Agronomy and Nutrient Management Advisor

Position Overview

The University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Agronomy and Nutrient Management Advisor in the Assistant Rank, serving Kings, Tulare and Fresno Counties. The Agronomy and Nutrient Management Advisor will focus on California's Southern San Joaquin Valley field crops, including livestock feed and non-vegetable field crops with emphasis on nutrient management linked to animal agriculture and fertilizer use. The program developed within this position will have an advisory and academic emphasis on animal agriculture waste, fertilizer, irrigation management and water quality issues. The extension and research program will also focus on crop production practices including cultural practices, variety selection, pest management, economics, plant nutrition, and nutrient management with a primary focus on nitrogen.

UCCE Advisors are responsible for applied research and the extension of knowledge. Research activities are needs-based, mission-oriented, and focused on clientele needs and addressing our regional communities' challenges. Extension activities are educational practices advisors use to share research results directly with their clientele and communities. Increased knowledge and understanding of science-based research helps to support and promote the adoption of practices and technologies that solve problems. Extension methods may include individual consultations and site visits, in-person presentations and webinars, organization of educational workshops, field days, conferences and short courses. Information may also be disseminated in written form, via fact sheets, policy briefs, news blogs and social media. Publications are expected in various formats, such as newsletters, articles for the popular press, curricula, as well as to the academic community via conference proceedings, and peer-reviewed publications. Successful research and extension programs result in new information that improves knowledge and understanding and increases the adoption of new skills, practices, changed attitudes, policies, and improved environmental, health, agricultural, economic, and/or social conditions. UCCE Advisors are evaluated through an academic advancement system based on four criteria: extending knowledge, applied research and creative activity, professional competence and activity, and University and public service.

Location Headquarters

This position will be headquartered in the UCCE Office in Kings County, located at 680 N. Campus, Hanford, CA 93230

Position Details

The advisor will work with clientele who are farmers, certified crop advisers (CCAs), consultants, federal, state and local agencies, allied industry representatives, pest control advisors (PCAs), and non-profit environmental groups within Kings, Tulare, and Fresno Counties on issues pertaining to production and/or nutrient management in cropping systems of livestock feeds and non-vegetable field crops. Research will inform management and policy efforts in the county and potentially throughout California.

There are extensive opportunities for research and extension partnerships that link clients and resource professionals across multi-sectors with relevant science-based information and promote effective problem solving. The advisor will join 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 advisor will develop and implement a collaborative research, education, and outreach program through the following:

• Providing research, data analysis, and technical guidance to create, validate, and report on economic and community indicators related to agronomy and nutrient management in the area.
• Supporting strategic planning to implement sustainable crop production and nutrient management and resiliency by working with local farmers, agricultural organizations, and industry and community partners, local colleges, and funding agencies, including those in the local areas.
• Acting as a facilitator in the public policy arena to effectively bridge divergent interests around issues that impact subjects within the UC ANR purview.
• Collaborating with UCCE Advisors and Specialists, UC ANR statewide programs, institutes, and program teams to support agronomic, nutrient and water quality research.
• Serving the University through participation in UC and UC ANR leadership, committees, task forces and other formal or informal structures.
• Serving the California public by participating in activities of public agencies and organizations at the local and statewide level
• Building relationships to work with diverse populations and acclimate to varying circumstances.
• Working diverse communities in the region, including small- and large-scale farmers, tribal partners, Latino communities, and other underrepresented communities as partners in planning and implementation.
• Supporting research, extension and outreach efforts through grants, gifts and other funding opportunities
• Publishing in relevant UCANR outlets, county-based publications, and external peer-reviewed journals appropriate for the field of agronomy and nutrient management
• Maintaining professional competence through ongoing training and learning, participating in professional societies and presenting research to the academic community

Counties of Responsibility

This position will serve Kings, Tulare and Fresno and Counties in the San Joaquin Valley.

Reporting Relationship: In this appointment, you will report directly to the Area Director for Kings and Tulare Counties with input from the Area Director in Fresno County. This is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite at the headquarters location, and travel to and be present in Kings County and be able to cover programmatic responsibilities in Tulare and Fresno Counties. Specific expectations for maintaining office hours and fieldwork in the geographic area covered by this position will be outlined upon hire by the Area Director.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Education

A minimum of a master's degree is required in a discipline such as agronomy, crop science, soil science, water management, pest management, crop production, and/or plant nutrition at the time of appointment.

Key Qualifications

• The ability to understand key concepts related to California's agronomic production and its relationship to nutrient management, especially linked to the dairy-forage system.
• Experience in conducting applied research related to agronomic practices, water quality and nutrient management.
• The ability to design and implement programs that lead to measurable impact within the community and beyond. There is an expectation that advisors evolve and grow across their career.
• Experience delivering educational and outreach programming.
• Experience in program and/or personnel management.
• Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability, and property damage insurance on the vehicle used is required. Must possess or obtain a valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University Vehicle.
• Applicants must have unrestricted and permanent work authorization in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. at the time of hire, without additional sponsorship. Internal ANR applicants with questions may contact Katie Kilbane at klkilbane@ucanr.edu.
• This is not a remote position.

Additional Skills Required

• Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series and evidence for success in meeting required academic advancement criteria as per UC Academic Personnel Manuals. Applications need to document relevant research, extension, teaching experience, and appropriate scholarly achievements.
• Interest in and desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension.
• Communication: Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal and information technology communication skills.
• Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility: The candidate should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively as a team member with key external stakeholders and county-based staff, as well as with other colleagues within UC ANR.
• Lifelong Learning: There is an expectation that advisors evolve and grow across their career and respond to changes in the industry, clientele, and organizational change.
• As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer. 'Misconduct' means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's prior place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.

Desired Experience

• Ability to effectively engage with partner organizations to develop strong relationships associated with problems and issues associated with agronomic production, nutrient management and water quality.
• Ability to communicate well with regional audiences including local elected officials, local organizations, local business owners and government agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan applied research or evaluate projects, manage teams and set measurable goals and objectives.
• The ability to work with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes, ethnicities, backgrounds and diverse political views.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: The salary range for this Cooperative Extension Advisor position is Assistant Rank, Step I ($85,600) to Step VI ($108,600). 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 Salary scale

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, subject to terms noted in Section 315 of the ANR Policy and Procedure Manual. If the successful candidate is currently a UCCE Specialist with indefinite status, the candidate will be offered the position commensurate with applicable experience and professional qualifications with eligibility to retain such indefinite status.

Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits, including two days per month paid vacation, one day per month paid sick leave, and paid holidays. This position is eligible for sabbatical leave privileges per the terms of University policy. ANR is part of UC's Family-Friendly Policies. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website Benefits.

Application Window

Open date: April 2, 2026

Next review date: Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.