Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by April 28, 2022 – (open until filled)

Location Headquarters. Salinas, Monterey County, CA

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), a statewide program with local development and delivery, is seeking the following UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Advisor.

Purpose: The Agriculture Technology Area Advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied research program to create solutions to critical challenges faced by coastal specialty crop producers and to increase the environmental and economic resilience of these systems.

The position will involve

·      Evaluating, demonstrating and developing on-farm technologies focused on coastal specialty crops.

·      A community and economic development component in collaboration with industry and regional organizations to promote economic prosperity and the creation of a widely recognized hub of agricultural technology on the Central Coast.

·      Strengthening economic resilience by fostering agricultural technology innovation and adoption

·      Keeping abreast of changes in agricultural technology and help industry adopt them.

This position offers the opportunity to focus on applied research, education, and technical assistance for a variety of on-farm technologies such as sensors, wireless communication, robotics, software tools, drones and other technologies to improve water and nutrient management, crop production systems, food processing, and pest management.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop and deliver relevant program content and to have meaningful impacts in local communities and throughout California.

Opportunities abound for extension and research partnerships with federal and state agencies, California State Universities, private industry, and collaboration with producers. The advisor joins a team of highly motivated UCCE colleagues who are passionate about their work and are dedicated to making a difference within their communities and throughout California. The potential for collaborative projects within the UC ANR system is nearly limitless.

Counties of Responsibility:  This position will be headquartered in Monterey County and also serves Santa Cruz, San Benito and San Luis Obispo Counties.  

Reporting Relationship: The CE Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) County Director for Monterey County with input from the other UCCE County Directors in the coverage area. 

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications

Education: A minimum of a Master’s degree in agriculture technology, crop science, agronomy, horticulture, soil science, irrigation science, agricultural engineering, pest management or related field is required at the time of appointment. 

Additional Requirements

·  Valid driver license.

·  Solid understanding of a variety of agricultural technologies and their use in specialty crops.

·  Expectation to be available to work onsite on any day.

Desired Experience

·  Experience in rural communities and agriculture-based economies.

·  Passion and desire to pursue a career in Cooperative Extension and community development

·  Experience in building partnerships and with multidisciplinary teams

·  Demonstrated ability to effectively plan programs, manage teams and implement an applied research and outreach program, including setting measurable goals and objectives

Skills Required

To be successful, the CE Advisor requires skills in the following area:

Technical Competence and Impact

The candidate should have a deep understanding of potential agricultural technologies and be able to design and implement a program that leads to positive changes and impact within the agricultural community and beyond. There is an expectation that advisors evolve and grow across their career and respond to changes in the industry and by clientele.

Communication

Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, and interpersonal and information technology communication skills. Public speaking to stakeholders is a routine part of this position. 

Demonstrated ability to share complex information in a manner tailored to the audience.

Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team member with industry and other stakeholders.  Able to adapt as circumstances warranted.  

Aware and willing to actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Lifelong Learning

Demonstrated commitment to ongoing self-improvement – both professionally and as a person. Ability to shift program focus as times and organizational needs change.

About UC ANR

The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) consists of a network of scientists and educators working in partnership across California.  We are committed to developing and supporting practical, science-based solutions that contribute to healthy food systems, healthy environments, healthy communities, and healthy Californians.  UC ANR administers UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE), which is responsible for program development and delivery in the counties throughout the state of California.

Learn more about

Salary & Benefits

How to Apply

Closing Date:  To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by April 28, 2022 – (open until filled)

Questions?

University of California Cooperative Extension

The University of California 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, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy. 

As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.