Seeking Urban Agricultural/Small Farms Advisor
Position Title
Applied Research and Extension
Position Summary
Location Headquarters.
UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) San Bernardino County Office, Highland, California
Purpose.
The Urban Agriculture/Small Farms Advisor will develop and conduct an applied research and education program for small-scale growers engaged in direct and nontraditional production and marketing of vegetable and specialty crops with an emphasis on organic production in the greater Los Angeles basin (excluding desert areas which are already covered). The Advisor will also work in the emerging area of controlled-environment agriculture (CEA), a food production approach conducted in enclosed facilities in large urban centers.
The Advisor will collaborate with other UC ANR Advisors assigned to the four-county area (including the Sustainable Food System Advisor who specializes in the non-production aspect of food systems), other statewide Urban Ag/Small Farm Advisors, campus based Specialists and Faculty, with personnel involved with projects at South Coast Research and Extension Center (SCREC), the UC Riverside Citrus Experiment Station and with relevant non-UC collaborators. The Advisor will affiliate with the statewide Sustainable Agricultural Research and Extension Program (SAREP) and the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program and participate in workgroups associated with the Agriculture Production Management Systems, Vegetable Crops, Pest Management, Water Resources, and Building Food Security Program Teams. The Advisor will also spend up to 20% of their time providing research-based information on non-commercial vegetable production to Master Gardener (MG) volunteers (with MG programs being coordinated and managed by UCCE Community Educators in each of the four counties) who will extend information to the public.
Key areas of research are developing low-input, sustainable cropping systems for vegetable and specialty crops that optimize production while conserving water and preserving water quality. Other research needs are preventing and minimizing major disease and insect outbreaks using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in organic as well as traditional systems, and developing new markets and EA technologies with industry partners.
This is an exciting opportunity to develop meaningful impacts in the communities of San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles and Orange Counties and throughout California. Opportunities abound for research and extension partnerships that link consumers and resource professionals with relevant science-based information and promote effective problem solving. You will join a team of highly motivated UC ANR colleagues who are passionate about their work and are dedicated to making a difference within communities and working landscapes of California. The potential for collaborative projects within the UC ANR system abounds.
Counties of Responsibility.
This position focuses on the greater Los Angeles basin (excluding desert areas). There is an expectation and many opportunities to work collaboratively across counties.
Reporting Relationship.
The Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension San Bernardino County Co-Directors with input on program direction, coordination and evaluation from the other County Directors and the South Coast Research and Extension Center (SCREC) Director.
Qualifications and Skills Required
Required Qualifications
Education: A minimum of a Master's Degree in plant science, agronomy, vegetable science, horticulture, or closely related field is required at time of appointment.
- Experience in small-scale production systems and/or sustainable agriculture
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Bilingual (English and Spanish)
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Familiarity with UC ANR’s mission
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Experience designing, conducting, and evaluating applied research projects
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Experience conducting agricultural-based educational programs
Skills Required
Technical Competence and Impact
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Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, and interpersonal communication.
- Communication
- Collaboration, Teamwork, and Flexibility
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Ability to work collaboratively as a team member with ANR and external partners. Able to adapt as circumstances warrant. Promote diversity, equity and inclusion. Desire to work collaboratively with campus-based CE Faculty, and Advisors.
- Lifelong Learning
- Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional and personal development.
Learn more about Skills and Areas of Programmatic Review 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
Salary & Benefit
Salary:
Benefits:
For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website Here
How to Apply
Closing Date:
Questions?
Contact Tatiana Avoce; email: tavoce@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.
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Please visit https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/2021/07/ucs-covid-19-vaccine-policy.html for more information.