Soil Health Research Associate (9613C) #89924

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Departmental Overview

The Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management is a multidisciplinary program that recognizes the urgency of today's environmental challenges, and the enormous opportunities that may lead to transformative change. We have award-winning faculty in climate science, biodiversity, environmental policy, land use, and community outreach, all driven by a collective interest in our environmental future.

Position Summary

In this position, the Soil Health Research Associate works on a study to assess the effects of solar panels on soil health and microclimate at various sites across the continental USA. The Soil Health Research Associate performs soil sampling, field measurements, laboratory analyses, data processing, and report writing to support a multi-site investigation comparing soils below solar panels with adjacent control areas. This position operates within established policies and procedures, or by referring to the supervisor's guidelines, and contributes to quality control, laboratory safety, and task prioritization for the project.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is November 23, 2026. For full consideration, please apply by the first review date.

Responsibilities

Lab measurements: The position will analyze the soil samples collected at 13 study sites/time points. More specifically, various physical, chemical, and biological indicators of soil health will be measured, such as: soil texture, soil aggregate stability, and soil porosity; concentrations of macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) and micronutrients (B, Mn, Zn, Cu, Fe); soil cation exchange capacity, soil pH, soil organic matter content, soil C/N ratio, soil microbial biomass, pools of particulate organic carbon and mineral-associated organic carbon, dissolved organic and inorganic carbon, and soil respiration rates.

Soil sampling: The incumbent will run 13 field campaigns to collect soil samples.

Field measurements: During each field trip, air temperature , soil temperature, and moisture will be measured.

Data analysis: Field and laboratory data will need to be processed.

Report writing: At the end of the project, the SRA will summarize the project's measurements, results, and conclusion in a report.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in soil sampling
• Demonstrated experience in soil analyses (field and lab)
• Demonstrated experience in data analysis
• Incumbents are expected to possess the skills, knowledge, and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the positions. These skills, knowledge, and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of extensive study and experience.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The hourly rate the University expects to pay for this position is $30.12, Step 1.0.

• This is a non-exempt, bi-weekly paid position.
• This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Research Support Professionals Unit (RX) between the University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/rx/index.html

Misconduct

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional 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; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"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, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, 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

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.