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Labor Specialist (Assistant Specialist) - Civic Capacity Research Initiative (CCRI)

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Position description

On behalf of the UC Merced Civic Capacity Research Initiative (CCRI), the Labor Specialist will conduct specialized research on issues related to the San Joaquin Valley region’s low-income workers and residents, and the environment. Under the supervision of the CCRI director, the specialist will: serve as a principal investigator, plan and execute research projects that build civic capacity among the San Joaquin Valley’s community, labor and environmental organizations; conduct data collection; analyze data; and write papers.

Key Responsibilities include:
Research Design, Data Collection and Analysis (80%)

  1. Conduct research that examines issues faced by the San Joaquin Valley’s low-income residents and workers.
  2. Plan and execute research on issue areas relevant to San Joaquin Valley community-based organizations, labor organizations, and environmental organizations involved with “integrated civic engagement” (e.g. focus group interviews, needs assessment surveys, etc.).
  3. Collect data for a “repository” of public records concerning San Joaquin Valley community, labor and environmental issues.
  4. Analyze data concerning San Joaquin Valley community, labor and environmental issues.
  5. Participate in the writing of issue-based fact sheets, research briefs and reports, and academic papers.

Public Service (20%)

  1. Assist with the planning for an annual convening for San Joaquin Valley community and labor organizations, to advance initiatives and create partnerships serving the interests of low-wage workers.
  2. Provide research consulting for regional organizations using integrated civic engagement data, and managing needs assessment survey data.

Qualifications:
The successful candidate will have a Master's degree in labor studies or a related discipline; or five years of applied work involving research and advocacy around community, labor or environmental issues.

Proven systematic organizational skills to a) work independently with minimal supervision, b) determine workload priorities and tasks to complete work in a timely manner, and c) identify and resolve problems. (Required)

Interpersonal skills to interact sensitively and to establish and maintain positive relationships with colleagues, students, community members, workers, organization directors, and elected and appointed officials from diverse social, cultural, and educational backgrounds. (Required)

Detailed knowledge of community, labor and/or environmental issues in the San Joaquin Valley. (Recommended)

Experience in conducting research relevant to the San Joaquin Valley's largest industries. (Recommended)

Experience using publicly available data sets, such as the American Community Survey data or California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development(OSHPD). (Recommended)

Experience with multiple research methods, including public records and statistics. (Recommended)

Experience with policy analysis and compliance-related processes. (Recommended)

Ability to communicate, write and edit with strong attention to detail and quality control, for scholarly, policy, and popular audiences. (Recommended)

Demonstrated written, oral, and visual communication skills to translate data and policy issues into easy-to-understand policy recommendations. (Recommended)

This appointment falls under the purview of the collective bargaining agreement between University of California and the United Auto Workers (UAW) 5810. Terms and conditions of employment are subject to UC policy and appropriate collective bargaining agreement. See the following url for additional information: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/ra/index.html.

Interested applicants are required to submit 1) a cover letter 2) curriculum vitae 3) a short research statement and 4) names of at least three professional/academic references with contact information including mailing address, phone number and e-mail address submitted through AP Recruit during the application process.

UC 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 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 (http://merced2020.ucmerced.edu/).

For more information, please contact Dr. Edward Flores at eflores52@ucmerced.edu.

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

Job location

Merced, CA