UC Cooperative Extension Area Vertebrate Pest Advisor

~ The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, a statewide program with local development and delivery, is seeking a Cooperative Extension academic advisor to conduct a multi-county-based extension, education and applied research program. ~

The focus is on both native and introduced wildlife (principally mammals and birds) that come into conflict with human activities, as well as resource protection (residential, public health and safety, natural resource areas, and specialty agricultural).

Position Overview

The UC Cooperative Extension Area Vertebrate Pest Advisor will facilitate interactions and information exchange among campus based academics, CE advisors and community stakeholders. Focus is expected to be directed on the coordination of Cooperative Extension programming regarding human-wildlife conflicts, particularly within the residential and industrial areas within Southern California where significant human-wildlife conflicts are occurring, with concentration in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties.

Human-wildlife conflicts include increasingly critical issues such as negative impacts of wild or feral mammals and birds in agricultural production, food safety, public health and safety, forestry, and natural resource conservation. Recent studies have shown wildlife damage to be of substantially greater impact than previously realized, affecting such diverse situations as air travel safety, food safety and water quality, endangered species conservation, human safety, and public health.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and report regular needs assessments to identify priority issues relevant to the local clientele.
• 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 http://ucanr.edu/files/906.pdf.
• Conduct applied research designed to monitor changes and solve locally relevant problems.
• 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.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a Master's Degree in wildlife management, natural resources, or a closely related field.
• The ability to address sensitive human-wildlife situations both orally and in writing, and in public policy conflict resolution and the human dimensions of wildlife management, are required.
• Knowledge of toxicology, animal behavior, and wildlife damage management is highly desirable.
• A demonstrated ability in applied agricultural research and extension of information is desirable.

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Here!" and follow the application instructions provided on our website.