Associate Director, UC Merced Natural Reserve System
UC Merced seeks an Associate Director of the University of California, Merced Natural Reserve System, which includes oversight of Yosemite Field Station, Merced Vernal Pools and Grasslands Reserve, and Sequoia Field Station.
Initial Review Date: 10/1/2021
Final Close Date: 10/8/2021
Questions? Contact Dr. Jessica Blois, Faculty Director, UC Merced NRS, jblois@ucmerced.edu
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 work 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 two potential reserves located at Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park (SEKI) 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, maintenance of 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 webpage 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 reserve directors.
• maintaining, strengthening, and expanding relationships with NRS partners.
• achieving operational targets.
• deputizing for the Faculty Director as needed.
• serving as emergency backup for the individual reserve directors as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
Basic 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 qualifications
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.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Document requirements
- Curriculum vitae
- Cover letter
Reference requirements
- 3-5 required (contact information only)