Field Research Supervisor 1 (6240U), Rausser College of Natural Resources #87740

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Departmental Overview

The Rausser College of Natural Resources serves society by generating and disseminating knowledge in the biological, physical, and social sciences in order to provide the tools both to protect the Earth’s natural resources and ensure economic and ecological sustainability for future generations. We are the bearer of the University of California’s historical land-grant mission, and we stand by our explicit commitment to deliver real solutions to our state, our country, and our world. All of our faculty members hold appointments within the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and our approximately two dozen Cooperative Extension specialists conduct research and build outreach programs connecting Rausser to the wider world. Berkeley Forests, a center within the Rausser College of Natural Resources, facilitates improving the understanding and management of forest resources in California. Research stations are managed for goals of research, extension, and education.

position Summary

Berkeley Forests facilitates improving the understanding and management of forest resources in California. Research stations are managed for goals of research, extension, and education. This position involves daily on-site administration, research support, facilities management, and cultivation functions involved in establishing and maintaining the research forest. The research forests represents a diverse range of forest types to support a variety of research, extension, and education activities. The position develops and carries out long-term forest management objectives, reflecting a wide variety of forest resource values such as fire restoration, water quality/quantity, wildlife habitat, timber production, diversity, forest health, and carbon sequestration while ensuring compliance with state, federal, and campus policies. Berkeley Forests manages seven field stations spread throughout the state (Contra Costa, El Dorado, Tulare, Plumas, Trinity, Shasta, and Nevada Counties); this position is based at Blodgett Forest in El Dorado County, but will be required to travel between remote research forests.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is August 10, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.

Responsibilities

10%

• Assist with determination of location and scope of silvicultural activities at Berkeley Forests properties. Includes driving between and within remote field sites.

15%

• Directly and through the assignment of subordinates coordinate and oversee forestry activities and harvesting procedures to support research and education. Solicit and select bids for contact work, administer approved contracts.

15%

• Research and prepare annual reports and/or plans to meet regulatory requirements and assist in efforts of researchers, including development of Timber Harvest Plans, CEQA documentation, and grant proposals.

10%

• Provides expertise in at least one of the following areas: Wildlife management, fuels and fire management including mechanical treatments and prescribed fires, database management including GIS, public education and outreach.

10%

• Support prescribed burn program by participating in prescribed burns, as experience allows. Train staff/subordinates to enable staff to have primary responsibility over prescribed burns.

5%

• Keep records of labor, equipment, materials and production. Research and resolve issues and discrepancies.

5%

• Implements safety procedures and trains staff in field protocols and adhering to regulatory requirements such as safety and research protocols.

15%

• Provide daily supervision of seasonal, volunteer, student workers and support staff, with responsibility for quality and quantity of work primarily at Blodgett Forest, with assignments of varying length at other field sites as needed.

5%

• Assists management with the coordination, supervision and performance of all activities necessary to the daily technical operations of a large or highly complex field site.

5%

• Assists with annual budget preparation and operational planning activities. Participates in the selection, development, and evaluation of staff.

5%

• Supervises maintenance, modifications and improvements of facility infrastructure, instruments and other materials.

Required Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of safety, legal, cultural and regulatory requirements relative to forestry.
• Strong knowledge of research disciplines, principles, concepts, analysis and/or operations being conducted at field/remote sites including forest management, CA Forest Practice Rules, California Environmental Quality Act and grant writing.
• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated computer competency.
• Demonstrates skills in report, grant, and regulatory permit preparation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of facility management and operations at field/remote sites.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated skills in interpersonal communication, motivation of staff and team-building.
• Skills in budget preparation and monitoring, record-keeping and equipment inventory control.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strategic relationships and partnerships with remote research partners.

Education / Training

• Bachelor’s degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training. (Required)
• Master’s degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training. (Preferred)

Licenses / Certifications

• Registered Professional Foresters License, or the capacity to earn the license within two years. (Required)
• California Certified Burn Boss, or the capacity to earn the certification within two years. (Preferred)

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 budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $70,700.00 – $87,000.00.

• This is an exempt, monthly-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.

Driving Required

Required to hold a 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.

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.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

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.