Experimental Smart Farm Research Junior Specialist.

Position description In the role of Experimental Smart Farm Research Junior Specialist, this position will contribute to both the research and public-facing missions of UC Merced’s Experimental Smart Farm and the Farms-Food-Future Innovation program. This recruitment may represent a multi-hire initiative. The position is central to the development of UC Merced as an Agricultural Experiment Station and includes a strong emphasis on outreach and engagement with the broader community, helping to bridge cutting-edge agricultural research with education, public awareness, and community collaboration. Key responsibilities include but are not limited to assisting with the design, planning, and execution of applied agricultural research studies needed to build the ESF, including the daily operations of the farm under the direction of the ESF Farm Coordinator. You may be expected to collect, manage, and analyze data derived from the application of various smart farming technologies, as well as coordinate and perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting tasks for our state-of-the-art farming equipment. Filled positions will span both laboratory and field settings, including time-sensitive fieldwork activities, such as planting and harvesting, composting, irrigation management, safe tractor operations (e.g., skid steer, front-end loaders, forklifts), and minor equipment repairs. Laboratory activities will include, but not be limited to, data systems administration, geospatial analysis (GIS and/or remote sensing), and processing of field data. Additionally, this position will play an active role in Outreach & Engagement activities that span our campus research community, the campus community at large, and the greater Merced community. This role will coordinate tours of the farm, work with researchers on signage and information materials for the farm site, and collaborate with community groups to coordinate events and activities at the farm. Clear and effective communication of research findings—both through written reports and oral presentations—is 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 schedules, extended days, occasional weekends, and occasional travel are required. By integrating hands-on agricultural research with outreach and community involvement, this role supports UC Merced’s broader mission of inclusive innovation, education, and public impact in the San Joaquin Valley and beyond. This is an exempt position. This position is 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. Qualifications Basic qualifications Basic Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, 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 safe field equipment operations Preferred qualifications Preferred Qualifications • At least 1-2 years of experience conducting or participating in applied agricultural research • Experience working in a farming environment, including safe operation of machinery. • Experience using various farming research technologies, such as gas analyzers, to collect and analyze data. • Knowledge of modern farming practices and principles, including regenerative and/or sustainable agriculture. • Experience in conducting fieldwork, such as soil sampling, plant pathology, crop science, or animal agriculture. • Proficiency in data management and/or geospatial software (e.g., Excel, R, Python, ArcGIS, QGIS).