The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With nearly 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design, and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

In Fall 2016, UC Merced broke ground on a $1.3 billion public-private partnership that is unprecedented in higher education. The Merced 2020 Project will nearly double the physical capacity of the campus by 2020, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. In 2018, UC Merced opened the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

About the Job:

The University of California, Merced is seeking a Reserve Director for the Merced Vernal Pools and Grasslands Reserve (MVPGR). The MVPGR is one of 41 sites that comprise the UC Natural Reserve System (NRS), a network of protected natural areas encompassing more than 756,000 acres throughout California. Founded in 1965 to provide undisturbed environments for research, education, and public service, the NRS contributes to understanding and wise stewardship of the Earth. The MVPGR consists of approximately 6500 acres of vernal pools and grasslands at the base of the Sierra Nevada adjacent to the UC Merced campus. Established in 2014, it is the first natural reserve in the San Joaquin Valley and home to numerous endangered species. The land set aside for the reserve is part of the mitigation for the campus and is integral to the growth of the campus. With the reserve contiguous to campus, there are many opportunities to integrate the reserve programs into campus research, activities and curricula. The Reserve Director will have a key role in developing reserve practices and traditions. The Reserve Director may also have responsibility for overseeing operations at a new reserve at the Circle J Ranch, in collaboration with SCICON in Springville, CA.

The Reserve Director reports to the UCM NRS Faculty Director and is responsible for operations, programs, administration, and further development of the Reserve.

Essential Duties:
- Provides daily management and general oversight of the reserve
- Designs and implements programs, policies, procedures, and budget for the reserve
- Facilitates research and education by university faculty and students
- Monitors and oversees environmental conditions and sensitive habitats in the reserve and implements adaptive management strategies (e.g., invasive plant removal, grazing monitoring, rare and threatened plant and animal species surveys) in coordination with the Office of Physical and Environmental Planning
- Supervises Reserve staff, university interns, and student volunteers
- Operates and manages the reserve in accord with the mission, purposes, and policies of the UC Natural Reserve System
- Develops educational outreach programs for the reserve, including instructional activities, community science events, and promotional activities
- Coordinates operations, maintenance, and monitoring activities with Facilities Management and the Office of Physical and Environmental Planning
- Enhances research, facilities, and programs through extramural proposals and developmental activities, in coordination with the Faculty Director and others, including leading the development of a new field station
- Collaborates and engages, as appropriate, with external partners and stakeholders in support of the reserve
- Prepares annual reports, business plans, and strategic management plans
- Demonstrates a willingness to assume responsibility readily and the ability to work effectively with minimal supervision

Apply Online

As of January 1, 2014 the University of California, Merced will be a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at
http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu

E-Verify: Effective September 8, 2009, all employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.
More Information

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit:
http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/