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Soil Health and Organic Materials Management Advisor (Applied Research and Extension) AP 22-03

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

County Locations: Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County
Locations: Office of the President - Oakland and UC ANR - Davis

Date Posted: October 18, 2023
Closing Date: December 4, 2023

Job Description: https://ucanr.edu/publicFiles/jobs/2652.pdf

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers a unique recruitment opportunity for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Soil Health and Organic Materials Management 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: Orange County, CA, UC ANR South Coast Research and Extension Center, Irvine, CA.

Purpose. The Soil Health and Organic Materials Management Advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied research program addressing issues related to the diversion of organic waste from landfills into alternative end markets contributing to the improved health of agricultural and landscape soils.

This position offers the opportunity to address a myriad of issues related to green and food waste management and its subsequent use on urban soils in the form of mulch and compost. It is envisioned that it will also become more critical to identify methods of disposal and/or uses of both of these organic materials locally, in order to reduce the impact of hauling and subsequent land application hundreds of miles from their original source. There is also a significant need to address the public's adverse response to the use of some organic waste products, potentially containing contaminants, as soil amendments, especially urban soils used for food production.

This is an exciting opportunity to build a research and extension program around topics such as the use of organic materials as soil amendments, land cover applications of both compost and mulch, innovative processing technologies, adoption of management practices (behavior changes), identification and management of chemical contaminants in organic wastes, and innovative markets for diverted and processed organic waste products.

There are many opportunities for extension and research partnerships with individual municipalities, counties, and members of the waste management community to bridge the gap between regulations and best available science in organic waste management by end users in urban agriculture, landscape, and open spaces. The advisor will also partner with UCCE volunteer programs such as Master Gardeners (focused on compost education), Master Food Preservers, and 4-H Youth Development STEM projects, where appropriate.

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.

Counties of Responsibility. This position will be strategically located at the UC ANR South Coast Research and Extension Center (SCREC) to mainly serve Orange, Los Angeles, and San Diego Counties.

Reporting Relationship: The CE Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) South Coast REC Director with input from the other relevant county Directors.
Qualifications and Skills Required
Required Qualifications

Education: A minimum of a Master's degree in soils, environmental science, environmental engineering, or closely related discipline 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.
• This is not a remote position. The candidate must be available to work onsite.

Desired Experience

• Experience in waste management, methods of statistical analysis, and experience participating in interdisciplinary research is highly desirable
• 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.

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 waste management and alternate end markets 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.

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

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 the state of California. We are committed to developing and supporting healthy food systems, healthy environments, healthy communities, and healthy Californians. UC ANR administers Statewide Programs and Initiatives (SWP/I's) that focus research and extension on solving priority problems that engage ANR academics and UC faculty in integrated teams to work on complex issues requiring trans-disciplinary approaches; as well as UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE), which is responsible for program development and delivery in counties throughout the state.

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/2016-2020_Strategic_Plan/Goal_5__Prioritize_programs_and_services/Public_values_statement/

• 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 ($79,500) to Step VI ($100,900). 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 #22-03)

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by

December 4, 2023 - (open until filled)
Questions?

Contact Mikyla Perez email: mailto:mikperez@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.

To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/4711373

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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