Organization
California Sea Grant
Job Description
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).
$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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
● 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).”
● 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).”
FT/PT
Full Time
Application Deadline