Assistant Specialist in Biomass and Bioenergy - 50% Time Represented (AP 24-11)

The American Council For An Energy-Efficient Economy seeks an Assistant Specialist in Biomass and Bioenergy to conduct research and outreach on agricultural and environmental issues in California. Responsibilities include geospatial assessments, data analysis, and collaboration with stakeholders. The role requires a master's degree and experience in bioeconomy or related fields. This position is onsite with some travel required.
About the position

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) is seeking an Assistant Specialist in Biomass and Bioenergy to join their team in Riverside County, California. This position is a unique opportunity to engage in research and outreach that addresses critical agricultural, environmental, and health issues through the development and application of knowledge. The Assistant Specialist will work under the guidance of the Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator, focusing on geospatial, lifecycle, and techno-economic research related to biomass, biofuels, and other bioproducts. This role is integral to showcasing products derived from forest-sourced biomass at demonstration sites and providing technical assistance to companies in the bioeconomy sector. The Assistant Specialist will be responsible for conducting literature reviews, gathering and analyzing data through market research, and performing techno-economic assessments (TEA) and lifecycle assessments (LCA). The position also involves drafting reports and papers, as well as preparing grant applications. Collaboration with various stakeholders, including state and federal agencies, industry partners, research institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), forest landowners, and the public, is essential to the success of the role. The Assistant Specialist will play a key role in evaluating sites for biomass-derived fuels, conducting outreach workshops, and developing strategic business plans to advance the bioeconomy in specific regions of California. This position is not remote and requires the candidate to work onsite, with the flexibility to travel as needed. The Assistant Specialist will contribute to UC ANR's mission of promoting sustainable food production, economic success, and environmental health, while ensuring equal access to the University of California's resources for all Californians.

Responsibilities
• Conduct geospatial resource assessments to identify and quantify regional available forest biomass feedstocks.
,
• Evaluate supply chains and develop case studies to repurpose existing sawmills and biopower plants.
,
• Identify current suppliers and service providers of biomass-generating enterprises and evaluate their interest and capacity to expand operations.
,
• Assess current training programs for biomass feedstock harvest/collection and identify training needs for new enterprises.
,
• Conduct outreach workshops with federal and state agencies, research institutions, industry, and forest landowners.
,
• Conduct economic and policy analysis of the wood products industry in California.
,
• Develop and publish strategic business plans for advancing the bioeconomy in specific regions.

Requirements
• A master's degree or other advanced degrees in Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Forestry, Wood Science, Natural Resources, Public Administration, or related fields.
,
• Prior experience with bioeconomy, bioenergy, or forest industry.
,
• Experience with conducting geospatial modeling.
,
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
,
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment and adapt to changing needs.
,
• Valid California Driver's License and proof of insurance for vehicle used.

Nice-to-haves
• Excellent writing skills and a record of successful grant/funding applications.
,
• Strong technical background in biomass process engineering, optimization modeling, and/or LCA and TEA modeling tools.
,
• Record of publications in scientific journals.

Benefits
• Health insurance
,
• Retirement plans
,
• Two days per month paid vacation
,
• One day per month paid sick leave
,
• Holidays