University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources seeks Specialty Crops Advisor
The Advisors program will be driven by needs and opportunities, related to high value specialty fruits, vegetables, olives and olive oils, specialty grains, and cut flower production- elements that all contribute to viable local economies and food security.
The Advisor will collaboratively develop opportunities for innovation and adaption of conventional, organic and/or niche production, resource sustainability, and appropriate-scale equipment and technology. Areas of potential need and impact include crop selection, pest management, cropping coordination and synchronization, and climate adaptation. The Advisor will also work with local rural and peri-urban producers to expand their role and contribution as foundational members of the area’s food system and community.
UC Master Gardeners is a powerful outreach channel to communities. The Advisor will provide scientific guidance to the Sonoma County Master Gardeners program; with over 250 volunteers, educating home gardeners about pest management and good cultural practices.
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 impact, engaging with established conventional and organic agricultural production leaders, the burgeoning new and beginning farmer demographic, and active direct and wholesale marketing channels members. The advisor will work with supporting units, including multi-county areas, the Agricultural Production Management Systems and the California Communities and Food Systems Program Teams along with Statewide Master Gardener programs.
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. In the local assignment area this includes the Food Systems, Integrated Pest Management, Environmental Horticulture Advisors, among others. The potential for collaborative projects within the UC ANR system is nearly limitless.
This position will be headquartered in Sonoma and have responsibilities across Napa and Marin counties.
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
- 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.
- 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.
If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose “applicants” (refer to position #21-40)
Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by
January 24, 2022 – (open until filled)
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.