Orchard Crops Advisor Applied Research and Extension (Merced) AP #21-25
Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by December 31, 2021 (open until filled)
Location Headquarters: UCCE Merced County, Merced, 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 Orchard Crops Advisor will implement an extension education and applied research program to address high priority production issues in nut and stone fruit crops (almonds, walnuts, peaches, plums, and small deciduous orchards) for the food production clientele of Merced County, with cross-county responsibility of walnuts in Madera County.
The CE Advisor will provide essential leadership to address critical issues facing orchard systems in Merced County, including but not limited to orchard culture, nematode and other pest management, irrigation and fertilization efficiency, rootstock and scion screening, and pre-plant soil disinfestation. Upon completion of second evaluation period, additional duties may include providing programmatic oversight of the UC Master Gardener Program in Merced County.
This is an exciting opportunity to have meaningful impacts in the communities of Merced County and throughout California.
Opportunities abound for research and extension partnerships that link consumers and resource professionals across multi-sectors with relevant science-based information and promote effective problem solving. The advisor will also join 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 is focused on Merced County and will work collaboratively across counties, with cross-county responsibility for walnuts in Madera County.
Reporting Relationship: The CE Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) County Director for Merced County with input from the UCCE County Director for Madera County.
Required Qualifications and Skills
Education: A minimum of a Master’s degree in pomology, agriculture, plant science, soil science, integrated pest management, or other closely related field is required at the time of appointment.
Additional Requirements
- Valid driver license.
- Live within a commutable distance of the position headquarters during period of appointment.
- The CE Advisor must possess or obtain within one year of hire a Qualified Pesticide Applicator Certificate (QAC) prior to applying pesticides or supervising the application of any pesticide.
Desired Experience
- Experience with orchard crops
- Passion and desire to pursue a career in Cooperative Extension and community development.
- Experience in successful Cooperative Extension programming or community development,
- Demonstrated ability to effectively plan, manage teams and implement a research 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 key concepts related to irrigated cropping systems and agronomic research design 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 is a routine part of this position.
Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team member with others. 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 the California. We are committed to developing and supporting 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 Merced http://cemerced.ucanr.edu/
- UC ANR Fruit & Nuts RIC http://fruitsandnuts.ucdavis.edu/
- 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/& lt; /a>
- 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 vacation, sick leave, and approximately thirteen paid holidays per year. This position is eligible for sabbatical leave privileges as per the terms of University policy.
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 #21-25)
Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by December 31, 2021 (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 vaccination and working for UC: For the safety and well-being of the entire university community, the policy will require, with few exceptions, that all students, faculty and staff be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus before they will be allowed on campus or in a facility or office." Please visit https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/2021/07/ucs-covid-19-vaccine-policy.html for more information.
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION: An understanding of and commitment to UC ANR’s affirmative action goals and commitments is expected of all advisors.
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, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
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.