Job #JPF04159
- Law / School of Law / UC Berkeley
POSITION OVERVIEW
Position title: Water Policy Research Fellow
Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2023-24/july-2023-acad-salary-scales/t24-b.pdf. The current base salary range for this position is $62,500- $95,500. “Off-scale” salaries, which yield compensation that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: Fall 2023
Position duration: One-year term position, with the possibility of renewal.
APPLICATION WINDOW
Open date: October 2, 2023
Next review date: Thursday, Nov 16, 2023 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Thursday, Nov 30, 2023 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Wheeler Water Institute at the Center for Law, Energy & the Environment is seeking to hire a Water Policy Research Fellow. This position will primarily focus on improving allocation of California’s water resources among different human and environmental uses during times of water scarcity, although projects may shift depending on the incumbent’s expertise and funding availability.
The Wheeler Water Institute is a research and policy institute within the Center for Law, Energy and the Environment (CLEE), based at the UC Berkeley School of Law. CLEE is part of one of the leading environmental law programs in the nation. Building on UC Berkeley’s history of and commitment to research and public service, CLEE leverages the intellectual resources of Berkeley faculty and students in furtherance of applied research in a variety of environmental and energy law and policy areas. CLEE’s research priorities include combating climate change, advancing sustainable energy, addressing water allocation and management challenges, and sustaining healthy oceans, among other pressing environmental and energy challenges.
The Fellow will work closely with colleagues on legal and policy research. The Fellow’s efforts will be geared toward improving California water rights administration and oversight to enable more fair and effective water allocation among different human and environmental uses in times of water scarcity. Research could include analysis of legal and policy considerations for developing regional monitoring programs to support implementation of new watershed-based instream flow requirements designed to protect California’s ecosystems and communities. The Fellow will engage with state agency staff, a range of key stakeholders, and other experts in the course of their work.
Additional projects will depend on the fellow’s background and interests, but may address topics such as implementation of multi-benefit water and environmental restoration projects, sustainable groundwater management, groundwater recharge, innovation in the water sector, data and water decision making, and/or other water governance, management, or policy issues.
Tasks may include legal and policy research; drafting reports, articles, blog posts, and other outputs; engaging with government agency personnel, stakeholders, research partners, the media, and others; helping to organize workshops or other convenings; developing research pre-proposals; and working with student research assistants. The fellow’s exact responsibilities will vary based on the evolution of various initiatives, the expertise and experience of the selected research fellow, and in response to the ongoing evolution of the field.
This position is based in Berkeley, and requires periodic travel, primarily within California. The position could be located remotely with willingness to travel to Berkeley as needed.
Primary Responsibilities
• Conducting research on water resources issues and solutions at the intersection of law, policy, and science, under the direction of and in collaboration with CLEE team members, affiliates, and others;
• Engaging with government agency personnel, stakeholders, and others;
• Drafting reports and articles of publishable quality for policy- focused audiences, under the direction of and in collaboration with CLEE team members;
• Working with CLEE water program leads in organizing and facilitating meetings, workshops, and other events (virtual or otherwise) with California water leaders, policymakers, stakeholders, academics, and other audiences in collaboration with CLEE team members;
• Presenting at workshops or other events to practitioners, stakeholders, the academic community, the media, and others about research initiatives as needed;
• Assisting with other aspects of workshop, research, and report production as assigned; and
• Assisting with other miscellaneous aspects of project, water program, and CLEE activities as appropriate.
Union Contract: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/ra/
Health and Retirement Benefits: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu
For more information on CLEE:: https://www.law.berkeley.edu/research/clee/
For more information on the Wheeler Water Institute:: https://www.law.berkeley.edu/research/clee/research/wheeler/
QUALIFICATIONS
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Candidate must hold an advanced degree
Preferred qualifications
• Candidate with a JD degree or equivalent degree, or a PhD or equivalent international degree
• Additional professional experience in a law-, policy-, or consulting-focused environment
• A well-rounded background encompassing law, policy, public financing, monitoring, and water management, augmented by expertise in water law, environmental law, hydrology, water-related science, ecology, economics, and finance.
• Experience with research, writing, and analysis;
• Ability to work with people with a variety of backgrounds and perspectives;
• Ability to communicate effectively;
• Ability to prioritize and function both independently and collaboratively;
• Demonstrated ability to finish projects and deliver on commitments;
• Willingness to plunge into unfamiliar disciplines;
• Willingness to take risks by exploring and testing new ideas;
• An interest in making the world better
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Document requirements
- Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
- Cover Letter
- Writing Sample – Such as a policy brief, comment letter, white paper, article, or equivalent of no more than 10 pages
- Statement on Contributions to Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – Statement on your contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including information about your understanding of these topics, your record of activities to date, and your specific plans and goals for advancing equity and inclusion if hired at Berkeley. More Information and guidelines.
(Optional)
Reference requirements
- 3 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF04159
Help contact: academicpositions@law.berkeley.edu
CAMPUS INFORMATION
UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The excellence of the institution requires an environment in which the diverse community of faculty, students, and staff are welcome and included. Successful candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skill related to ensuring equity and inclusion in the activities of their academic position (e.g., teaching, research, and service, as applicable).
The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct
In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.
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.
JOB LOCATION
Berkeley, CA
