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Integrated Pest Management Area Advisor( Applied Research and Extension) 22-26

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

County Locations: Amador County, Calaveras County, El Dorado County, Tuolumne County

Date Posted: April 11, 2023

Closing Date: May 23, 2023

Job Description: https://ucanr.edu/publicFiles/jobs/2502.pdf

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers a unique recruitment opportunity for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) IPM Area Advisor. UC ANR operates a statewide network of researchers and educators dedicated to the development and application of knowledge to address local agricultural, environmental and health issues. Over 150 UC ANR UCCE advisors conduct research, outreach and education from locally based CE offices serving all 58 counties from 70+ locations throughout the state. By working and living among those we serve, UC ANR expands the University of California's reach to engage all people and communities in California, ensuring equal access to the UC system.

Location Headquarters. UCCE El Dorado County Office, Placerville, CA

Purpose: The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Area Advisor will implement a dynamic applied research and extension outreach program addressing sustainable management for a wide range of pests and abiotic plant disorders affecting the diverse small farm cropping systems and associated grower communities found within the region.

The disciplinary focus of this position is Integrated Pest Management with a goal to secure and enhance local farm productivity while safeguarding environmental and community health. The position will focus on three programmatic themes: (1) enhancing farm economic productivity by identifying cost effective IPM solutions for endemic pests, as well as, new invasive pests attacking a broad range of crops grown in the region including wine grapes, tree fruit, Christmas trees, seasonal produce, olives, and other specialty crops; (2) developing awareness and targeting solutions to address climate change effects on changing and/or emerging pest complexes and abiotic stressors of plant growth, including drought, heat, and frost events; (3) securing environmental and community health via adoption and implementation of IPM programs that minimize pesticide use and pesticide movement into farm adjacent waterways, forest lands and urban communities including schools.

The advisor is responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of IPM extension education programs that will have positive impacts on foothill farm economic security and help to safeguard water resources and community health. The position will assist agricultural producers, including underserved groups such as Miwok Native Americans and Latino farm workers, consultants, local county agricultural commissioners, UCCE Master Gardeners and home horticulturalists by developing and extending science-based IPM practices.

This is an exciting opportunity for the candidate to do research and provide research-based education by address emerging invasive and endemic pest issues within the context of the unique Central Sierra environmental conditions. The advisor will conduct research to answer questions on pest host range, generation time, natural enemies, alternative management practices, effective pesticide strategies and application timing and technology.

There are numerous opportunities for the advisor to build partnerships with USDA, local NRCS, Community Alliance with Family Farms, county agricultural commissioners, county farm bureaus, PCA's, and local grower groups (including El Dorado Wine Grape Growers Association, Amador County Grape Growers Association, Calaveras Winegrape Alliance, Farms of Tuolumne County and Apple Hill Growers Association).

The advisor joins 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. The potential for collaborative projects within the UC ANR system is nearly limitless. The IPM Area Advisor will be a key member of the UC Statewide IPM Program's (UCIPM) academic team.

Counties of Responsibility. This position will be strategically located at the UCCE El Dorado County office and serves the counties of Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado and Tuolumne.

Reporting Relationship: The CE Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Central Sierra Multi County Partnership (MCP) Director. The IPM area CE advisor is programmatically reporting to the Director of the Statewide IPM Program.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications

Education: A minimum of a Master's degree in an IPM related field such as entomology, plant pathology, weed science, or vertebrate pest management, or closely 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.

• A broad understanding of IPM principles, including knowledge of crop production, cultural and biological controls, and pesticide use.

• The CE Advisor must possess or obtain within one year a Qualified Pesticide Applicator Certificate (QAC) or License (QAL) prior to applying or supervising the application of any pesticide.

• This is not a remote position. The candidate must be available to work onsite.

Skills Required

To be successful, the CE Advisor requires skills in the following area:

Technical Competence and Impact

The candidate should have a deep understanding of 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, interpersonal, and information technology communication skills. Public speaking to stakeholders is a routine part of this position.

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

• Experience in conducting field research in agriculture; planning and implementation of broad, large-scale research and extension programs.

• Experience conducting field work with small farmers on IPM implementation.

• An understanding of how public policy impacts agricultural management and producer decision-making.

• 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.

• Bilingual in Spanish is helpful.

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 California. We are committed to developing and supporting practical, science-based solutions that contribute to 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

• UC ANR at https://ucanr.edu

• UC ANR in counties: https://ucanr.edu/sites/ucanr/County_Offices/

• Our Strategic Initiatives http://ucanr.edu/sites/StrategicInitiatives/

• Our Public Value statements at: https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/Divisionwide_Planning/UC_ANR_Public_Values/

• DEI: Further to the above, advisors are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR's commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion https://ucanr.edu/sites/Professional_Development/Office_-_Team_Management/Diversity_Equity_Inclusion_Belonging/

• Affirmative Action: Further to the above, advisors are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR's commitment to affirmative action. Learn more of UC ANR Affirmative Action policy: http://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/Diversity/Affirmative_Action/

• The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ+ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

Salary & Benefits

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

Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, two days per month paid vacation, one day per month paid sick leave, and paid holidays. This position is eligible for sabbatical leave privileges as per the terms of the University policy. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website at: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose “applicants” (refer to position #22-26)Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by May 23, 2023 - (open until filled)

Questions?

Contact Tatiana Avoce; email: mailto: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.

University of California Cooperative Extension

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, Religious Objection, and/or Deferral based on pregnancy or recent COVID-19 diagnosis and/or treatment) no later than the applicable deadline. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of receiving the most recent CDC-recommended COVID-19 booster or properly decline such booster no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy#page=44, Section II.C. of the https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy#page=13 for applicable deadlines. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of being Up-To-Date on seasonal influenza vaccination or properly decline such vaccination no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to the https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy#page=51. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

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, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.

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