Human Wildlife Interaction Advisor (Napa) AP#21-41

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by 3/17/2022 (open until filled)

Location Headquarters. Napa County, CA

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 Human Wildlife Interaction Advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied research program to address high priority needs and problems related to vertebrate pest impacts in annual and perennial crops.

The advisor will be anticipated to work as a generalist with the ability to bring solutions for the broad variety of vertebrate pests impacting crops and production systems.

 

The Advisor will complement the existing Pest Vertebrate CE Specialist and Wildlife and Human Conflicts Advisor in the ANR network. Accordingly, the advisor will work closely with UC ANR Wildlife and Pest Program Team, UC ANR IPM program, and specific annual and perennial crop work groups and program teams.

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 that link growers and their associations, Pest Control Advisers, and ANR horticulture, pomology, specialty crops, and viticulture academics to help overcome the lack of expertise in vertebrate pest management in agricultural production systems. 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 will be headquartered in Napa County and shall also conduct multi-county extension, education and applied research programs in Lake, and Solano Counties. 

 

Reporting Relationship: The CE Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) County Director for Napa County with input from the other UCCE County Directors in the coverage area. 

Education:  A minimum of a Master’s degree in in wildlife management, natural resources management, pest management or a closely related field is required at the time of appointment. 

·  Course work in pest management, pesticides, toxicology, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) are desirable.

·  Valid driver license.

·  Live within a commutable distance of the position headquarters during period of appointment.

·  If required, 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.

·      Field experience and/or course work in bird, rodent, ungulate, or predator management are highly desirable.

·      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, manage teams and implement an applied research program, including setting measurable goals and objectives

To be successful, the CE Advisor requires skills in the following area:

 

The candidate should have a deep understanding of1) key concepts related to vertebrate pest management in cropping systems and 2) 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. 

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.

 

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.

Demonstrated ability in applied agricultural research and extension is preferred.

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

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.

·      UC ANR at https://UCANR.edu

·      UC ANR in Napa https://cenapa.ucanr.edu/

·      UC ANR in counties: https://ucanr.edu/sites/ucanr/County_Offices/

·      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/

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

If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose “applicants” (refer to position #21-41)

 

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by March 17, 2022 (open until filled)

Contact Alma Jackson at 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.

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.