Jr. Specialist - UC Davis Strawberry Breeding Program

Position overview Salary range: A reasonable estimate for the Jr. Specialist position is $57,000 at Step 1 or $60,700 at Step 2. Application Window Open date: June 23, 2026 Most recent review date: Thursday, Jul 23, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled. Final date: Wednesday, Jun 23, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled. Position description The UC Davis Strawberry Breeding Program seeks a motivated and highly organized Junior Specialist to join a dynamic, field-based research team working to develop the next generation of improved strawberry cultivars. This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to one of the nation's leading public strawberry breeding programs, supporting research that impacts growers, nurseries, consumers, and the broader strawberry industry. The Junior Specialist will play an active role in greenhouse, nursery, and field operations, including organizing strawberry plants for transplanting, supporting planting and harvest activities, managing irrigation, maintaining greenhouse and field experiments, and scouting for pests, diseases, and plant health issues. The position will also help coordinate with seasonal labor crews to ensure that critical research activities are completed accurately, efficiently, and on schedule. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on agricultural research, working outdoors, solving practical problems, and being part of a collaborative team. The Junior Specialist will help maintain plant inventories, support field trial logistics, collect and organize research observations, and contribute to the day-to-day success of breeding and germplasm maintenance in greenhouse and field settings. More information about the UC Davis Strawberry Breeding Program is available at strawberry.ucdavis.edu. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT)

A. Collaborate with other research and extension personnel affiliated with research activities involving strawberry breeding, germplasm maintenance, and pathology. Evaluation of performance in research activities or in outreach activities as deemed applicable to the individual project in specialized areas, as documented by any of the following:

1. Publications that acknowledge the Specialist's significant and meaningful contribution to the work by leading nursery and greenhouse plant propagation, supporting greenhouse crossing efforts and germplasm maintenance, and efforts to improve plant health.
2. Publications on which the Specialist is a co-author, or otherwise acknowledged.
3. Other evidence (e.g., letters from collaborators or principal investigators) that work done by the Specialist contributed to publishable research.
4. Active dissemination of information (beyond the boundaries of the campus) through informal instruction, presentations, or other means stemming from the Specialist's research accomplishments such as internal reports, fields summaries, or trial notes.
5. Other evidence of recognized expertise may include formal documentation of intellectual effort and participation in publishable research activities, first authorship on publications/patents, presentation of research at regional/national meetings, invitations to review grant proposals and/or journal articles such as the plant genome, horticulture research, or horticulture science; invitations to participate in research projects, and/or service on advisory panels such as CA&ES Greenhouse committee, or other relevant committees.

5a. Documentation of meaningful contributions through acknowledgments, authorship, supervisor evaluation, or collaborator feedback Qualifications Basic qualifications (required at time of application) A. Bachelor's degree in Plant Sciences, Agriculture, Horticulture, Plant Breeding, or related field (must be obtained at the time of appointment) B. Experience working with plants in greenhouse, field, nursery, or agricultural research settings, including planting, transplanting, watering, harvesting, and general crop maintenance C. Ability to collect, organize, and record research data accurately, including field notes, phenotyping data, sample labels, and basic spreadsheet entry. D. Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor and greenhouse work, including standing for long periods, bending, lifting, working in variable weather, and following safety protocols. E. Strong reliability, attention to detail, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team, including following research protocols and supervisor instructions. F. Strong ability to communicate verbally and in writing. Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position) G. Written and oral communication skill in Spanish H. Experience working around pesticides I. Valid driver's license and ability to drive in CA Application Requirements Document requirements Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. Cover Letter Authorization to Release Information Form - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form. Reference requirements 2 required (contact information only) Apply link: JPF07704 About UC Davis 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 prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer. UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties APM - 035: Affindative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration. UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus. 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. Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: "To Boldly Go," our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs' Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400. UC Davis is also a national leader in inclusive practice. There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health. The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come. The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information. 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. Job location Davis, CA; Wolfskill Experimental Orchard #J-18808-Ljbffr University of California - Davis