Staff Research Associate 3

About the Team

The UCANR Fire Network is a statewide team with expertise across a wide range of disciplines, including fire science and ecology, prescribed fire, home hardening, defensible space, community planning, and grazing interactions. The Network comprises specialists on UC campuses, advisors and staff in local communities, and broad networks of partners and volunteers. The mission of the Fire Network is to inspire and empower Californians through research, education, outreach, policy, and training to reduce wildfire risk.

About the Role

The Staff Research Associate III will assist Fire Advisors in implementing programs to reduce wildfire risk, with a specific focus on prescribed fire in Mariposa and Madera Counties. This position leads a program that oversees employees to conduct, manage, and evaluate educational initiatives while facilitating collaborative partnerships to increase the use of prescribed fire throughout the service area.

The role blends field and office responsibilities. Field work involves conducting experiments in fire ecology and forestry, collecting data from long-term monitoring plots, implementing prescribed fires, and coordinating research opportunities with landowners and partners. Office duties include managing research data, summarizing findings, developing social media content, and creating educational materials for workshops on topics such as community wildfire preparedness, vegetation management, and land stewardship.

While based in Mariposa, CA, this position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants residing in California, subject to change by the University.

Hiring Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The first review date is scheduled for April 2, 2026. Interested candidates should apply via the University of California careers portal.

Equal Opportunity & Culture

The University of California is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. UC ANR hires people with conviction histories and reviews such information in the context of job responsibilities. The University maintains a smoke- and tobacco-free environment. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include fingerprinting. All employees are required to comply with University policies regarding vaccination programs and professional conduct.