58,600.00

Application Window

Open date : November 26, 2025

Next review date : Thursday, Dec 11, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date : Tuesday, Jun 30, 2026 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

Position Description

The Center for Watershed Sciences at the University of California, Davis seeks to fill 1-2 non-tenured, academic term appointments as a Junior Specialist. These position will aid in review and evaluation of current environmental flow protection efforts and related policies in California, as well as development of guidance and outreach tools to assist end-users of the California Environmental Flows Framework (ceff.ucdavis.edu). Work will be in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of scientists from academia, resource agencies, and non-governmental organizations.

Research (90%)

Duties include literature review and data collection associated with the application of environmental flows across the state; summarizing documented flow protections; reviewing and synthesizing completed CEFF studies to date; assisting with development of guidance documents and outreach materials for users interested in implementing CEFF; development of surveys or other information-solicitation tools for understanding user needs; compilation of data into existing databases and datasets; support of development of science communication strategy for CEFF; and participation in data synthesis, scientific communication, and report writing.

Professional Competence & Activity (5%)

Conduct literature searches and help write annual reports to funders. Participation in the creative activities of publishing research and designing future research including reviewing journal articles; engaging in discussions of research to assist in interpreting results; and assisting senior researchers in preparing manuscripts for peer-review journals. Present research results at local and regional scientific meetings, if applicable.

University and Public Service (5%)

Participate in department and campus committees as allowed by funding source.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, policy, geography, or related social or physical science field
• Knowledge of State and Federal environmental policies and regulations (e.g. ESA, CEQA)
• Knowledge of water management and instream flow applications
• Experience in team-based work that requires communication, decision-making skills, and cooperation with diverse partners from differing backgrounds and perspectives.
• Strong organizational, written, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and remain focused for long periods of time while conducting online and computer-based research

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Department : https : / / watershed.ucdavis.edu /

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

(required at time of application)

Additional qualifications

(required at time of start)

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Cover Letter

Statement of Research (Optional)

Authorization to Release Information Form - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form .

Statement of Teaching (Optional)

Reference requirements

Apply link :

https : / / recruit.ucdavis.edu / JPF07414

Help contact : mgoetze@ucdavis.edu

About UC Davis

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.

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http : / / breathefree.ucdavis.edu / ).

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 for federal law.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at : http : / / www.uscis.gov / e-verify

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan : "To Boldly Go," our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs' Mission Statement , and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400 .

UC Davis also is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) . There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings . UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come .

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.

Job location

Davis, CA