Smart Farm Data Specialist

The UC Merced Experimental Smart Farm (ESF) is a foundational implementation of the University of California Agricultural Experiment Station. Advancing the Farms-Food-Future innovation initiative, the ESF integrates cutting-edge technologies in agriculture, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, drones, and AI, with sustainable agricultural practices. Serving as a model for scalable and replicable farming solutions, ESF focuses on three core pillars: Research, Education, and Extension. It aims to facilitate interdisciplinary research, provide educational opportunities, and extend the benefits of innovation to marginalized communities through inclusive innovation.

Smart Farm Test Bed Development & Deployment

* Project Coordination & Technology Integration: Drive the planning, coordination, and implementation of smart farm projects by utilizing an integrated approach that includes technology development, data collection, and environmental systems. Manage the comprehensive inventory of data acquisition tools, ensuring high data quality and availability for both field and laboratory research activities to create and maintain ag tech R&D test bed.

* Real-Time Data Protocols for Data Management: Implement robust system protocols for the collection, transmission, and storage of real-time data, ensuring seamless integration and access for all research teams. Collect, store, and convert real time seeding, tillage, and harvest data into non-proprietary formats to enable open access and easier use of farm management data for stakeholders and researchers.

* Server & Database Management: Manage server environments, databases, and analytical platforms to optimize performance, security, and scalability. Ensure secure data transmission and storage, while applying best practices in systems administration to maintain data integrity and support the overall research objectives of smart farm development.

Advanced Data Management & Analytics

* Comprehensive Data Handling & Archival Systems: Lead efforts in data collection, curation, and analysis across diverse datasets, including remote sensing, geospatial, mathematical, and statistical data. Develop efficient data storage workflows and protocols, allowing real-time access and transmission that supports ongoing research. Establish and deploy archival systems that enable easy access to both summarized and full datasets, fostering broader data usability.

* System Interfaces & Data Interoperability: Design, implement, and maintain interfaces to facilitate seamless data transfer between multiple computer systems, ensuring interoperability and consistency of data across research platforms. Oversee the creation and modification of complex systems, processes, and procedures for enhanced data integration, and establish efficient solutions for varied project needs.

Data Process Development

* Researcher Mentoring & Process Standardization: Mentor undergraduate and graduate researchers on best practices for data collection, analysis, visualization, and administration. Develop and standardize procedures for data handling, ensuring that all data-driven research activities are conducted with accuracy, efficiency, and security in mind.

* Security Policies & Data Access Systems: Establish and enforce security policies for data systems in adherence with institutional policies on data privacy, cybersecurity, and access control. Oversee user authentication and authorization processes to safeguard system integrity and secure access to data.

* API Development & Real-Time Data Accessibility: Create and manage standardized and well-documented APIs that facilitate real-time and summarized data access. These systems will ensure secure and user-friendly access for internal and external stakeholders, enhancing transparency and fostering collaborative research.

Research, Development & Science Communication

* Project Support & Publication Contribution: Actively support project development through contributions to technical publications, research reports, and academic articles. Test and evaluate emerging technologies, software, and methodologies to guide and inform research and development efforts.

* Outreach & Knowledge Dissemination: Engage in science communication by participating in conferences, workshops, and industry events to promote project findings and research initiatives. Reinforce department outreach through presentations on project developments, data analysis, and research outcomes, contributing to both internal and external knowledge-sharing efforts.

* MS degree (or equivalent degree) or five to ten years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization in Engineering or related field.

* Familiarity with range of programming languages, including Python and SQL.

* Experience developing and managing WordPress.

* Competency in data visualization, data analytics, and financial business intelligence (BI) tools.

* Experience in GIS surveying and data processing, including LiDAR elevation data and slope analysis.

* Hands-on experience in drone surveying, RTK GPS, and Total Station for data collection and mapping.

* Proficiency in managing database systems (e.g., Postgres) and creating efficient data storage and reporting methods.

* Experience directing and overseeing technical teams, including internal team management and third-party consultant procurement.

* Strong leadership skills in tech-driven environments, especially within the agriculture technology sector.

* Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

* Proficiency in software development with languages such as JavaScript

* Experience with frontend frameworks (e.g., Angular, React) and related RDMS and CMS

* Skilled in developing mobile applications for iOS/Android

* Backend development skills, including serverless architecture, RESTful API development, and CI/CD processes.

* Knowledge in working with cloud platforms (e.g., Google Cloud Platform, AWS).

* Ability to develop and implement data collection workflows, including automated data processing pipelines.

* Proven ability to design, implement, and optimize software solutions in a variety of contexts, such as solar energy layout and agricultural technologies.

* Experience with serverless and microservices architectures, optimizing service runtimes and scalability.

* Competence in managing source control systems (e.g., Git) and implementing automated testing to support development pipelines.

* Demonstrated ability to design training programs for technical infrastructure and translate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

• 3 required (contact information only)

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (https://cie.ucmerced.edu/analytics-hub/student-statistics), UC Merced is committed to interdisciplinary excellence in research and teaching as well as to diversity, equity and inclusion. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced provides outstanding educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California. The Merced 2020 Project doubled the physical capacity of the campus, and enhanced academic distinction, student success, and research excellence (https://merced2020.ucmerced.edu/).

The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

Please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy.