Andrea McKenna • August 14, 2026
UCI Nature Hiring Chief Administrative Officer
Share
UCI Nature Chief Administrative Officer Job Posting
UCI Nature is hiring a Chief Administrative Officer to support the administration and operations of its reserve system, which includes Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center. The full-time position is based at UC Irvine and includes occasional travel to reserve sites.
- 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 additional natural areas.
Together, these sites span environments from ocean to desert and connect to the systemwide UC Nature reserve system, the largest university-operated reserve system in the world, spanning 41 sites and 756,000 acres across California.
About the Position
The Chief Administrative Officer will lead the administrative, financial, and operational work of UCI Nature and its reserve sites. This is a hands-on leadership position overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, procurement, facilities logistics, recharge administration, and contract and grant support.
The position also serves as a resource for faculty, staff, students, and others who rely on the reserves. Responsibilities include helping multiple reserve locations operate smoothly, safeguarding university resources, and supporting strategic planning for research, education, and public programs. Occasional travel to reserve sites is required a few times each year.
Responsibilities
- Manage daily administrative operations across UCI Nature reserves, including San Joaquin Marsh, Burns Piñon Ridge, and Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center, 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, including processing invoices, reconciling reports, and tracking payment activity.
- Coordinate grant and contract proposal submissions, from RFA review and budget drafting through 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, including website content, newsletters, event announcements, and visitor-facing information.
- Manage procurement and inventory workflows and oversee facilities, space, and safety coordination across reserve sites.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent experience and 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 and grants processes.
- Comfort working 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.
Connection to Borrego Springs
The position includes administrative support for Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center, one of UCI Nature’s reserve locations associated with the Borrego Springs area. The work helps support research, education, field programs, and the ongoing operation of natural areas used by scientists, students, faculty, and the public.
Apply
For the full position description and application information, visit:
Learn More About Borrego Springs
