Agriculture Technology Area Advisor Applied Research and Extension (AP# 21-53) Monterey (2nd Round)
Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by December 5, 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 find and create solutions to critical technological challenges faced by coastal specialty crop producers and thus increase the environmental and economic resilience of these systems.
The position will involve
- Finding, 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, including for example Hartnell College, California State University Monterey Bay and UC MBEST, on the Central Coast as well as UC ANR’s VINE Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program statewide.
- 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 crop production, pest management (insects, weeds, diseases), harvesting, water and nutrient management, and food processing.
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 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. There are also many opportunities to collaborate within the UC system (UCANR and UC campuses).
Counties of Responsibility: This position will be headquartered in Monterey County and also serve 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 is required at the time of appointment. Prefer candidates with degrees in agriculture technology or agricultural engineering. Degrees in crop science, agronomy, horticulture, pest management, irrigation science, soil science, or a related field are also acceptable if the candidate can demonstrate extensive knowledge of agriculture technology.
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 and in agricultural fields.
- Commitment to furthering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Desired Experience
- Demonstrated ability to effectively plan programs, manage teams and implement an applied research and outreach program, including setting measurable goals and objectives.
- Passion and desire to pursue a career in Cooperative Extension and community development.
- Experience in building partnerships and with multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience in rural communities and agriculture-based economies.
Skills Required
To be successful, the CE Advisor requires skills in the following area:
Technical Competence and Impact
- The candidate should have an extensive understanding of agricultural technologies and be able to design and implement a research and extension 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 needs of industry and 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 in counties: https://ucanr.edu/sites/ucanr/County_Offices/
- Monterey County agriculture: https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-a-h/agricultural-commissioner/forms-publications/crop-reports-economic-contributions
- Our Strategic Initiatives http://ucanr.edu/sites/StrategicInitiatives/
- Our Public Value statements at https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/2016-2020_Strategic_Plan/Goal_5__Prioritize_programs_and_services/Public_values_statement/
- 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/
- The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ+ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
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, 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 #21-53)
Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by December 5, 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.