"Cooperative Extension Fruit Postharvest Area Advisor - Serving Fresno, Madera, Tulare, Kings, and Kern Counties (AP 24-23)"

Position Overview: The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension Fruit Postharvest Area Advisor serving Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, and Tulare Counties, at the Assistant rank. The advisor will develop an innovative multi-county applied research and extension education program to support the fruit industry in the San Joaquin Valley.

The Central Valley supplies the US and the world with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, contributing significantly to the state's economy and international trade. Fruits such as grapes, stone fruits, citrus, berries, and nuts, as well as vegetables like tomatoes and garlic, are among the commodities in the area this position will serve. While advanced agricultural practices have significantly increased the productivity of these and other crops, ensuring the quality, safety, and longevity of harvested crops remains a critical challenge. Postharvest losses due to spoilage, damage, and deterioration not only have significant economic implications but contribute to food insecurity and environmental degradation. The Advisor will establish a postharvest research and extension program in the Central Valley to address and improve the postharvest practices for fruit and vegetable crops. The role involves conducting research, developing innovative strategies, and implementing best practices to optimize postharvest processes, minimize losses, and maintain the quality and safety of fruits from harvest to consumption. The Advisor will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to improve efficiency, sustainability, and profitability in the agricultural supply chain.

UCCE Advisors are responsible for applied research and extension of knowledge. Research activities are applied, needs-based, mission-oriented, and focused on addressing our communities' challenges. Extension activities are the educational practices advisors use to share research results directly with clientele and communities to increase their knowledge and understanding of science-based research results that support and promote the adoption of practices and technologies to solve problems. Extension methods may include individual consultations, presentations, organization of educational workshops and short courses, field demonstrations, farm calls, and site visits. Information may also be disseminated via radio outreach, webinars, fact sheets, policy briefs, news blogs, and social media. Publications are expected in various formats, such as newsletters, articles for the popular press, curriculums, conference proceedings, and peer-reviewed publications. Successful research and extension programs result in new information that improves knowledge or understanding and adoption of new skills, practices, changed attitudes, policies, and improved environmental, health, agricultural, economic, and/or social conditions. UCCE Advisors are evaluated through an academic advancement system based on four criteria: extending knowledge, applied research and creative activity, professional competence and activity, and university and public service. There is an expectation that advisors evolve and grow across their careers and respond to changes in the industry, clientele, and organizational change.

Location Headquarters: The position will be headquartered at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center located at 9240 S. Riverbend Avenue in Parlier, California.

Position Details: The Advisor will develop a multidisciplinary applied research and extension program to address critical postharvest issues facing orchard and vegetable crops in the five-county area served. Research will be focused on improving the postharvest practices of various commodities as needed and addressing emerging challenges affecting the postharvest supply chain. Topics appropriate for research include: Postharvest technologies, Extending shelf life, Export requirements, Controlled and modified atmosphere storage, Biodegradable packaging, Pesticide maximum residue limits (MRL), Optimizing shipping conditions to maintain fruit quality while reducing storage and shipping costs. Publication of research results and knowledge is expected to include various UC ANR series, technical sheets, and peer-reviewed journals. The Advisor will conduct outreach to provide science-based information about postharvest issues, disseminating information through workshops, field meetings, webinars, newsletters, industry media outlets, phone calls, and online and social media tools, as appropriate to the target audiences. This position will play a vital role in collaborating with the agricultural industry to optimize postharvest processes, enhance product quality, and minimize losses through the supply chain. By leveraging their expertise in plant science, physiology, and technology, the Advisor will work closely with industry stakeholders, including growers, processors, distributors, shippers, and retailers, to address key challenges and capitalize on opportunities for improvement. The Postharvest Advisor is also expected to develop strong connections with staff at state agencies, such as the CA Dept of Food and Agriculture, county agencies such as County Agricultural Commissioners, research groups outside of UC (USDA, CSUs), and commodity boards. They will work closely with other campus and county-based academics, and partner with UC's internationally-known Postharvest Center.

Counties of Responsibility: This position has programmatic responsibilities in Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, and Tulare Counties.

Reporting Relationship: The CE Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the Director of the UC ANR Kearney Research & Extension Center with input from the UCCE County Directors in the coverage area. It is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite at the headquarters location in Parlier, CA, and travel to and be present in all five counties served. Specific expectations for maintaining office hours and fieldwork in the geographic area covered by this position will be outlined upon hire by the respective directors and supervisors.

Qualifications and Skills Required: Education: A minimum of a master's degree in horticulture, pomology, crop physiology, plant biology, or a related field is required at the time of appointment. Key Qualifications: A strong background in plant science and chemistry, ideally with a focus on postharvest storage, handling, and shipping. Experience in conducting applied, impact-oriented research on topics relevant to this position. 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. Proof of liability and property damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Must possess a valid California Driver's License to drive a county or university vehicle. Additional Skills Required: Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series and evidence for success in meeting required academic advancement criteria as per UC Academic Personnel Manuals. Applications need to document relevant research, extension, and teaching experience, and appropriate scholarly achievements. Interest in and a desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension. Technical Competence and Impact: The candidate should understand key concepts to optimize engagement and development and be able to design and implement a program that leads to positive changes and impact within the community and beyond. Communication: Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal, and information technology communication skills. Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility: The candidate should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively as a team member with key external stakeholders and county-based staff, as well as with other colleagues within UC ANR. Lifelong Learning: There is an expectation that advisors evolve and grow across their career and respond to changes in the industry, clientele, and organizational structure. Desired Experience: Experience in building partnerships and multidisciplinary teams. Demonstrated ability to effectively plan projects, manage teams, and implement an applied research and outreach program, including setting measurable goals and objectives. Experience in seeking and securing grant funding via government agencies, commodity boards, and other sources.

Salary & Benefits: Salary: The salary range for this Cooperative Extension Advisor position is Assistant Rank, Step I ($82,900) to Step VI ($105,200). Step placement in the advisor series is based on applicable experience and professional qualifications. 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. This position is eligible for sabbatical leave privileges as per the terms of the University policy.

How to Apply: If you are interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose "applicants" (refer to position 24-23). Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by July 15, 2025.