Junior Specialist

Position overview

Position title : Junior Specialist

Salary range :

See Table 24B(N) for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $26.35 per hour.

Percent time : 50%

Anticipated start : 11 / 1 / 2025

Position duration : 1 year

Application Window

Open date : October 1, 2025

Most recent review date : Wednesday, Oct 15, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date : Saturday, Nov 15, 2025 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

The Sierra Nevada Research Institute is seeking qualified candidates to fill one position as a Junior Specialist in watershed hydrology. In the role of SNRI Junior Specialist, the candidate will be actively involved in hydrologic research in forested and agricultural settings. This position will work closely with the UC Merced Forest Ecohydrology and Watershed Systems (FEWS) Lab under the supervision of Dr. Safeeq Khan. Key responsibilities include but are not limited to assisting with the design, planning, and execution of hydrologic research. The candidate will be expected to collect, manage, and analyze data derived from ecohydrological experiments in natural and working lands, as well as coordinating and performing routine installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of field equipment. Filled position will span both laboratory and field settings, including time sensitive fieldwork activities, such as snow surveys, soil and water sampling, flux measurements, and vegetation surveys. Laboratory activities will include, but not be limited to, analysis of water quality, carbon and nitrogen analysis of plants and soils, soil characterization, soil water retention measurements, and processing of field data. Clear and effective communications from research findings, both through written reports and oral presentations, are a key part of the position as it will require working in close collaboration with senior researchers, faculty, and other relevant community advisors. Compliance with all safety and ethical standards is mandatory. Alternate work schedule, extended days, occasional weekends, and occasional travel are required.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the US. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Natural Resource Management, or a related field
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail and contribute to innovative solutions to complex research challenges
• Demonstrated excellence in written, verbal, and visual communication skills for reporting research findings and recommendations
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and activities, as well as with other team members
• Ability to use digital tools, not limited to Microsoft products (Word, Excel)
• Ability to work and use sound judgement in outdoor work environments under difficult environmental conditions, such as heat and cold
• Required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies / procedures, and / or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.
• Ability to obtain and maintain successful training in field and laboratory research safety

Preferred qualifications

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Cover Letter

Statement of Research (Optional)

Statement of Teaching (Optional)

Authorization to Release Information Form - 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.

"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 or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

Required Authorization of Information Release may be found here . Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.

Reference requirements

Please provide three references with contact information including mailing address, phone number and e-mail address submitted through AP Recruit during the application process.

Apply link :

https : / / aprecruit.ucmerced.edu / JPF02031

Help contact : shernandez52@ucmerced.edu

About UC Merced

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.

"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 or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

Required Authorization of Information Release may be found here . Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the US. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Additional links : UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy , the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy , and APM 035 : Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment .

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (https : / / cie.ucmerced.edu / analytics-hub / student-statistics ), UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California.

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.

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. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs .

Job location

Merced, CA