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Location Headquarters: Tehama County, Red Bluff, CA
- The Area Agronomy and Weed Science Advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied research program to address issues related to sustainably optimizing cropping systems in Tehama, Shasta, and Glenn counties.
This position offers the opportunity to address weed control and IPM in a myriad of agriculture production crops. To a lesser extent the Advisor would have the leeway to address issues related to crop production, soil health, disease resistance, technology, variety selection, irrigation, environmental horticulture, and plant nutrition. Primary crops include, but are not limited to, forage crops, small grains, cover crops, orchard crops, and rangeland. The advisor will promote economic prosperity in California by improving agricultural efficiency and productivity and protecting California's natural resources by improving the management and use of land and increasing ecological sustainability of agriculture. The position will also provide technical support to the Master Gardener programs in Tehama, Glenn, and Shasta Counties and work with volunteers to disseminate information to the public.
The Advisor's primary role will be in weed science. The emerging issues in the three-county area include herbicide resistance, testing new chemistries, invasive species detection, and integrated pest management. Extension education methods include grower meetings, farm calls, workshops, UC Master Gardener trainings, and emerging remote communication methods.
The advisor is expected to implement a range of extension activities to address local needs, via workshops, seminars, field days, short courses, newsletters, and lay publications, in coordination with local public agencies and non-profits. Applied research and creative activity are expected to be aligned with the position description and determined by clientele needs, and will include collaboration on projects, securing grant funding from public agencies, private foundations, and commodity groups, and publications in relevant topical journals. The advisor is expected to show professional competence such as presenting at local or regional meetings of professionals, service providers, or other industry partners, and University and public service.
Counties of Responsibility. This position will be headquartered in the UCCE Tehama office located in Red Bluff, CA and serves Tehama, Shasta and Glenn Counties.
Required Qualifications
Education: A minimum of a Master's degree in plant science, agronomy, pest management, crop production or related field is required at the time of appointment.
Additional Requirements
- Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability and property damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle.
- Knowledge of weed science.
- Technical competency in experimental techniques.
- Experience with extension program development and delivery.
- The ability to work with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes and ethnicities is
- The CE Advisor must possess or obtain a Qualified Pesticide Applicator Certificate (QAC) or License (QAL) prior to applying or supervising the application of any pesticide.
Skills Required
To be successful, the CE Advisor requires skills in the following areas:
Technical Competence and Impact
The candidate should have a deep understanding of agronomy and pest management and 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.
Communication
Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, and interpersonal and information technology communication skills. Public speaking to stakeholders is a routine part of this position. Spanish language proficiency is desired.
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. Ability to shift program focus as times and organizational needs change.
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
Desired Experience
- Passion and desire to pursue a career in Cooperative Extension
- Experience in building partnerships and with multidisciplinary teams
- Demonstrated ability to effectively plan projects, manage teams and implement an applied research and outreach program, including setting measurable goals and objectives
Salary: The salary range for this Cooperative Extension Advisor position is Assistant Rank, Step I ($71,200) to Step VI ($94,000). Step placement in the advisor series is based on applicable experience and professional qualifications. For information regarding Cooperative Extension Advisor salary scales, please refer to the University of California website: https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/358478.pdf. If the successful candidate is currently a UCCE Advisor, the candidate will be offered the position without change to the candidate's current rank, step, salary and/or appointment terms; and if applicable, is eligible to retain indefinite status.
This position is eligible for indefinite status following three successful reviews and subject to terms noted in UC ANR Policy and Procedure Manual, Section 315 https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/118501.pdf
If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose “applicants” (refer to position #22-07)
Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by April 24, 2023 (open until filled)