Junior Specialist - Silva del Rio

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.

Basic qualifications: (required at time of application)

* 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.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

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

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