Assistant Director, James San Jacinto Mountains Reserve, UC Riverside
Salary: $68,466 – $110,142
Application deadline: Sept. 25, 2026
Full time
Job ID: 37530348
Learn more and apply: UC Riverside Jobs Portal
Position information
Under the general direction of the Reserve Director (also known as a Reserve Manager), assists with daily operational aspects of the Reserve Sites; James San Jacinto Mountains Reserve and Oasis de los Osos, including administration and user management, building and vehicle maintenance, facilities and information systems, database management, museum collections, public outreach activities, and research and educational programs. This job requires generally 30% working outdoors and may change depending on the needs of the Reserve. The full salary range for the Assistant Director of the James Reserve is $32.79 – $52.75 hourly rate. However, the expected pay scale for this position is $32.79 – $41.58 hourly rate. We base salary offers on a variety of considerations, such as education, licensure and certifications, experience, and other business and organizational needs. Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a UCR staff position. Currently, we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for staff. 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.
Requirements
Educational requirements
| Graduation with BS degree with specialization in biology, botany, zoology, geography or comparable field and one year experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. | Required |
| M.S. degree in biology, botany, zoology, geography or comparable field. | Preferred |
Experience requirements
| Computer experience with word processor, spreadsheet and database operating systems and commonly used office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Filemaker Pro, PowerPoint, Internet, email). | Required |
| Basic understanding and experience in trail construction and maintenance | Preferred |
| Computer knowledge and experience to develop and manage Reserve website | Preferred |
| Previous experience in personnel management | Preferred |
| Previous budgetary analysis experience | Preferred |
| Experience operating heavy equipment (e.g. snow plow, chain saw, tractor) | Preferred |
License requirements
| Required to hold valid driver’s license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program. | Required |
Special conditions
| Required to hold valid driver’s license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program. | Required |
| Overtime | Required |
| Travel | Required |
| Working outdoors in inclement weather | Required |
Minimum requirements
| Basic understanding of state and federal agencies and regulatory policies that apply to research and land management issues. Ability to learn names of plants, animals, geological formations, places and basic natural history of area surrounding the reserves. Knowledge of management of museum data collections. |
| Must be able to work independently with little direction. Ability to guide volunteers and others in reserve work. |
| Ability to perform work outside, under adverse weather conditions. Knowledge of basic maintenance techniques for electrical, plumbing, fencing, roads and physical plant, or willingness to learn. Able to stay overnight at reserve site when necessary. Must be able to operate and/or willing to operate all kinds of equipment needed to perform duties. |
| Must have a valid driver’s license, and must be able to drive a bobcat tractor or be willing to learn. |
| Skills in interpersonal communication and oral presentation. |
| Must have the capacity to operate and work with heavy equipment. This includes 4WD vehicles, chain saw, and others as necessary |
Preferred qualifications
| Demonstrated abilities in writing for basic science and general subjects (e .g., articles , letters , brochures). |
| General knowledge of, or willingness to learn, alternative technologies (e.g. solar power) |
| General knowledge of, or willingness to learn, network connectivity for Starlink and wifi |
Additional information
In the heart of Inland Southern California, UC Riverside is located on nearly 1,200 acres near Box Springs Mountain in Southern California; the park-like campus provides convenient access to the vibrant and growing Inland region. The campus is a living laboratory for the exploration of issues critical to growing communities’ air, water, energy, transportation, politics, the arts, history, and culture. UCR gives every student, faculty and staff member the resources to explore, engage, imagine and excel.
UC Riverside is recognized as one of the most ethnically diverse research universities in the country boasting several key rankings of which we are extremely proud.
- UC Riverside is proud to be ranked No. 12 among all U.S. universities, according to Money Magazine’s 2020 rankings, and among the top 1 percent of universities worldwide, according to the 2019-20 Center for World University rankings.
- UC Riverside is the top university in the United States for social mobility. – U.S. News 2020
- UCR is a member of the University Innovation Alliance, the leading national coalition of public research universities committed to improving student success for low-income, first-generation, and students of color.
- Among top-tier universities, UC Riverside ranks No. 2 in financial aid. – Business Insider 2019
- Ranked No. 2 in the world for research, UCR’s Department of Entomology maintains one of the largest collections of insect specimens the nation. – Center for World University Rankings
- UCR’s distinguished faculty boasts 2 Nobel Laureates, and 13 members of the National Academies of Science and Medicine.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 under state or federal law. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.
For information about our generous employee benefits package, visit: Employee Benefits Overview
Job description details
Job Title
MUSEUM SCI
Job Code
009723
Grade
Department Head
Tim Higham
Supervisor
Casey Woodall
Under the general direction of the Reserve Director (also known as a Reserve Manager), assists with daily operational aspects of the Reserve Sites; James San Jacinto Mountains Reserve and Oasis de los Osos, including administration and user management, building and grounds maintenance, facilities and information systems upkeep, database management, museum collections, public outreach activities, and research and educational programs. English language proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing required. This job typically requires up to 30% working outdoors and may change depending on the needs of the Reserve.
Schedule: 5 days a week with flexibility, the incumbent must be on site for agreed upon occasions such as for large groups or when the Director is unavailable. The James Reserve is busiest during the summer (April-September) which may require more time on site.
Project ownership: Needs to be able to take on and follow through with projects while communicating progress, complications, and timelines clearly with other staff members. Collaborates well with others while also maintaining the ability to work independently as needed to accomplish goals.
Team player: Able to work with other staff members in a variety of tasks, including listening to and implementing feedback on work and timelines. Needs to be able to pivot if the day’s plans change, or a new priority comes up.
Environment: Area is remote, with town a 20 minute drive away. Wifi can go out. No cell phone reception.
Key responsibilities
| Description | Percent Time |
|---|---|
| Reserve Support and Management Assist the Reserve Director as needed with visitors for research, teaching and outreach activities, as well as administrative duties, including the preparation of the annual report. Manage visitor paperwork including sign-in sheets, billing invoices, application forms, and correspondence as needed. Assist Reserve director in facilitating visitor arrival/departure, including scheduling lodging/laboratory use, communicating Reserve rules and regulations, conducting check-out inspections, janitorial work and invoicing. Keep records of materials used, tasks performed. Support researchers and class with equipment needs as needed (e.g. audio visual projectors, field equipment). Select and purchase supplies and equipment, perform accounting tasks as needed and maintain all files and records. Assume responsibility for additional tasks assigned or delegated by the Reserve Director. Operate the Reserve in the absence of the Reserve Director. • Supervise people that come to reserve and monitor for safety. • Engage with visitors to provide orientation /safety information, and answer questions. Be available in a visible space for them to come talk to if needed. • Be alert and aware of people entering and exiting, as well as if they have an issue with entering reserve (check email, text messages, security cameras) • Send invoices • Regular email correspondence • Word processing including re-formatting and creating new documents. • Submit receipts with documentation in a timely manner. • Perform tasks like resetting wifi, security camera, checking that gate is locked. Be able to troubleshoot if things are not working. • Do some prep for groups like janitorial tasks (replace trash can liners, clean, take out trash, tidy up areas). • Reach out to on-campus groups to comply with fire safety regulations, chemical inventories. | 50% |
| Facilities and Grounds Management Responsible for monitoring and maintaining a safe and functional facility including all buildings, surrounding grounds, and access roads. Investigate and lead ongoing improvement projects for the Reserve, taking ownership for results and keeping other team members informed of progress. Liaise with UCR Environmental Health & Safety and with UCR Campus Administration (EMN). Coordinate with contractors and vendors and supervise and work with various contractors. Maintain and upgrade instrumentation including internet connection, weather stations, solar power systems, and water systems. Patrol and mend fence lines, roads, and trails as needed. Safely clear impassable access roads during snow events using a bobcat/skidsteer. Monitor and manage maintenance of well, plumbing and septic systems, including creating quarterly reports. Maintain and improve facilities (7 buildings), including staff office equipment: computer, printer, internet communications. Monitor and follow up for essential care of all vehicles. Conduct inventory and inspection of fire and safety equipment and supplies. Work closely with roving UCNRS steward when necessary. • Spearhead facilities improvement projects • Help address pest issues as they arise, including monitoring for any signs of new pest infestations (mice, bats, ants) and implementing corrective actions. • Drive to purchase supplies such as toilet paper, or hardware from hardware store. • Take inventories and keep track of supplies. Record propane levels and monitor. • Help roving steward with tasks like trail maintenance. • Troubleshoot daily operations like a clogged toilet or resetting internet connection • Anticipate needs based on weather conditions (ex. draining water lines if freezing overnight temps expected, turning off heaters when not needed) • Turn off valves in case of emergency (ex. water line breaks) • Help plow snow if needed during winter using bobcat/skidsteer | 30% |
| Database and Other Information Management: Maintain and manage database files for museum collections, environmental monitoring and research programs. Develop and maintain GPS and GIS mapping and databases. Update website and website databases. Conduct literature reviews; update Reserve publications lists and regional bibliographies. Manage and enhance monitoring flora and fauna at the James and Oasis de los Osos Reserves and supporting databases, species lists, phenology records, on-site transects and meteorological data. Supervise contractors, volunteers, or seasonal restoration/resource management crews. | 10% |
| Research and Education Support Under the direction of the Reserve Director: assist in organizing, teaching or attending workshops, meetings and conferences. Develop displays, presentations, and publications (e.g., brochures, guides); provide technical assistance and comments to government agencies as requested. Prepare and present programs on aspects of natural history and reserve site activities to classes and other visitors. Participate in public outreach activities including teaching, guided tours and lectures/demonstrations. Collaborate with federal and state agencies and other institutions on regional research, education and environmental management issues. | 10% |
Items used
PC and/or Mac desktop, laptop and servers and peripherals.
Emergency communication device
Scientific equipment; Meterological Instrumention, Global Position System, Solar Powered Systems.
Tools: Chain saw and other specialized power tools such as pneumatic log splitter.
Vehicles: 4WD truck, bobcat skidsteer tractor
Trailer
Rakes, loppers, shovels, broom, vacuum, mop
Satellite internet hardware (router, cables, radios)
Chief Administrative Officer — UCI Nature
Department: Office of Research — Special Research Programs Location: UC Irvine Campus (Hybrid — 2–3 days onsite/week) Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM FTE: 100% | FLSA Status: Exempt Union: CX-Clerical/Administrative
About UCI Nature
UCI Nature offers UC Irvine faculty and students the opportunity to bring their research, teaching, and public service into natural environments across California. UC Irvine directly oversees four protected natural areas — two with on-site lodging about three hours from campus, and two within walking distance of campus — along with partnership agreements that open access to even more natural areas.
Together, these sites span everything from ocean to desert, connecting to the systemwide UC Nature — the largest university-operated reserve system in the world, spanning 41 sites and 756,000 acres across California.
About the Role
We’re looking for a Chief Administrative Officer to lead the administrative, financial, and operational backbone of UCI Nature and its reserve sites. This is a hands-on leadership role: you’ll oversee budgeting, financial reporting, procurement, facilities logistics, recharge administration, and contract and grant support — while serving as a trusted resource for faculty, staff, students, and the broader community who rely on these reserves.
You’ll help keep multiple reserve locations running smoothly, safeguard university resources, and support the strategic planning that keeps research, education, and public programs thriving across the system. Occasional travel to reserve sites is required a few times a year.
What You’ll Do
- Manage daily administrative operations across UCI Nature reserves, including San Joaquin Marsh, Burns Piñon Ridge, and Anza-Borrego Desert Ranch — with internal controls, policy guidance, and ongoing support for faculty and staff.
- Oversee budgetary and financial management, IT system support, facilities coordination, procurement, utilities, and contract support across campus units.
- Build and manage complex budgets and financial reports spanning contracts and grants, endowments, state awards, gifts, and campus funds — including monthly reconciliations and multi-year forecasting.
- Administer recharge operations: processing invoices, reconciling reports, and tracking payment activity.
- Coordinate grant and contract proposal submissions, from RFA review to budget drafting to final submission.
- Partner with the Office of Research on HR-related processes, training coordination, and reporting.
- Analyze operational and budget trends to support planning and forecasting.
- Represent the department on committees with UC systemwide partners and campus stakeholders.
- Help shape communications — website content, newsletters, event announcements, and visitor-facing information.
- Manage procurement and inventory workflows, and oversee facilities, space, and safety coordination across reserve sites.
What You’ll Bring
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent experience/training.
- 3–5 years of related experience.
- Thorough knowledge of university budgeting, accounting, fund management, and/or personnel practices.
- Strong written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills.
- Familiarity with administrative operations such as event planning, risk management, website basics, and contracts/grants processes.
- Comfort with common university computer systems and platforms.
- Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Strong planning, analysis, and problem-solving skills, with a customer-service mindset.
Why Join Us
You’ll play a key role in supporting research and education that connects UC Irvine to some of California’s most remarkable natural landscapes — from coastal marshes to desert ranchlands — as part of a system dedicated to preserving these spaces for generations of scientists, students, and the public.