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Urban Agriculture Technology Area Advisor Applied Research & Extension AP# 21-59 (Orange)

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by April 19, 2022 – (open until filled)

Location Headquarters. SCREC, Irvine, Orange 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 Urban Agriculture Technology Area Advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied research program integrating several disciplines to focus on expanding agriculture technologies in urban and peri-urban communities, focusing on controlled environment agriculture (CEA) production.
 
The position will involve
·      Integration of crop and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems
·      Development, assessment, and implementation of advanced plant production technologies
·      Identifying barriers to CEA adoption and expansion and developing effective strategies for CEA success.

This position offers the opportunity to integrate and bring focus to the potential for controlled environment agriculture and its impacts on regional economic development and community resilience.  Education programs will have positive impacts through building climate-resilient agriculture 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 local agriculture producers, USDA ARS researchers, UC and CSU academic colleagues, as well as local and regional entities. UC ANR has numerous programs and individuals addressing relevant issues ready to partner with this advisor. The advisor joins a team of highly motivated UCCE colleagues who are passionate about their work and are dedicated to making a difference within the 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 at the South Coast Research and Extension Center, Irvine, Orange County and officially serve Orange and Los Angeles counties with urban portions of Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino, and Ventura Counties directly benefiting due to South Coast REC’s regional location in coastal Southern California.
 
Reporting Relationship: The CE Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California South Coast Research and Extension Center Director with input from the UCCE County Directors in the coverage area. 

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications

Education: A minimum of a Master’s degree in plant science, agricultural engineering, controlled environment agriculture, or related field is required at the time of appointment. 

Additional Requirements

·  Valid driver license.
·  Solid understanding of agriculture technologies in urban environments, with emphasis on controlled environment agriculture systems.
·  Expectation to be available to work onsite on any day.

Desired Experience

·  Experience in urban and peri-urban communities and natural resource-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 agriculture technologies applicable in urban and peri-urban environments and be able to design and implement a program that leads to positive changes and impact within the 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.
 
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

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
·      UC ANR at https://UCANR.edu
·      UC ANR SCREC: https://screc.ucanr.edu/
·      UC ANR in counties: https://ucanr.edu/sites/ucanr/County_Offices/
·      Our Strategic Initiatives http://ucanr.edu/sites/StrategicInitiatives/
·      DEI: Further to the above, advisors are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion https://ucanr.edu/sites/Professional_Development/Office_-_Team_Management/Diversity_Equity_Inclusion_Belonging/
·      Affirmative: Further to the above, Advisors are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR’s commitment to affirmative action. Learn more of UC ANR Affirmative Action policy: http://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/Diversity/Affirmative_Action/

Salary & Benefits

Salary: The beginning salary will be in the Assistant CE Advisor Rank and commensurate with applicable experience and professional qualifications. For information regarding CE advisor series salary scales, please refer to: https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/358478.pdf
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 and retirement plans, vacation, sick leave, and approximately thirteen paid holidays per year.  For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website at: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

How to Apply

If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose “applicants” (refer to position #21-59)
 
Closing Date:  To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by April 19, 2022 – (open until filled)

Questions?

Contact Alma Jackson email: ajackson@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.
 
University of California Cooperative Extension
Please note the UC Policy on COVID and Flu vaccinations and working for UC:  The University of California issues policies essential for the safety and well-being of the community, including requirements for employees to be appropriately vaccinated for COVID-19 and vaccinated for influenza, or to have an approved exception/exemption on file.
 
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.