Assistant Specialist, Soil Carbon & Field Research

University of California - Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 71,000; Part time

Job summary

The Kendall Lab at UC Davis seeks an Assistant Specialist to support a USDA SARE-funded project evaluating orchard management practices for soil carbon and grower economics in California perennial systems. Travel may be required to field sites in California.

The role involves fieldwork, lab measurements, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and preparing reports and research products. 50% FTE, 20 hours/week with a strong emphasis on collaboration and communication.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in International Agricultural Development, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agricultural Science, Sustainable Agricultural Systems, or a closely related field.
• Field research experience in agricultural settings with soil sampling.
• Experience processing and analyzing soil samples using standard laboratory methods.
• Experience organizing and managing research data in Excel or comparable software.
• Experience preparing figures, tables, and written summaries from research data.
• Experience communicating and coordinating with growers or agricultural stakeholders.
• Experience contributing to grant proposals or technical research and progress reports.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurate research records.
• Ability to travel to field research sites in California.

Responsibilities

• 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 to support robust field sampling.
• Collect soil cores at field sites across multiple timepoints (baseline and post-treatment).
• Process soil samples and conduct laboratory analyses using established methods.
• Prepare and submit samples to UC Davis Analytical Laboratory and manage analysis orders and results.
• Maintain accurate field and laboratory records and organize research datasets with QC checks.
• Perform quantitative analyses and prepare figures, tables and summaries using Excel or similar software.
• Serve as contact for growers and project partners; coordinate field activities.
• Conduct literature reviews and compile data on soil carbon, orchard biomass, and carbon markets.
• Assist with evaluating economic feasibility of soil carbon practices for growers.
• Contribute to grant proposals, progress reports, and other project deliverables.

Skills

Field research

Soil sampling

Data analysis

Excel proficiency

GIS knowledge

Education

Master's degree in International Agricultural Development or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

UC Davis Analytical Lab coordination

Job description

The Kendall Lab at UC Davis seeks an Assistant Specialist to support a USDA SARE-funded project evaluating orchard management practices for soil carbon and grower economics in California perennial systems. Travel may be required to field sites in California.

The role involves fieldwork, lab measurements, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and preparing reports and research products. 50% FTE, 20 hours/week with a strong emphasis on collaboration and communication.