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Academic Coordinator II - Natural Reserve System

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Position description

The University of California, Merced, Natural Reserve System (NRS) manages two of the forty-one field stations that make up the largest and most diverse set of university-affiliated reserves in the world. UCM plans on adding up to three additional locations to this system over the next several years. The reserves include examples of most major ecosystems in the state. They provide secure sites for research, instruction, and public outreach. They enable monitoring of environmental health and provide a baseline for ecosystem restoration, in the context of California’s rapidly growing population and the changing global environment.

The Academic Coordinator II will serve as Associate Director of the UC Merced NRS, working closely with the Faculty Director and NRS staff to set and implement programmatic objectives involving the two existing UC Merced Natural Reserves as well as three potential reserves located at Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park (SEKI), Buckhorn Flat Ranch and SCICON/Circle J Ranch.

The responsibilities of the Academic Coordinator II include:

COORDINATION OF ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Administration

Represents University interests in negotiations with the external partners for reserves. Supervises maintenance of reserve facilities, maintains records of reserve use and bibliographic database, and preparation of annual reports.

Works toward adequate infrastructure for research and teaching initiatives, which may require pursuit of extramural funding for improvement or expansion of facilities. Identifies and implements maintenance needs for facilities and infrastructure. Works with regulatory agencies, campus administration, and reserve directors to ensure that the reserves are in compliance with federal, state, and university standards.

Serves as the primary supervisor of the directors of each of the UC Merced NRS reserves. Works with them to implement budgets and ensure safety and legal obligations are met at each reserve.

Primary responsibility for communications (website and other media) and development campaigns involving the NRS. The position shares in administration and programmatic development at all existing and future UC Merced natural reserves.

Real Property Management

Pursues cooperative land-use and management agreements with individuals and state and federal agencies, and land acquisition as appropriate. Works with attorneys at UC NRS, Office of General Counsel and Campus Counsel on the terms of conservation easements, use agreements, grant contracts, and reserve legal challenges.

Has primary responsibility for coordinating all aspects necessary to support the potential incorporation of new property into the UC Merced Natural Reserve System.

Strategic Planning

In consultation with the Faculty Director, faculty advisory committees and NRS staff, develops goals and timetables, prioritizes tasks, and secures funding for programmatic initiatives. Identifies strategies to make the reserves more fiscally self-sustaining. Develops long-term plans for reserve research, infrastructure, University-level teaching, and public outreach.

Research Coordination

Supports the individual reserve managers in coordinating and authorizing qualified research, including consultation and review of use applications for appropriateness and feasibility as necessary. As appropriate, assists with scientific coordination to classes and researchers, and writes grants for new facilities, programmatic development, and property acquisition.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE

Attends annual meetings of appropriate organizations including the Organization of Biological Field Stations and the UC NRS Management Workshop. Masters new computer skills as necessary, including web page creation and self-publishing programs. Remains conversant with applicable scientific literature. May pursue personal research as time allows.

UNIVERSITY AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

Serves on campus and system-wide advisory committees, and attends and assists with NRS meetings and workshops as appropriate. As appropriate, may give special lectures and work with other units to achieve the campus and NRS missions.

Day to day duties include advising, assisting, preparing, and coordinating with the faculty director and NRS staff (as appropriate) regarding:

• institutional developments, especially within the Office of Research, and safety services.
• attendance at mission-critical meetings involving the NRS.
• programmatic planning.
• negotiating budgets with campus and system-wide entities.
• supervising the directors of the Yosemite Field Station and Merced Vernal Pools and Grassland Reserve.
• strengthening, expanding, and maintaining relationships with NRS partners.
• achieving operational targets.
• deputizing for the Faculty Director as needed.

Qualifications: Requirements include a Master's Degree in environmental science or a related field and experience with field research. Strong skills and knowledge to: engage and collaborate with a diverse set of constituents; and plan, organize, administer, budget and report on programs and operations. Experience with operations at a field station, experience with working with federal and state agencies, and skills in information technology.

Preferred: A Ph.D. in environmental science or similar, track record of leading successful grant proposals, and demonstrated significant, original, and creative contributions to a research or creative program or project.

To apply: Please submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, Reference List of 3 references with contact information including mailing address, phone number, and email address. The cover letter should include why you are seeking this position and your relevant experience.

Salary is commensurate with education & experience based on the University of California Academic Salary scale.

Review of applications will begin immediately. Position is open until filled with a final closing date of September 13, 2019. Starting dates are negotiable.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses. With 8,500 undergraduate and graduate students (https://www.ucmerced.edu/fast-facts), UC Merced is committed to interdisciplinary excellence in research and teaching as well as to diversity, equity and inclusion. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced provides outstanding educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California. The Merced 2020 Project doubled the physical capacity of the campus, and enhanced academic distinction, student success, and research excellence (https://merced2020.ucmerced.edu/).

The University of California, Merced is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of diversity among its faculty, staff, and students. The University is supportive of dual career couples.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and/or service.
    (Optional)

  • Misc / Additional (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)

Job location

Merced, CA