"Cooperative Extension Area Citrus and Pistachio Advisor - Serving Kern and Kings Counties (AP 25-34)"

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 focused on the large pistachio industry in Kern and Kings Counties, and supporting citrus production in Kern County by providing information to local growers.

The Advisor will develop problem-solving and educational programs for high-priority production issues related to climate and drought resilience in pistachios, 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 in pistachios, 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.) and emerging pests and diseases.

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, evaluation criteria].

Location Headquarters: The position will be based at the Kern County Cooperative Extension Office at 1031 S. Mount Vernon Avenue, Bakersfield, California, 93307.

Position Details

The pistachio industry is important... Examples of potential research topics include:

• Precision-driven nutrient management strategies...
• Advanced water resource management...
• Climate-resilient cultivation practices...
• Integrated pest and disease management...
• High-density orchard systems...

Research objectives should emphasize... The Advisor will conduct outreach... Counties of Responsibility: pistachio production in Kern and Kings Counties and citrus production in Kern County.

Reporting Relationship: Reports to the UC Cooperative Extension Area Director for Kern, Kings, and Tulare Counties. Not remote; onsite in Bakersfield, CA.

Qualifications and Skills Required

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

Key Qualifications:

• Experience in conducting applied, impact-oriented research...
• Capacity for team-based programs...
• Ability to travel; valid CA Driver's License...
• Authorized to work in U.S....

Additional Skills Required: Meet UC academic criteria... [details].

Desired Experience:

• Building partnerships...
• Climate change mitigation...
• Plan projects, secure funding...
• Expertise in orchard crops, pistachios...
• Spanish skills.

Salary & Benefits

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

Benefits: Comprehensive UC benefits... UC Benefits.

How to Apply

Visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ (position 25-34). Closing: November 23, 2025 (open until filled).

Application Requirements:

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

Questions? Contact Katie Kilbane: klkilbane@ucanr.edu