University of California - Davis
Junior Specialist - Silva del Rio
University of California - Davis, California, Missouri, United States, 65018
Position Overview
Position of Junior Specialist focuses on specialized area and provides technical expertise in planning and execution of research and clinical projects.
Salary Range
Exempt: $55,000 per year (Step 1) or $58,600 per year (Step 2)
Non‑exempt: $26.35 per hour (Step 1) or $28.07 per hour (Step 2)
Application Window Open date:
December 19, 2025
Next review date:
Monday, Jan 5, 2026 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time
Final date:
Tuesday, Mar 31, 2026 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time
Position Description NATURE AND PURPOSE
The position of Junior Specialist has a focus on a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise in the planning and execution of research and clinical projects. The Junior Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Junior Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork, develop collaborative relationships with colleagues, and supply input into the planning of research and educational programs.
JOB SUMMARY AND DESIGNATED AREA OF EXPERTISE
The Junior Specialist will support a USDA NADPRP outreach focused on improving on‑farm biosecurity practices in dairy operations under the supervision of Dr. Silva‑del‑Rio (SVM). The position emphasizes field research, including on‑farm data collection, interviews with workers and managers, and documentation of current biosecurity practices. The appointee will also contribute to data management, quality control, and reporting. This includes creating visual and written content, coordinating feedback from pilot sessions, and assisting in the preparation of extension materials that promote effective and practical biosecurity measures on farms. The position requires initiative, strong organizational skills, practical on‑farm experience with dairy operations, and the ability to work independently while collaborating closely with the PI and a multi‑state research and extension team.
I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (85 % EFFORT)
a. On‑Farm Biosecurity Assessment – Conduct dairy site visits to document biosecurity practices, interview workers/managers (English/Spanish), and prepare feedback reports. Support data collection, quality control, and development of figures, tables, and summaries.
b. General Research Support – Maintain field supplies, follow safety and biosecurity protocols, assist with regulatory documentation, and contribute to progress reports and manuscripts.
II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10 % EFFORT)
a. Participate in team meetings, webinars, and extension events; present portions of audit findings and training content to stakeholders.
b. Contribute to abstracts/posters for regional meetings; assist with manuscript figures, appendices, and supplemental materials.
c. Maintain current knowledge of HPAI guidance (CDC/OSHA/USDA), FARM program, and dairy biosecurity best practices.
III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5 % EFFORT)
a. Provide courteous, timely communication with producers, workers, veterinarians, and allied industry partners.
b. Support outreach activities for UC ANR/VMTRC (e.g., workshops, webinars, newsletter items) and mentor student assistants in field and data tasks.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Frequent standing/walking on uneven surfaces; lifting up to ~25‑30 lbs of supplies.
Work in outdoor/indoor agricultural settings with exposure to dust, odors, and weather.
Compliance with farm biosecurity entry/exit protocols and project PPE requirements.
Travel Requirements
Regular day travel within California; periodic multi‑day trips (e.g., SD/MN/IA) for coordinated activities with partner institutions.
Qualifications Basic qualifications
Bachelor's in Animal Science or related field.
Demonstrated practical experience in dairy production systems.
Fluency in Spanish.
Preferred qualifications
Experience implementing or evaluating biosecurity practices in dairy or livestock operations.
Experience developing or standardizing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Experience training, teaching, or supporting the implementation of biosecurity protocols on commercial dairy farms.
Experience creating visual communication materials, including photography, videography, or other multimedia content for educational or outreach purposes.
Application Requirements Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae – your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Authorization to Release Information Form – required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.
Reference requirements
3–5 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07416
Help contact: rbailey@ucdavis.edu
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, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal 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.
UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
APM‑035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
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 for 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. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e‑verify.
Job location Tulare, CA
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Salary Range
Exempt: $55,000 per year (Step 1) or $58,600 per year (Step 2)
Non‑exempt: $26.35 per hour (Step 1) or $28.07 per hour (Step 2)
Application Window Open date:
December 19, 2025
Next review date:
Monday, Jan 5, 2026 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time
Final date:
Tuesday, Mar 31, 2026 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time
Position Description NATURE AND PURPOSE
The position of Junior Specialist has a focus on a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise in the planning and execution of research and clinical projects. The Junior Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Junior Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork, develop collaborative relationships with colleagues, and supply input into the planning of research and educational programs.
JOB SUMMARY AND DESIGNATED AREA OF EXPERTISE
The Junior Specialist will support a USDA NADPRP outreach focused on improving on‑farm biosecurity practices in dairy operations under the supervision of Dr. Silva‑del‑Rio (SVM). The position emphasizes field research, including on‑farm data collection, interviews with workers and managers, and documentation of current biosecurity practices. The appointee will also contribute to data management, quality control, and reporting. This includes creating visual and written content, coordinating feedback from pilot sessions, and assisting in the preparation of extension materials that promote effective and practical biosecurity measures on farms. The position requires initiative, strong organizational skills, practical on‑farm experience with dairy operations, and the ability to work independently while collaborating closely with the PI and a multi‑state research and extension team.
I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (85 % EFFORT)
a. On‑Farm Biosecurity Assessment – Conduct dairy site visits to document biosecurity practices, interview workers/managers (English/Spanish), and prepare feedback reports. Support data collection, quality control, and development of figures, tables, and summaries.
b. General Research Support – Maintain field supplies, follow safety and biosecurity protocols, assist with regulatory documentation, and contribute to progress reports and manuscripts.
II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10 % EFFORT)
a. Participate in team meetings, webinars, and extension events; present portions of audit findings and training content to stakeholders.
b. Contribute to abstracts/posters for regional meetings; assist with manuscript figures, appendices, and supplemental materials.
c. Maintain current knowledge of HPAI guidance (CDC/OSHA/USDA), FARM program, and dairy biosecurity best practices.
III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5 % EFFORT)
a. Provide courteous, timely communication with producers, workers, veterinarians, and allied industry partners.
b. Support outreach activities for UC ANR/VMTRC (e.g., workshops, webinars, newsletter items) and mentor student assistants in field and data tasks.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Frequent standing/walking on uneven surfaces; lifting up to ~25‑30 lbs of supplies.
Work in outdoor/indoor agricultural settings with exposure to dust, odors, and weather.
Compliance with farm biosecurity entry/exit protocols and project PPE requirements.
Travel Requirements
Regular day travel within California; periodic multi‑day trips (e.g., SD/MN/IA) for coordinated activities with partner institutions.
Qualifications Basic qualifications
Bachelor's in Animal Science or related field.
Demonstrated practical experience in dairy production systems.
Fluency in Spanish.
Preferred qualifications
Experience implementing or evaluating biosecurity practices in dairy or livestock operations.
Experience developing or standardizing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Experience training, teaching, or supporting the implementation of biosecurity protocols on commercial dairy farms.
Experience creating visual communication materials, including photography, videography, or other multimedia content for educational or outreach purposes.
Application Requirements Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae – your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Authorization to Release Information Form – required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.
Reference requirements
3–5 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07416
Help contact: rbailey@ucdavis.edu
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, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal 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.
UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
APM‑035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
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 for 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. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e‑verify.
Job location Tulare, CA
#J-18808-Ljbffr