Wasco Operations Manager (FAC MGR 1)

This position involves 50%-75% travel between Wasco and Davis, at least twice monthly.

UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is seeking an experienced professional with strong knowledge of UC Davis policies and procedures and proven expertise in managing large, complex facilities. This position will be based in Davis and travel regularly to the Resnick Agricultural Research Facility, located in Wasco, Ca.

The successful candidate will play a key role in developing and implementing operational policies and procedures for the Wasco facility, ensuring that research activities are supported safely and efficiently. A critical component of this role is serving as the primary liaison between Davis-based academic implementation efforts and Wasco facility operations. This includes active participation in the implementation committee, coordinating planning, aligning processes, and facilitating regular faculty, staff, and student visits to the site. Responsibilities include overseeing facility maintenance and infrastructure planning, coordinating staffing and daily operations, ensuring compliance with research and safety requirements, and supervising on-site staff.

This position requires excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments, guide process development, and support long-term planning for a major research facility.

Apply By Date January 4, 2026 at 11:59pm

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Any Ammonia certification and/or related OSHA safety training.
• Required to hold a valid California 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
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training in facilities management, policy development, and agricultural research facilities, with knowledge of practices and procedures relating to facility maintenance and safety
• Minimum 3-5 years related experience.
• Demonstrated ability as a technical leader with deep knowledge of research greenhouses and facilities and superior problem-solving skills.
• Ability to function with a high degree of autonomy to manage operations across multiple locations
• Proven experience in long-range planning and execution of operational activities for large, complex research facilities, including coordination, oversight, and stakeholder engagement.
• Coordination skills in building management procedures and space planning activities for facilities with specialized needs such as laboratories, ventilation, and hazardous materials.
• Skill in mentoring, training, and supervising staff to ensure effective operations and adherence to safety requirements.
• Ability to serve as a liaison between Davis academic stakeholders and Wasco operations, coordinating planning efforts, aligning processes with research goals, and facilitating regular faculty, staff, and student engagement at the facility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years related experience.
• Experience developing and managing budgets for significant facility infrastructure upgrades, moves, and long-term operational planning.
• Experience with reviewing, evaluating, and recommending improvements to building management procedures to ensure compliance with internal and external requirements.
• Experience collaborating with department leadership to plan and allocate space for complex research activities.
• Skilled in planning space to accommodate non-routine systems, specialized research equipment, and hazardous materials storage and disposal - Ammonia safety knowledge a plus!

Key Responsibilities

• 20% - Coordination and Project Support
• 20% - Strategic Planning and Budget Management
• 20% - Supervision/ Team Management
• 40% - General Facility Oversight

Department Overview

The UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CA&ES) is the largest academic unit on the Davis campus, with over 3,700 acres devoted to research and teaching. The College serves more than 7,000 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate students, supported by 380 faculty and Cooperative Extension specialists, 250 Academic Federation appointees, and over 800 staff engaged in administration, operations, and animal and crop care. CA&ES encompasses 20 departments, 18 centers and institutes, and more than 1.4 million square feet of teaching, research, and administrative space, along with extensive off-site research and teaching facilities throughout California. Among these is the new Resnick Agricultural Research Facility, located in Wasco, which features expansive cold storage, large greenhouses with thrip screens and airlocks, and a dedicated solar power system - providing an exciting opportunity to advance research and innovation in agricultural sciences.

The general facility oversight duties for the Wasco Operations Manager, as the on-campus liaison, will include supervising and supporting maintenance and repair of all facility infrastructure, ensuring compliance with UC Davis safety and regulatory standards, implementing and monitoring safety protocols, supervising on-site staff, managing space and resource allocation, supporting operational needs for research activities, maintaining emergency preparedness plans, and keeping thorough records and reports on facility operations and compliance. These responsibilities ensure the facility remains safe, efficient, and fully supports research and academic programs.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $102,400/year - $202,400/year
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• UC Job Title: FAC MGR 1
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% - Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday -Friday, 8am-5pm
• Location: Wasco, CA.
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Travel down to Wasco, CA 2x's per month, staying 2-3 days at a time.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

#CA-JP