California Sea Grant Extension Specialist

Academic Coordinator II

Social Scientist Extension Specialist Position Description

POSITION TITLE: California Sea Grant Extension Specialist

ACADEMIC TITLE: Academic Coordinator II

SALARY RANGE: A reasonable salary range estimate for this position is $81,633.00 – $98,280.00. The posted UC Academic salary scales set the minimum pay as determined by rank and/or step at appointment. See the following table(s) for the salary scale(s) for this position https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2024-25/july-2024-scales/t35-ii.pdf The base salary range, from the salary table(s), for this position is $70,976-$137,253 “Off-scale salaries” and other components of pay, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience. Additional UCSD salary information can be found here: https://aps.ucsd.edu/compensation/apo-salary.html

APPLICATION WINDOW

Open date: October 23, 2024

Next review date: Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Monday, Oct 20, 2025 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 PURPOSE

California Sea Grant (CASG) has an outstanding opportunity for a Social Scientist to assist with research and outreach on the human dimensions of California water and environmental management and policy issues related to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta) through a contract with the Delta Stewardship Council (“Council”). The position will communicate research and outreach results to the Council for use in advancing the State’s coequal goals1 and providing the best possible unbiased science to inform water and environmental decision-

1 Coequal goals means the two goals of providing a more reliable water supply for California and protecting, restoring, and enhancing the Delta ecosystem. The coequal goals shall be achieved in a manner that protects and enhances the unique cultural, recreational, natural resource, and agricultural values of the Delta as an evolving place. (CA Water Code Section 85054). 2

making about the Delta2. In addition to working with the Council, the incumbent will also be a member of a core team of CASG academics that help CASG achieve its mission of providing integrated research, outreach, and education to help Californians balance diverse coastal and marine interests and adapt to changing conditions and needs.

2 The mission of the Delta Science Program is to provide the best possible unbiased scientific information to inform water and environmental decision-making in the Delta. That mission shall be carried out through funding research, synthesizing and communicating scientific information for policy-makers and decision-makers, promoting independent peer review, and coordinating with Delta agencies to promote science-based adaptive management. The Delta Science Program shall assist with development and periodic updates of the Delta Plan’s adaptive management program. (CA Water Code section 85280(b)(4)).

3 “Delta as Place” refers to the Delta Reform Act requirement that the coequal goals be achieved in a manner that protects and enhances the unique cultural, recreational, natural resource, and agricultural values of the Delta as an evolving place.

The Academic Coordinator II (Social Scientist Extension Specialist) will conduct or facilitate research, education, and outreach projects that address the human dimensions of Delta water management, ecosystem management, and Delta as Place3 issues. This position will serve as a central contributor to advancing collaborative partnerships and catalyzing and implementing social science research to inform management of the Delta. The Social Scientist will serve as a leader in applying quantitative and qualitative social science methods to research that addresses Delta management issues. The position will require coordination with Council staff and CASG Extension Specialists, while also working independently to engage diverse partners, including federal, state, and local agencies; educational institutions; non-governmental organizations; businesses; agricultural and economic development entities; Delta residents; community-based organizations; tribes; and the general public.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

The Social Scientist initiates, develops, and leads research and outreach efforts that advance specific understanding about the human dimensions of resource management and decision-making toward advancing the State of California’s coequal goals for the Delta. The position is also responsible for assisting the Council in catalyzing and advancing the application of social science in decision-making about the Delta. The Social Scientist will work independently and in collaboration with others to address priority research and outreach topics that build on priorities identified in the Delta Science Plan, Science Action Agenda, Delta Adapts, Tribal and Environmental Justice Issue Paper, and the Delta Plan. Specific priority topics may include one or more of the following:

● Research that improves understanding of environmental justice issues related to the management and distribution of Delta water exports. Provide research findings to, and work with, the Council to identify potential actions to address identified issues.

● Produce research studies and documents that, in consultation with and deference to Tribes, clearly describes Tribes’ relationship to the Delta and outlines potential avenues for interweaving Tribal access/co-management and Traditional Knowledge in Delta management.

3

● Fill gaps in the knowledge of the effectiveness of adaptation approaches identified in Delta Adapts, including: o Research evaluating the opportunities, costs, and benefits of on-farm solar and on-farm carbon capture and sequestration to reduce emissions or other technologies such as gasifier technology that can turn biomass into liquid fuel and activated carbon
o Research regarding the effectiveness of a transferable development rights model to permanently protect and restore areas most appropriate for restoration while directing development to other areas

● Build upon the Council’s 2023 Delta Residents’ Survey findings by disseminating results and assisting with the scoping of future surveys.
● Conduct research to fill data gaps identified in the Tribal and Environmental Justice Issue Paper, Delta Adapts, 2022-2026 SAA, and other Council efforts.

Conduct Applied Research

● Assist the Council in developing collaborative programs of work in the human dimensions that are relevant to the Council, supporting informed decision-making

and furtherance of the coequal goals identified in the Delta Reform Act

● Develop collaborations and pursue extramural funds to design insightful projects

● Develop and conduct research and extension (education and outreach) programs with meaningful impacts that address Bay-Delta science, policy, Delta management needs, and community issues (e.g., gaps identified in Delta Adapts)

● Where necessary for research involving human subjects, apply for approval from the UCSD Institutional Review Board (IRB) and follow requirements for human subjects’ research, data management, and retention.

● Produce high-quality products such as educational workshops, multimedia materials, policy briefs, technical publications, and scholarly papers

● Serve as an academic mentor to undergraduate and graduate students, including serving on thesis committees.

Communication, Professional Development, and Reporting

● Attend meetings and coordinate with the Council’s social science integration team (SSIT)

● Demonstrate professional growth by improving skills and knowledge

● Participate in relevant professional conferences, working groups and advisory boards, and community organization meetings

● Participate in National Sea Grant Organization planning and projects as appropriate

● Submit monthly and annual progress reports and participate in monthly CASG calls, and two in-person meetings per year

Community Relations, Outreach and Education

● Assist the Council in identifying the social science needs of the Bay-Delta science enterprise in consultation and coordination with the Council’s SSIT, Tribes, community members, government agencies, and other academics

4

● Continue to support Council staff in co-facilitating activities of the Bay-Delta Social Science Community of Practice

● Facilitate collaborations among and between the Council, CASG academics, community partners, and other university and agency scientists

Position Qualifications

Required

● Ph.D. or equivalent in a social science field related to the human dimensions of natural resource management, such as sociology, human ecology, economics, political science, public policy, urban and regional planning, behavioral sciences, anthropology, or related field with experience working on interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teams

● Minimum of two years of professional experience in a position requiring understanding of water and environmental management or comparable expertise

● Capacity to manage demanding workflow and competing deadlines; initiate and complete projects with minimal supervision; and work effectively with diverse constituencies

● Strong oral and written skills, including ability to interpret technical information and relay it in nontechnical language to a lay audience

● Demonstrated success developing effective outreach materials for a variety of audiences, managing workshop logistics, and completing other duties associated with preparing for and delivering extension events

● Experience facilitating large public meetings and leading a group to consensus-based decisions

● Computer competence including database management, word processing, and social media

● Familiarity with the mission of the Council and the goals and ideals of CASG

Desired Characteristics

● Familiarity with California water policy, environmental resources, social landscapes, cultural resources, Tribes, and governing bodies

● Prior work experience in water, environmental, and cultural resource management and community planning

● Prior professional experience in applying human dimensions science to natural and cultural resources planning, management, and policy

● Formal training in conflict resolution and facilitation approaches and techniques

Application and additional information about the position can be found here: https://apol-recruit.ucsd.edu/JPF04050

“UCSD is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer with a strong institutional commitment to excellence and diversity (http://diversity.ucsd.edu).”