"Assistant Specialist For Vegetable Crops Production and Management, UCCE Stanislaus, Merced, and San Joaquin Counties (25-32)"

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers a unique recruitment opportunity for a Vegetable Crops Production and Management Assistant Specialist, Represented. UC ANR operates a statewide network of researchers, educators and support staff dedicated to the development and application of knowledge to address local agricultural, environmental and (community) health issues.

Purpose

The Assistant Specialist for Vegetable Crops Production and Management (1.0 FTE) will assist in all phases of applied vegetable production and management research and extension efforts in the northern San Joaquin Valley. The position will be headquartered at the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Stanislaus County office in Modesto, CA and will be additionally responsible for conducting research and extension activities in the northern San Joaquin Valley counties of Merced and San Joaquin per the request of projects.

The Assistant Specialist will provide independent support of research and extension programming by designing, conducting, and communicating results from applied research projects in locally relevant vegetable crops (watermelon, cole crops, processing tomato, fresh market tomato, and oriental vegetables). Specific activities include designing research trials, creating protocols, taking soil and plant samples, conducting lab analysis, focusing on nitrogen-fixing and mycorrhizal biostimulants, optimizing vegetable grafting technology and irrigation management, and other topics like insect and disease management. The position will lead technicians and seasonal student assistants, leverage expertise in data collection, statistical analysis, and assist in organizing extension activities.

Reporting Relationship: Administratively responsible to the Vegetable Crops Advisor at UCCE Stanislaus County.
Location Headquarters: UCCE Stanislaus County, Modesto, California

Required Qualifications and Skills

Required Qualifications

• Education: Minimum master's degree in Plant Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, Irrigation, Soil Science or related field by appointment start date.
• Experience in data analysis using R and SAS.
• Experience in applied research on vegetable crops.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Qualifications

• Must obtain Qualified Pesticide Applicator Certificate (QAC) or License.
• Meet UC academic title series criteria.
• Not remote; no visa sponsorship.
• Valid CA Driver's License required.
• Background check disclosures.

Desired Qualifications

• Excellence in applied vegetable production research and extension.
• Peer-reviewed publications.
• Knowledge in biostimulants, nutrient/irrigation management.
• Experience with multidisciplinary teams and small-scale minority growers.
• Report writing, public speaking, extension experience.

Skills Required

Technical Competence, Communication, Collaboration, Lifelong Learning.

Salary & Benefits

SALARY: Assistant Specialist Rank, Step 1 - $63,500 to Step 3 - $70,700 annually. Two-year term appointment, eligible for merit every two years.

Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance, retirement, vacation, sick leave, holidays. See UC Benefits.

How to Apply

Visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose 'applicants' (position #25-32). Closing Date for full consideration: January 27, 2026 (open until filled).

Document requirements:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter
- Statement of Research and Extension
- College Level Transcripts
- 3 References (contact info)

Questions? Contact Tatiana Avoce at tavoce@ucanr.edu

Job location: Modesto, CA