Number of Vacancies: 1

Area of Consideration: Open to the Public

Position Status: Full-time, Regular

Pay Plan, Series & Grade: DS0095/9

Salary Range:   $60,542 - $65,184

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Location: 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington, DC 20008

Brief Description of Duties

The Research Associate reports to the Assistant Director of Urban Agriculture Research in the Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education (CUAGE), which is one of the Land-grant Centers of the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). The incumbent is an integral part of the team of Land-grant professionals dedicated to urban agriculture and to a comprehensive urban food system that improves the quality of life and economic opportunity for DC residents and urban populations nationwide. At the heart of the urban agriculture initiatives of CAUSES is Firebird Farm, an Agricultural Experiment Station dedicated to advancing food security, sustainability, and economic capacity- building in urban communities. UDC’s signature Urban Food Hubs are outposts of Firebird Farm in urban neighborhoods throughout Washington DC.
 
The Research Associate assists with a wide variety of research in close collaboration with the Assistant Director to ensure alignment with CAUSES’s main themes of urban agriculture, urban sustainability and resilience, and human nutrition and research topics may broadly include all these thematic areas. Examples include improving urban agricultural production systems, identifying high-value crops that are adapted to urban heat islands, quantifying crop nutrients, identifying pests and their management, mitigating the impact of human activities, and identifying research and education needs of urban agricultural producers.
 
Priority will be given to applicants with demonstrated research experience that is aligned with the focus of this position. The incumbent must be a team player, work effectively and efficiently with diverse internal and external constituencies, perform all duties with a high degree of independence and initiative, communicate effectively, work well under pressure of deadlines and be familiar (or familiarize themselves) with the rules, regulations, policies and procedures of CAUSES, UDC, and program sponsors.
 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1.       Conducts research in collaboration with the Assistant Director and others researchers in CAUSES as requested.
2.       Trains undergraduate, graduate, and collaborating researchers.
3.       Manages logistics of field and laboratory research and helps mentor students.
4.       Conducts literature reviews and stays abreast of advances in technology, methodology, and issues in urban agriculture and sustainability.
5.       Compiles and maintains databases, ensuring standardization and accuracy.
6.       Provides regular summaries and reports of work and data.
7.       Inventories and orders supplies.
8.       Helps prepare publications.
9.       Works effectively and collaboratively with the academic and Land-grant program staff in CUAGE, CAUSES and UDC.
10.      Works effectively and collaboratively with internal and external constituencies of CAUSES, including current and potential program sponsors, government agencies, non-profit and for-profit private sector entities, and students.
11.      Represents the Assistant Director in internal and external meetings and maintains strong working relationships with internal and external constituencies.
12.      Performs other duties as assigned.
 

Minimum Job Requirements

1.   Bachelor’s degree, Master’s preferred from an accredited college or university in agriculture, agricultural technology, biological sciences, ecology, entomology, horticulture, plant pathology or a related field.
2.   Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to work as part of a scientific team.
4.   Hands-on research experience aligned with the focus of this position.
5.   Demonstrated experience working with and leading student researchers, Lab management experience preferred.
6.   Strong quantitative skills and an understanding of biostatistics, preferred.
7.   A proven commitment to continuous improvement and to proactive, outcomes oriented work in meeting the responsibilities and duties outlined in the position description. 

Other Considerations

• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of conditions.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Reliable transportation.

Information to Applicant

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by AFSCME local 2087 and you may be required to pay an agency service fee through direct payroll deduction.

Employment Benefits: Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the University of the District of Columbia' s retirement plan (TIAA-CREF).

Equal Opportunity Employer: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.

Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability.  Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act.  In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act.  Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated.  Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

Veterans Preference:  Applicants claiming veteran's preference must submit official proof at the time of application.

Visa Sponsorship: At this time, the University of the District of Columbia does not provide sponsorship for visas (e.g. H-1B). This position is also ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Residency Preference: A person applying for a position who is a bona fide District resident at the time of application for the position, may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District applicants, unless the person declines the preference points. If selected, the person shall be required to present no less than 8 proofs of bona fide District residency on or before the effective date of the appointment and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the 7-year period will result in forfeiture of employment.

Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.

Background Investigation: Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation.  The determination of a "satisfactory background investigation" is made at the sole discretion of the University of the District of Columbia.  The University may refuse to hire a finalist, rescind an offer of employment to a finalist or review and may terminate the employment of a current employee based on the results of a background investigation.

Disposition of Resume: Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration. You must resubmit your resume to receive consideration for any subsequent advertised position vacancies. For the purpose of employment, resumes are not considered job applications. Therefore, if selected for employment a UDC application will be required.

Job Offers: Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Talent Management only.

Contact Information:  All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Talent Management at (202) 274-5380.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University’s EO Policy Statement, please visit: https://www.udc.edu/human-resources/equal-opportunity/ .