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.

Location Headquarters. Moreno Valley, Riverside County, CA

Purpose. The Woody Biomass and Bioenergy Advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied research program with the goal of increasing the utilization of low value woody biomass in the region.

 

The position will

·      Investigate opportunities and strategies for increasing the use of woody biomass though development of biofuels and bioenergy, as well as other products.

·      Integrate efforts to enhance biomass management and natural resources manufacturing with strategies for reducing community risk from wildfires.

·      Evaluate how sustainable, climate smart, forestry practices enhance community resilience.

·      Develop and extend research based information on the efficacy of converting woody biomass into fuels for transportation and other products consistent with the California Forest Carbon Plan.

·      Identify and develop markets for biomass-generated soil amendments for use in agricultural, forest, and urban settings consistent with goals of the Healthy Soils and other programs.

This position offers the opportunity to integrate and bring focus to woody biomass utilization by working with and across UC ANRs efforts to improve forest management, woody biomass utilization, and promote long-term economic development and community resilience. Education programs will have positive impacts on vegetation management, woody biomass utilization, and development of associated economic development projects. 

 

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 forest landowners, natural resource professionals, private enterprises involved in woody biomass utilization, and local, state, and federal agencies. The advisor joins a team of highly motivated UCCE colleagues across the state 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 Riverside County and also serve San Bernardino County.  

 

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

Education: A minimum of a Master’s degree in forestry, engineering, soil science, environmental science/design, or related field is required at the time of appointment. 

·  Valid driver license.

·  Solid understanding of woody biomass production systems, engineered wood products, wood science, biomass energy, or advanced manufacturing systems.

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

·  Woody biomass system management

·  Natural resource-based economies

·  Carbon accounting/utilization and environmental regulations

·  Renewable/bioenergy development

·  Passion and desire to pursue a career in Cooperative Extension and community development

·  Partnership-building 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

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

 

 

The candidate should have a deep understanding of woody biomass production systems and bioenergy 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. 

 

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 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 https://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 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.  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 #21-58)

 

Closing Date:  To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by

February 8, 2022 – (open until filled)

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.

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.