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Agronomy Advisor (Applied Research and Extension) 23-09

Agronomy Advisor (Applied Research and Extension) 23-09

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

County Location: Siskiyou County

Date Posted: July 17, 2023
Closing Date: August 31, 2023

Job Description: https://ucanr.edu/publicFiles/jobs/2580.pdf

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers a unique recruitment opportunity for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Agronomy 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. Our mission is to bring the University of California directly to Californians through research, extension and education programs that support:

• Sustainable, safe, and nutritious food production and delivery
• Economic success in a global economy
• A sustainable, healthy, and productive environment
• Science literacy and youth development

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: Yreka, Siskiyou County, California

Purpose:

The Cooperative Extension (CE) advisor for agronomy will conduct an extension, education and applied research program focusing on aspects of crop production and cropping systems. The CE advisor will develop and extend information that optimizes crop production and pest management technologies, while maximizing net farm income, conserving natural resources, and safeguarding the environment. The Agronomy Advisor also provides leadership in the development of forage cropping systems research in the intermountain sub-region.

Primary crops include alfalfa, small grains, grass hay, irrigated pasture, and specialty crops grown in the region. The general focus of the agronomic work will be on one or more of the following: soil fertility and plant nutrition, irrigation management and efficiency, improved varieties, pest management (weeds, insects, and disease), and economics. Key clientele includes forage crop producers, certified pest control and crop advisors, and state and federal agricultural and resource agencies.

Extension Education activities include the dissemination of science-based research results and educational information using a variety of methods, including individual consultations, presentations at grower and industry meetings, workshops, short courses, and field demonstrations. Dissemination methods further include publications and newsletters in UC ANR and peer-reviewed journals, technical reports to commodity boards/funding agencies, and use of contemporary and emerging electronic tools (such as online learning, web content systems and repositories, social media, impact and evaluation tools), along with specialized and public media outlets.

The CE advisor will develop and implement an applied research program to provide science-based solutions and addressing complex issues. The applied research program will be based upon a needs assessment and may include partnerships with a variety of campus and county-based colleagues. Field research activities will be conducted primarily on private farms and ranches. Research collaboration with the Intermountain Research and Extension Center nearby Tulelake, CA is strongly encouraged and supported. The CE advisor is expected to work collaboratively with CE specialists, UCCE staff, and other CE advisors. There are numerous opportunities for extension and research partnerships with a variety of stakeholders and partners, including industry groups, growers, public and governmental agencies such as: Siskiyou County Farm Bureau, California Alfalfa and Forage Association, National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance, California Wheat Commission, and United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The advisor joins a team of highly motivated UCCE colleagues who are passionate about their work and are dedicated to making a difference within their communities and throughout California. There is excellent potential for collaborative projects within the UC ANR system.

Counties of Responsibility. This position will be headquartered in the UCCE office located in Yreka, Siskiyou County, California

Reporting Relationship: The CE Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) and is responsible to the UCCE Siskiyou county director.
Qualifications and Skills Required
Required Qualifications

Education: A minimum of a Master's degree in disciplines such as plant science, agronomy, pest management, crop production, or other closely related field is required by the appointment start date.
Additional Requirements

• Technical competency and demonstrated ability in applied agricultural research and extension techniques.
• Ability to build partnerships and to work with multidisciplinary teams to address crop production and environmental challenges.
• Ability to work with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes and ethnicities is essential.
• 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.
• 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 solid understanding of agronomy and cropping systems 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 clientele.

Communication

The candidate should demonstrate excellence in written, oral, and interpersonal and information technology communication skills. Public speaking to stakeholders is a routine part of this position. Spanish language skills are a plus.

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to share complex information in a manner tailored to different audiences.

Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively as a team member with industry and other stakeholders.

The candidate should be aware of and willing to actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Lifelong Learning

Demonstrated commitment to ongoing self-improvement - both professionally and as a person. Ability to shift program focus as times and organizational needs.
Desired Experience

• Interest in and a desire to pursue a career in Cooperative Extension.
• An understanding of experimental procedures and data analysis is desired,
• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan projects, manage teams and implement an applied research and outreach program, including setting measurable goals and objectives.

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

About UC ANR

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 ($74,500) to Step VI ($98,400). 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
How to Apply

If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose “applicants” (refer to position #23-09)

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by August 31, 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 University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government 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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