Area CE Orchard Systems Advisor

~ The Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) is a statewide network of University of California researchers and educators dedicated to the creation, development and application of knowledge in agricultural, natural and human resources. ~

Position Overview

The Area Cooperative Extension (CE) advisor for orchard systems will conduct a locally based extension, education and applied research program to develop a research and extension education program to address high priority production and pest management issues in walnuts and sweet cherries in San Joaquin County.

The position also includes problem solving and program delivery responsibilities for apples, oil olives, and several other smaller-acreage crops. San Joaquin County is the statewide leader in both cherry and walnut production and the advisor will be expected to become a regional and statewide leader within ANR.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement effective UC ANR Cooperative Extension applied research and educational programs to address the identified priority needs of the clientele that are consistent with ANR’s Strategic Vision and ANR initiatives.
• Conduct and report regular needs assessments to identify priority issues or problems relevant to the local clientele groups being served.
• Conduct applied research designed to solve locally relevant problems and monitor change.
• Disseminate useful, science-based information to inform clientele, using extension methods that are responsive to clientele needs and appropriate for the audience and situation.
• Maintain and promote Cooperative Extension’s credibility by providing science-based knowledge and skills independent of personal or parochial interests.
• Evaluate programs and report accomplishments, results, and potential or actual impacts to scientific and lay audiences.
• Develop collaborative teams with other UC ANR academics, including CE specialists, AES faculty, CE advisors and/or others, to address priority issues for UC ANR.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a master's degree, though other advanced degrees are encouraged, in disciplines such as pomology, production horticulture, pest management, or a closely related field is required by the appointment start date.
• An understanding of agricultural production practices, field research and statistical design is required.
• Excellent written, public speaking and interpersonal communication skills are required.
• The ability to build partnerships and to work with multidisciplinary teams to address production and environmental challenges is preferred.
• The CE advisor must possess or obtain a Qualified Pesticide Applicator Certificate (QAC) or License prior to applying or supervising the application of any pesticide.

Compensation: Beginning salary will be in the Cooperative Extension Assistant Advisor Rank and commensurate with applicable experience and professional qualifications. For information regarding the Cooperative Extension Advisor salary scale, please click here. If the successful candidate is currently a UCCE advisor with indefinite status, the candidate will be offered the position commensurate with applicable experience and professional qualifications with eligibility to retain such indefinite status.

To Apply

Please click "Apply on Company Website" below. For full consideration, application packets should be submitted in their entirety no later than May 18, 2018. Please refer to position AP#17-14. For questions regarding this position, please contact LeChé McGill.