Job description

About Us:

The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), a statewide program with local development and delivery, is seeking a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) academic advisor to conduct a multi-county-based extension and applied research program in the area of small-scale farms engaged in direct and nontraditional wholesale marketing of vegetable and fruit crops. Through collaborations with other UCCE farm advisors, UCCE specialists and private industry representatives, the Advisor will be responsible for extending research-based information on all aspects of small farms with particular emphasis on organic agriculture production systems in Yolo, Solano and Sacramento Counties.

Position Description:

Small-scale organic agriculture has grown to become a prominent sector of the agricultural industry within this three-county region. The placement of this advisor greatly enhances the research/ extension network due to the proximity of the UC Berkeley and UC Davis campuses to Yolo, Solano, and Sacramento Counties. Governmental policies in the counties exist to assure that a viable agriculture production industry is part of each county's fabric. Small-scale and organic agriculture production operations are important elements of the expanding local regional food system serving large metropolitan areas. Small-scale farmers in this region are an ethnically diverse group that includes Hispanic farmers and farm Small Farms Advisor Serving Yolo, Solano and Sacramento Counties AP #14-07 workers and many Southeast Asian farmers primarily growing strawberries. The advisor will provide a vital leadership role for existing and aspiring small-scale farmers at the local level, and will also interface often with the UC ANR Small Farm Program (http://sfp.ucdavis.edu/) at regional and statewide levels regarding research and extension efforts related to production, marketing and regulatory issues.

The UC Cooperative Extension Small Farm Advisor will conduct applied research and facilitate interactions and information exchange among campus-based academics, CE Advisors and commercial stakeholders. The advisor is expected to address the critical issues related to small-farm production, with a particular emphasis on organic production practices, while also serving conventional small-scale growers. The academic in this position will be expected to interact with UC ANR Program Teams, Specialists and others within the research/extension network to develop, strengthen and expand the local delivery of statewide programs.

Major Responsibilities:

• Conduct and report needs assessments to identify priority issues or problems relevant to the local clientele groups being served.
• Develop and implement effective UC ANR Cooperative Extension applied research and educational programs to address the identified priority needs of the clientele that are consistent with ANR’s Strategic Vision and ANR initiatives http://ucanr.edu/files/906.pdf.
• Conduct applied research designed to monitor changes and solve locally relevant problems.
• Disseminate appropriate, science-based information to inform clientele, using extension methods that are responsive to clientele needs and appropriate for the audience and situation.
• Maintain and promote UC Cooperative Extension's credibility by providing science-based knowledge.
• Evaluate programs and report accomplishments, results, and potential or actual impacts to scientific and lay audiences through a variety of outreach methods (internet, workshops, newsletters).
• Develop collaborative teams with other UC ANR academics, including campus-based specialists, AES faculty, CE Advisors and/or others, to address priority issues for the small farms community.

Education & Experience:

A minimum of a Master's Degree is required, though other advanced degrees are encouraged, in disciplines such as agricultural, plant science, or a closely related field. Additional experience in soil science, agro-ecology and sustainable agriculture is preferred. Post-graduate agricultural experience in applied research, education, or in private enterprise in small-scale and organic agricultural production is advantageous. Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills are required. A demonstrated ability in applied agricultural research and extension is desirable. Ability to communicate effectively in a second language is desirable. The academic in this position must acquire a California Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) (http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/license/app_packets/qac.pdf) within nine months from the date of hire.

Salary:

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: http://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/187037.pdf.

Benefits:

The University of California offers comprehensive benefits including two days per month paid vacation, one day per month paid sick leave, and approximately thirteen paid holidays per year. Sabbatical leave is available to qualified academics. ANR is part of UC’s Family-Friendly Policies. A variety of health and dental insurance plans are available, with employer contributions to the premiums. In addition, the University provides basic life and disability insurance, which may be supplemented at group rates. Workers' Compensation Insurance is provided. An excellent UC Retirement System is coordinated with social security, and optional annuity plans may supplement retirement. Automobile insurance is available. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/.

For a complete job description, please see http://ucanr.edu/jobFiles/633.pdf.

Compensation

this position is: salaried

Application instructions

Deadline

August 10, 2014