Research Associate Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Job Description
Position Summary:
The UCANR Fire Network is a statewide team with expertise across a wide range of disciplines, including fire science and ecology, prescribed fire, home hardening and defensible space, community and regional planning, grazing and fire interactions, and much more. The Network includes specialists on UC campuses, advisors and staff in local communities, and broad networks of partners and volunteers. The goal of the Fire Network is to inspire and empower Californians, through research, education and outreach, policy, and training.
Department Summary:
The Staff Research Associate III (SRA III) will assist Fire Advisors in the full range of program implementation duties on methods to reduce wildfire risk, especially through prescribed fire, in Mariposa and Madera Counties. The incumbent will lead a program, overseeing employees with support from a Fire Advisor as needed, focused on helping to conduct, manage and evaluate an educational program and facilitate collaborative partnerships to increase the use of prescribed fire throughout the service areas. Field work includes assisting with field experiments, data collection of long-term monitoring plots, prescribed fire implementation, and working with landowners and research partners to coordinate research opportunities throughout the region. Office tasks include research data management, data summarization, development of social media content and formation of educational material for workshops and trainings on topics including but not limited to community wildfire preparedness, vegetation management, land stewardship, and prescribed fire.
This position is a career appointment that is 100% fixed.
The home department is the ANR Fire Network. While this position normally is based in Mariposa, CA, this position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants living in the State of California at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University.
Pay Scale: $71,852.07/year to $92,913.23/year
Job Posting Close Date:
This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 04/02/2026.
Key Responsibilities:
50%
• Perform and lead field-based experimental work in the fields of fire ecology and forestry
• Develop research and prepare written reports detailing field experimental methods and
results
• Contribute to the implementation of research plans
• Perform site visits to provide technical assistance and advise landowners on research based best management practices for land management
• Coordinate volunteers and logistics during field-based procedures
• Train staff, volunteers, students, and others in safe and effective field operations
• Secure permits and other documentation aligning with applicable regulations and
protocols for field experiments
• Demonstrate commitment to safety during field operations
30%
• Conduct and synthesize fire and forest ecology research to inform recommendations for best management practices on private lands
• Lead, refine, and evaluate ecological monitoring protocols
• Collaborate with local partners and agencies to inform research and educational
programming
10%
Demonstrate commitment to professional development.
10%
Others duties as assigned.
Requirements:

• Must have demonstrated scientific and/or research expertise in the fields of fire ecology and forestry.
• Experience working in a research environment.
• Thorough analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations, demonstrating problem solving skills.
• Thorough knowledge and skill in developing and implementing procedures and techniques to accurately produce results and outcomes.
• Thorough and effective verbal, written and interpersonal communications skills and presentation skills.
• Excellent organization, administrative and time management skills, ability to work independently as well as cooperatively with team members.
• Must be skilled in use of Microsoft Office and common desktop/web applications.

Preferred Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience and/or training.
• Experience working in a research environment
• Thorough analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations, demonstrating problem solving skills.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle.
• Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
• As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.
• 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.
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

About Us
The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) brings the power of University of California research and education to all 58 California counties. Through research and extension in agriculture, natural resources, economic growth, nutrition, and youth development, we work to improve the life of every Californian.
Collaborating to solve problems.
Connecting to serve communities.
For over 100 years, our advisors, specialists, faculty and staff have been committed to connecting Californians to their land grant university. We are highly collaborative and mission-driven to promote the health and well-being of people and places across the state. We are also trusted partners with hundreds of community organizations in addressing California's most pressing challenges.
It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.
How to Apply
Internal Candidates*: To apply as an internal UC ANR employee, please go to:
https://ucphrprdpub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucphrprd/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_EMP_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Employee&SiteId=18&JobOpeningId= 84894 &PostingSeq=1
External Candidates*: You must register to apply for a job or create a job search agent profile. Click the 'Register Now' link and follow the steps to create the account. The system will not prompt you to register until you try to apply for a job online.
*Employment applications must be submitted online through our careers site. Please note, we do not accept resumes or applications by email or on paper.