"Cooperative Extension Area Citrus Advisor - Serving Tulare, Fresno, and Madera Counties (AP 25-26)"

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Area Advisor at the Assistant rank. The Advisor will develop an innovative multi-county applied research and extension education program supporting the large citrus industry in Tulare, Fresno, and Madera Counties.

The Advisor will develop problem-solving and educational programs for high-priority production issues related to climate and drought resilience in citrus, including warmer temperatures, decreased water availability, and decreased water quality. Research and extension solutions may include rootstock and cultivar selection, irrigation and soil management, and emerging innovative farming practices. Additionally, the incumbent will work on horticultural solutions to production challenges, integrating research and expertise from colleagues in agricultural engineering, irrigation, plant pathology, and entomology to address concerns such as limited and increasingly expensive inputs (labor, water, nutrients, etc.), the threat of huanglongbing disease (HLB), and other emerging pests and diseases. One of the most pressing concerns for citrus growers in the region is the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), which is reshaping how water is allocated and used. The advisor will help growers navigate the evolving water landscape while protecting crop productivity and quality.

UCCE Advisors are responsible for applied research and extension of knowledge. Research activities are applied, needs-based, and mission-oriented... [full details on extension methods, publications, evaluation criteria].

Location Headquarters

The position will be headquartered at the Tulare County Cooperative Extension Office, located at 4437 S. Laspina Street, Tulare, California, 93274.

Position Details

Sustaining citrus production in Tulare, Fresno, and Madera Counties is critical... Examples of potential research topics include: Cultivar and rootstock development, High-density training systems and mechanical harvesting, Improved management of water resources..., Strategies to improve the HLB resilience..., Climate-smart practices...

The Advisor will conduct outreach... In this highly collaborative role, the Advisor will work with UC ANR Program Teams...

Counties of Responsibility: Tulare, Fresno, and Madera Counties.

Reporting Relationship: Reports to the UC Cooperative Extension Area Director for Kern, Kings, and Tulare Counties... Not a remote position.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Education: Minimum master's degree in horticulture, pomology, crop physiology, agroecology, plant nutrition, or related field.

Key Qualifications: Experience in applied research, team-based programs, travel ability, valid CA Driver's License, authorized to work in U.S.

Additional Skills: Meet UC academic criteria, interest in UCCE career, technical competence, communication, collaboration...

Desired Experience: Building partnerships, climate change mitigation, project management, funding, citrus expertise, Spanish skills.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: Assistant Rank, Step I ($85,600) to Step VI ($108,600). Salary scales.

Benefits: Comprehensive UC benefits, sabbatical eligible. UC Benefits.

How to Apply

Visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/JPF00339 (refer to positions 25-26). Closing: November 23, 2025 (open until filled).

Contact: Katie Kilbane, klkilbane@ucanr.edu.

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Research
• References (3-5)
• College Level Transcripts