Project Policy Analyst (5257C) - Berkeley Seismological Lab

University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Berkeley's Berkeley Seismological Laboratory seeks a Project Policy Analyst to join a multidisciplinary team. The role analyzes policies, coordinates stakeholder engagement, and supports strategic planning for earthquake early warning initiatives.

You will translate complex data into actionable recommendations, mentor staff, and contribute to the lab's mission within the broader strategic plan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area or equivalent experience.
• Proficient with Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence) and Google Workspace.
• Strong written and verbal communication to engage diverse audiences.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in sensitive matters.
• Knowledge of EEW projects, ShakeAlert, and related programs is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provides analyses for coordinating activities with EEW system users and maintains technical contact databases.
• Coordinates ShakeAlert User Engagement Meetings, including invitations and venue planning.
• Summarizes subject matter knowledge and acts as a SME on EEW projects; may mentor staff.
• Proposes and participates in policy planning and strategic direction for the organization.
• Performs post-implementation analyses and develops proposals to guide enhancements and effectiveness.

Skills

Policy analysis

Communication

Project coordination

Atlassian tools

Google Workspace

Education

Bachelor's degree in related area

Tools

Atlassian (Jira, Confluence)

Google Workspace

Job description

About Berkeley At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation - driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that benefits California, the U.S., and beyond. Together, we change the world.

At Berkeley, the best careers are built on a foundation of continuous learning and growth. We actively support professional development by providing all full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours of paid time per year and providing space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups.

We invite applicants who are inspired by our Principles of Community and who are eager to be part of our exciting Strategic Plan, which charts Berkeley's next era of excellence.

Learn more about some of our accomplishments at Points of Pride.

Departmental Overview

The Berkeley Seismological Laboratory (BSL) conducts essential research on earthquakes and solid earth processes while collecting and delivering high quality geophysical data. We provide robust earthquake and hazard information including real-time alerts to the public, in collaboration with our partners. We enable the broad consumption of earthquake information by everyone while educating and training students at all levels and from all backgrounds.

The Project Policy Analyst works as part of a BSL team, interacting with other BSL staff, primary constituencies are both internal and external to the unit. During routine operations, the position works independently, with guidance and assignments from the supervisor and other BSL staff.

This position involves analytical studies on a variety of policies, projects, programs and issues in support of a function, research initiative, program and / or organizational unit, or in research of new or changing systems and programs. Assists in policy and program planning, development, administration, management and implementation; interprets, monitors and analyzes information regarding policies and procedures and provides consultative services to department administrators and other stakeholders.

Application Review Date The First Review Date for this job is: August 10, 2026 - Open Until Filled

Responsibilities

• Provides analyses for coordinating activities with technical earthquake early warning (EEW) systems users, including such things as maintaining technical user contact databases; connectivity requests; acting as an informational and support resource for users; and providing a single point of contact at the BSL to handle confidential ShakeAlert information. ShakeAlert technical users include researchers, university partners, entrepreneurs and fortune 500 companies.This incumbent will summarize academic, data, systems and resource projects for all levels of ShakeAlert Stakeholders or technical users.
• Coordinates ShakeAlert User Engagement Meetings for both BSL and ShakeAlert project partner agencies: including invitations, coordinating venue and catering needs, drafting agendas, inviting and coordinating speakers.
• Absorbs and summarizes a wide range of subject matter knowledge. Represent the BSL as a subject matter expert on EEW projects and activities. This can include the development of technical guides, user manuals, video tutorials, or other tools and/or materials which summarizes best practices in field. May mentor less experienced staff members.
• Proposes, leads and / or participates on policy and planning committees and working groups both in person and virtual. Provides strategy development for organizational or research initiative. Provides technical guidance and quality assessment and responds to technical users inquiries.
• Conducts post-implementation analysis to determine the need for further enhancements, finer distinctions and / or additional process / policy components. Develops proposals and recommendations to guide and support a broader strategic direction for the organization or initiative. Provides technical guidance and quality assessment. Excel at the delivery of directives, regulations, technical guidance, and other instructions for issuance to stakeholders.
• Researches and analyzes processes and procedures, summarizes findings, policies and organizational structures in order to develop and / or implement changes and to provide consultative services to EEW users and external stakeholders.
• Provides a variety of duties in support of a function, research initiative, program and / or organizational unit as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Proficient in common organization- or research-specific and other computer application programs.(specifically Atlassian and Google Workspace).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to communicate earthquake principles and earthquake safety to a wide range of audiences from technical users to the general public. Technical users include researchers, university partners, entrepreneurs and fortune 500 companies.
• Thorough written, verbal and interpersonal communications, tact and political acumen to effectively represent the ShakeAlert project. Proficient ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality.
• Thorough knowledge of the BSL and ShakeAlert, its mission, goals, objectives, programs, achievements, infrastructure and issues of concern. Through analytical / problem-solving skills, demonstrates ability to use sound judgment in responding to issues and concerns. Using analytical and critical thinking skills, including sound judgment and decision-making skills and skills, correctly identify real and potential problems. This position will advise ShakeAlert management as required, and propose effective strategic resolutions.
• Strong working knowledge of, or similar, earthquake early warning and earthquake safety. Strong skills in analyzing, researching and synthesizing large amounts of data for preparing sound and relevant proposals / analyses. Proficient in the ability to organize, analyze, research, digest, and synthesize large amounts of data with strong attention to detail.
• Proficient in project management, including event planning and meeting deadlines. Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.
• Proficient in managing, and mentor other staff members in managing, outreach activities.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $90,000 to $130,000 yearly ($7,500 to $10,833.33 monthly); the full salary range for this title (PROJECT POLICY ANL 3 RP) is $78,435.00 to $139,545 yearly. This is a 100% FTE career position eligible for full benefits. This position is FLSA Exempt and paid monthly.

Other Information

This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between UAW (United Auto Workers) and the University of California Regents for RP.

Misconduct Disclosure

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct 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. For Reference, Below Are UC’s Policies Addressing Some Forms Of Misconduct

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.