Sustainable Orchard Systems Advisor

Position Description

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

Location Headquarters: UCCE Sutter-Yuba Office, Yuba City CA

Purpose. The Sustainable Orchard Systems Advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied research program to address issues related to sustainability, resiliency, innovation, and profitability of the area’s fruit and nut tree crops in the target counties. The major crops of focus include walnuts, cling peaches, and kiwifruit. Respond to questions concerning minor fruit and nut crops in the area.

This position offers the opportunity to address a myriad of issues related to enhancing management efficiency while reducing the environmental footprint of fertilization, irrigation, and pest management. There is an opportunity for expanded impact through collaboration with nurseries based in the region.

This position is well-positioned to integrate ANR’s research and extension education efforts across communities to improve the competitiveness, profitability, and resilience of fruit and nut production systems across the region.

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

Opportunities abound for extension and research partnerships with a variety of stakeholders and partnerships, including growers, local tree nurseries, pest control and California crop advisers, commodity boards, local Agricultural Commissioners, USDA-ARS, the Department of Pesticide Regulation, Fertilizer Research & Extension Program, and CDFA. 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. There is great potential for collaborative projects within the UC ANR and University of California system and other cooperating educational institutions.

Counties of Responsibility. This position will be headquartered in the UCCE Yuba City office, CA.

Reporting Relationship: The CE Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) County Director of the UCCE Yuba/Sutter Counties.

Required Qualifications

Education: A minimum of a Master’s degree in pomology, production horticulture, plant science, or related field is required at the time of appointment.

Additional Requirements
• Valid driver’s license.
• Expectation to be available to work onsite on any day.
• Technical competency in experimental techniques.
• The ability to work with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes and ethnicities is essential.

Preferred Qualifications

Desired Experience
• Technical competency in tree crops production and knowledge of economics is desired.
• Experience with extension methods.
• Passion and desire to pursue a career in Cooperative Extension.
• Experience in building partnerships and with multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan projects, manage teams and implement an applied research and outreach program, including setting measurable goals and objectives.

Other Requirements

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 agricultural production and be able to design and implement a program that leads to positive changes and impact within the local 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. Spanish language proficiency is desired.

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 are warranted.

Promote and support affirmative action goals.

Lifelong Learning

Demonstrated commitment to ongoing self-improvement - both professionally and as a person. Ability to shift program focus as problems/issues arise and organizational needs change.

Learn more about Skills and Areas of Programmatic Review (including Professional Competence, University and Public Service and Affirmative Action and DEI) at: https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/319460.pdf

Driver’s license or alternate transportation required?

yes

Application Instructions

How to Apply

If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose “applicants” (refer to position #22-37)

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by
August 22, 2022– (open until filled)

Questions?
Contact Tatiana Avoce email: tavoce@ucanr.edu

Applicants may wish to explore the UC Davis Services for International Students and Scholars web page at https://siss.ucdavis.edu/ as a resource.

Equal Employer Statement(s)

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.

Salary

Salary: The beginning salary will be in the Cooperative Extension Assistant Advisor Rank and commensurate with applicable experience and professional qualifications. For information regarding Cooperative Extension Advisor salary scales, please refer to the University of California website: https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/358478.pdf. If the successful candidate is currently a UCCE Advisor, the candidate will be offered the position without change to the candidate’s current rank, step, salary and/or appointment terms; and if applicable, is eligible to retain indefinite status.

This position is eligible for indefinite status following three successful reviews and subject to terms noted in UC ANR Policy and Procedure Manual, Section 315 https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/118501.pdf

Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, two days per month paid vacation, one day per month paid sick leave, and approximately thirteen paid holidays per year. ANR is part of UC’s Family-Friendly Policies. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website at: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

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