Restoration Research Mentor, Assistant Project Scientist in the Earth Research Institute

As the Restoration Research Mentor (UCSB Assistant Project Scientist), you will work with the Director of Ecosystem Management and the Ecological Restoration team at the Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration (Cheadle Center) to lead our research and monitoring mentorship program (RAMMP). Your duties will include developing a research program that builds on the ecological restoration and conservation work of the Cheadle Center and provides meaningful research experiences for UCSB undergraduate students. It is expected that the Assistant Project Scientist will maintain a productive and scholarly ecological research program that will align with the Cheadle Center mission.

The position is initially funded for one year, with the option to extend and an expectation that the successful candidate will work to create a self-sustaining research program by securing grants. It offers competitive salary and benefits. . Continuation beyond one year will be based on performance and availability of funding. The ideal starting date for the position is January 2025. The Department is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching and service.

-Manage the Research and Monitoring Mentorship Program: Develop a research program that provides opportunities for students to gain research experience, analyze data and synthesize for Undergraduate symposiums, conferences or publications.

-Establish a research program that may include topics such as how to enhance restoration efficacy and efficiency, understanding local ecology (e.g. rare plants, plant suitability), climate resilience, carbon sequestration, soil function and /or wildlife use themes.

-Collaborate with current part-time Research Coordinator whose work focuses on mentoring students in hydrology and aquatic invertebrate sampling and who maintains baseline monitoring, reporting and hydrological monitoring equipment.

-Collaborate with supervisor, the Director of Ecosystem Management and build on past and current research projects.

-Analyze and interpret data using appropriate statistical analyses, write reports and peer-reviewed journal articles in concert with student research assistants and staff.

-Fundraise for this program via grant and contract proposals, donor relations, and alternative funding sources.

-Communicate and collaborate with other members of the Restoration and Research team including collaborating professors and researchers, when -appropriate, to achieve organizational goals and promote the program.

-Publish papers in peer-reviewed journals

-Track projects in ArcGis.

Fieldwork Duties---

-Implement restoration and research projects, may include planting, mapping, weed management, and monitoring.

-Collect spatial data using Field Maps for ArcGIS

-Mentor students in the field

-Help to develop outreach materials, including newsletter articles, web updates, videos, press releases, and social media on the research and monitoring program

-Share your passion for conservation with the public via lectures, workshops, nature walks, field trips, and other outreach events

-Present oral and poster presentations at scientific meetings

-Manage, interact with, and recognize student research interns

-Mentor, manage, and help recruit interns

-Design and implement original research and recovery projects

-Fundraise via grants, contracts, and donor pitches

-Supervise and mentor student research and monitoring interns

-Conduct field work under a variety of environmental conditions

-Give public presentations and perform other outreach to promote projects and engage the public

-Use a computer proficiently, with a working knowledge of Microsoft applications (e.g., Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and R/Rstudio, and learn new computer programs as necessary

-High degree of statistical experience addressing ecological questions. Proficiency in R expected.

-Analyze data using modern statistical and modeling techniques

-Quickly learn the California flora (if not already familiar) and use dichotomous keys and other resources to identify unfamiliar taxa

-Multitask, work under pressure, and meet deadlines

-Communicate well both verbally and in writing

-Work occasional weekend hours and occasionally travel for fieldwork, meetings, and symposia

-Work autonomously with a high degree of accountability and also cooperatively with colleagues - Cheadle Center Staff, professors, graduate student and agency partners

-Contribute to a positive work environment that fosters learning and team-building

-Perform periodic strenuous physical work including:

1. Occasionally working long field days,
   including bending, squatting, walking stairs, and hiking rugged trails with uneven footing
2. Sitting for up to 2 hours at a time and using a computer for lengthy periods;
3. Standing/walking for extended periods of time
4. Bending, squatting, digging, and hiking rugged trails
5. Working outdoors in variable weather conditions
6. Safely lifting and carrying 40 lbs.

• A Ph.D. in the field of plant ecology, conservation, botany, or a closely related field.

• At least 1 year experience in R and other Statistical software.
• A minimum of 1 published peer-reviewed journal
• Field Ecology Experience: 2 years minimum, can be part of PhD research or land management experience.

• Experience using ArcGIS to create maps and analyze data
• Experience with the California flora or plants of the US Intermountain West
• Qualified Applicator's License for California pesticide application
• A supportive and approachable disposition conducive to supervising and mentoring
• A passion for biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• 3 published peer-reviewed articles

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Names and emails of 3 references that can be contacted via email after interviews have been conducted.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.