Cooperative Extension Area Low Desert Weed Management Advisor Serving Imperial and Riverside Counties (24-24)

Job Description

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Area Low Desert Weed Management Advisor at the Assistant rank serving Imperial and Riverside Counties.

The Weed Management Advisor will implement an innovative multi-county extension education and applied research program focused on biology, ecology, and management of weeds of agricultural importance in the lower desert cropping systems of Imperial and Riverside Counties. Low desert commodities and cropping systems include a diverse mix of agronomic crops (alfalfa, wheat, Sudan grass, Rhodes grass, bermudagrass, Kleingrass, and oilseed crops) as well as various cool-season vegetable and specialty crops. Working closely with collaborators, including local growers, UCCE Advisors and Specialists, and other partners, the Advisor will develop strategies for controlling weeds and disseminate information on effective management practices.

UCCE Advisors are responsible for conducting applied research and extending knowledge. Research activities are applied and mission-oriented, focused on addressing challenges in our communities. Extension activities are the educational methods that Advisors use to share research results directly with clientele and communities...

Location Headquarters

This position will be headquartered in the UC Cooperative Extension Office in Imperial County, located at 1050 E. Holton Road, Holtville, California, 92250.

Position Details

Low desert agricultural production areas in Southeastern California are dynamic, diverse, and challenging... The Advisor will develop applied weed management research locally and in partnerships with collaborators. Research is expected to address weed management practices, including weed biology, ecology, and other weed management techniques...

Key clientele will include commercial farms (both large and small), pest control advisers, allied industries, commodity groups, seed companies, conservation/environmental groups, public agencies, and consumers.

Counties of Responsibility

This position will serve Imperial and Riverside Counties.

Reporting Relationship

In this appointment, you will report directly to the UC Cooperative Extension Director for Imperial and San Diego Counties, with input from the Director of UC Cooperative Extension for Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. This is not a remote position...

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications

• Education: At the time of appointment, a minimum of a master's degree in weed science, agronomy, botany, or a related field is required.
• Knowledge and experience in crop production and weed management or a related field.
• The CE Advisor must possess or obtain within one year a Qualified Pesticide Applicator Certificate (QAC) or License (QAL) prior to applying or supervising the application of any pesticide.
• Capacity or potential to accomplish team-based research and education programs consistent with the values of UCANR.
• Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed... Must possess or obtain a valid California Driver's License...
• We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time...

Additional Skills Required

• Interest in and a desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension.
• Technical Competence and Impact...
• Communication...
• Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility...
• Lifelong Learning...

Desired Experiences

• Experience in successful Extension programming or community development
• A deep understanding of agronomy and weed management
• Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal, and information technology communication skills

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 website: https://ucanr.edu/sites/default/files/2025-01/406198.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...

Application Window

Open date: December 15, 2025

Most recent review date: Friday, Feb 6, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

How to Apply

If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose "applicants" (refer to position #24-24).

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by February 6, 2026 - (Open until filled)

Questions? Contact Tatiana Avoce at tavoce@ucanr.edu

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research and Extension...
• References - Please submit a page of 3-5 references...
• College Level Transcripts...

Job location: Holtville, CA