Experimental Smart Farm Junior Specialist

The Experimental Smart Farm Specialist will support the design, planning, and execution of applied agricultural research studies critical to the development and ongoing operation of the ESF. Working under the direction of the ESF Farm Coordinator, this position plays a key role in day-to-day farm operations and research implementation across both field and laboratory environments. This 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.

Responsibilities include safely operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting a variety of agricultural machinery and farm equipment, including but not limited to tractors, skid steers, front-end loaders, forklifts, and other mechanized implements. The incumbent is expected to demonstrate competency in tractor operation for field preparation, planting, cultivation, harvesting, material handling, and general farm maintenance activities, while adhering to all applicable safety protocols and university policies.

The position will assist in executing time-sensitive agricultural fieldwork activities such as planting, irrigation management, composting, harvesting, and site preparation. This includes conducting routine inspections, performing minor repairs, and ensuring operational readiness of farm equipment and infrastructure.

In addition, the incumbent will collect, manage, and analyze data generated through the implementation of smart farming technologies. Responsibilities may include monitoring sensor-based systems, supporting precision agriculture applications, and assisting with geospatial data analysis (GIS and/or remote sensing). Laboratory and computational duties will involve data systems administration, processing and quality control of field data, and maintaining organized research datasets.

The role also contributes to outreach and engagement efforts by supporting farm tours, assisting in the development of educational signage and materials, and collaborating with faculty, researchers, students, and community partners to facilitate events and programming at the ESF. This includes representing the farm in a professional manner to diverse audiences from the campus and broader Merced community.

Clear and effective communication of research activities and findings is required, including preparation of written reports, summaries, and oral presentations. The position requires close collaboration with faculty, research staff, and external partners.

Strict adherence to safety, compliance, and ethical research standards is mandatory at all times. The position may require working non-standard hours, including extended days, occasional weekends, and travel to support field operations and outreach activities.

This position requires possession of a valid driver's license and a driving record that meets university standards. Experience safely operating tractors and other agricultural equipment in a research or production setting is highly desirable.

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.

* Bachelor's degree or equivalent degree in Agriculture, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field. Or equivalent research experience.

* 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.

* Ability to obtain and maintain a California Driver's License.

* Ability to obtain and maintain successful training in safe tractor and drone operations.

* At least 1-2 years of experience conducting or participating in applied agricultural research, preferably in a smart farm environment.

* Experience working in a farming environment, including safe operation of machinery.

* Experience using various farming technologies, such as drones, sensors, and automation systems, 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.

* Familiarity with geospatial, IoT and AI technologies used in precision agriculture, and applied statistics.

* Knowledge of one or more programming languages, such as Python or R.

• 3 required (contact information only)

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application: Required Authorization of Information Release Form.

Candidates must possess valid authorization to work in the United States. UC Merced is not currently able to sponsor individuals residing outside the United States who would require a new H-1B visa for employment. Applicants who do not hold valid U.S. work authorization are presently ineligible for this position.

Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and APM 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (Center of Institutional Effectiveness), UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive 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 University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.