Assistant Specialist (50% FTE) in Civil & Environmental Engineering - Marvinney - 2026/27

University of California, Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Davis seeks an Assistant Specialist (50% FTE) to support a USDA SARE-funded project on orchard management practices, WOR and soil amendments, evaluating soil carbon, soil health, and grower economics in California perennial systems. Travel between UC Davis and California sites will be required for fieldwork and sampling.

The role covers data management, analysis, and report preparation, with opportunities to contribute to grant proposals and outreach materials.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required as stated in the minimum qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and lead soil sampling events in collaboration with lab members.
• Design spatially randomized sampling schemes using GIS software to support robust field sampling.
• Collect soil cores at field research sites across multiple timepoints.
• Process soil samples and conduct laboratory analyses following established methods.
• Prepare and submit samples to UC Davis Analytical Laboratory and manage analysis orders.

Skills

Soil sampling

GIS analysis

Data management

Communication with stakeholders

Education

Master's degree in International Agricultural Development, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agricultural Science, Sustainable Agricultural Systems, or a closely related field

Job description

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the College of Engineering at the University of California, Davis invites applications from qualified candidates for a Assistant Specialist position at 50% FTE, 20 hours a week.

Qualifications: Master's degree in International Agricultural Development, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agricultural Science, Sustainable Agricultural Systems, or a closely related field.

NATURE AND PURPOSE

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 or with social science research methods) 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.

JOB SUMMARY AND DESIGNATED AREA OF EXPERTISE

The Kendall Lab at UC Davis seeks an Assistant Specialist to support an ongoing USDA SARE–funded research project evaluating orchard management practices, including whole orchard recycling (WOR) and enhanced weathering soil amendments, for their effects on soil carbon, soil health, and grower economics in California perennial cropping systems. The position will contribute to field and laboratory research, data management and analysis, grower and stakeholder engagement, and the preparation of reports, proposals, and other research products, including assessment of the economic and carbon market feasibility of these practices.

The position will involve a combination of fieldwork, laboratory measurements, computer-based data analysis, and research communication. Field activities will require travel from UC Davis to research sites in California.

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT)

Under the supervision of the PI:

• Coordinate and lead soil sampling events in collaboration with lab members, including scheduling, travel logistics, field equipment preparation, and sample storage.
• Design spatially randomized sampling schemes using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS) to support statistically robust field sampling.
• Collect soil cores at field research sites across multiple timepoints, including baseline and post-treatment sampling.
• Process soil samples and conduct laboratory analyses following established methods (ex: Loss-on-Ignition for soil organic matter and bulk density determination)
• Prepare and submit samples to the UC Davis Analytical Laboratory and manage analysis orders and results.
• Maintain accurate field and laboratory records and organize research datasets, including quality-control checks.
• Perform quantitative analyses of field and laboratory data and prepare figures, tables, and summaries using Excel and other statistical or visualization software.
• Serve as a point of contact for growers, agricultural service providers, and project partners. Coordinate field activities such as amendment applications, plot marking, and material delivery.
• Conduct literature reviews and compile data on soil carbon sequestration, orchard biomass pathways, and carbon credit market mechanisms to support project objectives.
• Assist with evaluating the economic feasibility of soil carbon practices for growers, including potential access to carbon credit markets.
• Contribute to grant proposals, progress reports, concept notes, manuscripts, and other project deliverables.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)

The Assistant Specialist will participate in lab meetings and research discussions, stay current with relevant scientific literature in soil carbon, sustainable agriculture, and carbon markets, and may present research at lab meetings, departmental seminars, grower meetings, and scientific conferences.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)

The Assistant Specialist will support project outreach to growers and non-academic audiences, including preparing outreach materials and participating in grower events and field days. They may also help train undergraduate researchers or new lab members in established fields and laboratory methods.

POSITION AVAILABLE/CLOSING DATE:

For full consideration applications should be received by November 1, 2026. Position will remain open until filled.

Qualified applicants should upload a cover letter detailing their qualifications for the position, curriculum vitae or resume and contact information for 3 professional references online. All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. For more information about the department, please visit the website:

QUESTIONS:

Please direct questions to Elias Marvinney [e-mail].

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in International Agricultural Development, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agricultural Science, Sustainable Agricultural Systems, or a closely related field.