"Cooperative Extension Area Vegetable Crops Advisor - Serving Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Glenn, and Butte Counties (26-01)"

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Area Vegetable Crops Advisor at the Assistant rank serving Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Glenn, and Butte counties.

The Area Vegetable Crops Advisor will implement an innovative multi-county extension education and applied research program focused on field research and outreach for the major vegetable commodities of the Sacramento Valley, primarily processing tomatoes, but also cucurbits and vine seed production. Additionally, they will serve as a resource and answer questions related to other specialty vegetable crops. The advisor will dedicate at least 25% of their time to developing and evaluating organic production practices useful for certified organic (CO) systems and for sustainable farms outside of CO programs. Working closely with collaborators, including local growers, UCCE Advisors and Specialists, agencies, and other partners, the advisor will support farmers' progress toward the 2023 Sustainable Pest Management roadmap from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Key clientele include vegetable crop growers, farm managers, pest control advisers, agricultural commissioners and their staff, and Resource Conservation Districts.

Position Details

This position will be based at the UC Cooperative Extension Office in Colusa County, located at 100 Sunrise Boulevard, Colusa, California 95932.

This position will support processing tomato production, a vital economic driver in Sacramento Valley counties, as well as biological pest management practices in the area's vegetable production. With the focus on sustainable pest management outlined by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, growers will need to pivot more toward biological materials and approaches for pest management in vegetable crops, including processing tomatoes. Plant pathology expertise is especially needed, based on clientele requests.

The focus for this advisor will include: Helping to support and sustain the processing tomato industry in the Sacramento Valley in the face of climate change and a regulatory environment demanding more biological pest management. Helping keep annual cropping systems as viable alternatives to perennial orchards in the region. This sustains agricultural businesses while allowing more flexible water management/allocation. Extending information to growers of various scales on a variety of vegetable crops.

Research is expected to address critical stakeholder needs in the region, including disease, insect, and weed management in processing tomatoes. Biological and cultural approaches to pest management will be a priority.

Counties of Responsibility: Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Glenn, and Butte counties.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications
Education: At the time of appointment, a minimum of a master's degree in horticulture, plant science, pest management, or a related field is required.

Key Qualifications
Knowledge and experience in vegetable crop production, pest management, or a related field. Capacity or potential to accomplish team-based research and education programs consistent with the values of UC ANR. 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.

Desired Experiences
Demonstrated experience in successful extension programming and applied research. A deep understanding of vegetable crop production and pest management. Experience with biological approaches to pest management and crop production. Experience with organic production practices and sustainable farming systems. Experience in building partnerships and working with multidisciplinary teams. Bilingual in Spanish or another language common in the region served.

Salary & Benefits

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

Application Window

Open date: January 26, 2026
Next review date: Monday, Mar 16, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Final date: Sunday, Jun 28, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research and Extension
• References - 3-5 references with contact information
• College Level Transcripts