MANRRS JOB HUB

University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources seeks Local Food Systems Advisor

Posted on December 21, 2021
University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources seeks Local Food Systems Advisor
Position Title                                                                                                                         

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Local Food Systems Advisor
Applied Research and Extension
 
 
Position Summary
The Local Food Systems Advisor will implement an extension education and applied research program to maximize environmental and community benefits related to sustainability and competitiveness of local agriculture.
 
The advisor will serve clientele in commercial agricultural crops including tree crops, vegetables, fruits and berries. The advisor will collaboratively develop and disseminate science-based practices for farm innovation and adoption, including niche and organic production, marketing, resource sustainability, and appropriate-scale equipment and technology. The advisor will also work with producers to expand their role and contribution https://ucanr.edu/About/Jobs/?jobnum=1973

The advisor will provide materials and academic oversight of the five Master Gardener (MG) programs currently consisting of 300 volunteers throughout the region, educating home gardeners. The Advisor will develop and deliver research-based information using a range of communication options to create positive community impact. This is an exciting opportunity to have meaningful impacts in central Sierra; engaging with UCANR Small Farm Program & Advisors, Small Farm Workgroup, the Ag Production Management Systems Program Team, Environmental Horticulture Program Team, the Sustainable Food Systems Initiative and the Master Gardener Statewide office.

Opportunities abound for research and extension partnerships that link clients and resource professionals across multi-sectors with relevant science-based information and promote effective problem solving. The advisor will 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.

This position will be headquartered in Calaveras and have responsibilities across the Central Sierra Multi-County Partnership (El Dorado, Amador, Calaveras, and Tuolumne counties).

 

Qualifications and Skills Required
 

Education: A minimum of a Master’s degree in horticulture, agricultural science, agricultural production systems or a closely related field 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 obtain a Qualified Pesticide Applicator Certificate (QAC) prior to applying pesticides or supervising the application of any pesticide.
Desired Experience
  • Experience working in multiple cropping systems, organic farming practices, small farm production
    systems, integrated pest management, and marketing methods.
  • Knowledge, leadership, and research expertise in volunteer management.
  • 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 1) key concepts related to pest management in cropping and landscape 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.  The candidate shall conduct and report regular comprehensive needs assessments to identify priority issues or problems relevant to the local clientele groups being served.
 
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.
 
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated quantitative skills and knowledge of, and experience using, statistical analysis and experimental designs is preferred.
 
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
 
 
How to Apply
 
If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose “applicants” (refer to position #21-39)
Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by
February 4, 2022– (open until filled)
 
Questions? Contact: Tatiana Avoce (HR) email: tavoce@ucanr.edu

 

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.

Tags:
Professionals, Graduates, Cooperative Extension, Full Time, Extension, Industry