"Cooperative Extension Horticulture and Specialty Crops Advisor - Serving Humboldt and Del Norte Counties (AP 22-24)"

Job Description

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), invites applications for a University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Horticulture and Specialty Crops Advisor serving Humboldt and Del Norte Counties at the Assistant rank. The Advisor will develop an innovative extension, education, and applied research program to address issues related to the North Coast food system's sustainability, resiliency, marketing, innovation, and competitiveness.

This position offers the opportunity to address a myriad of issues related to diversified farming systems, food security, water quality compliance, irrigation management, soil health, farm sustainability, climate resilience, pest and disease management, enterprise analysis, succession planning, community food security, and overall natural ecosystem resilience. The Advisor will also provide academic oversight for the Master Gardener Program as these volunteers disseminate information to the public and support local horticulture education. This position will integrate ANR's research and extension education efforts across communities to improve the profitability and resilience of plant-based food systems across the region.

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 to increase knowledge and understanding of science-based research that supports and promotes the adoption of practices and technologies to solve local problems. Extension activities may include individual farm consultations, presentations, or organizing educational workshops, short courses, and field demonstrations. Information may also be disseminated via radio, webinars, fact sheets, policy briefs, news blogs, social media, and other outlets. Publications are expected in various formats, such as newsletters, articles for the popular press, curricula, conference proceedings, and peer-reviewed publications. Successful research and extension programs result in new information that improves knowledge or understanding and eventual adoption of new skills or practices, changed attitudes or policies, and improved environmental, economic, or social conditions. UCCE Advisors are evaluated through an academic advancement system based on four criteria: 1) extending knowledge, 2) applied research and creative activity, 3) professional competence and activity, and 4) university and public service.

Location Headquarters: This position will be headquartered at the Humboldt County UCCE Office, 5630 South Broadway, in Eureka, or the Del Norte County UCCE Office, 586 G Street, Crescent City. The successful candidate may choose the location they prefer for their office headquarters.

Position Details

Humboldt and Del Norte Counties have numerous vegetable, fruit, and ornamental growers, including ~150 certified organic producers (22% of the region's agricultural production). The North Coast has an abundant supply of water, and the region's agricultural importance will likely increase as prolonged droughts and climate change impacts continue throughout the state. North Coast farmers grow a variety of crops sold at farmers' markets, roadside stands, community-supported agricultural programs, groceries, and restaurants. Agricultural entrepreneurs are the backbone of local food production, which supports rural food security, provides rural family incomes, sustains economic diversity, and enhances the regional quality of life. The North Coast hosts an internationally important bulb and lily industry, as Del Norte County produces 95% of the nation's Easter lily bulbs. The region's diverse producers, along with socially disadvantaged and underserved Hispanic, Native American, and Hmong agricultural entrepreneurs, will benefit from UC ANR extension support. This is an exciting opportunity to develop and deliver relevant program content to have meaningful impacts in these local communities and throughout California.

The Advisor will conduct applied research on topics relevant to local growers, based on a clientele needs assessment and the Advisor's expertise. Examples of potential research topics include: Variety trials for new and/or innovative specialty crops from other regions that might prosper in the unique north coast climate; Assessing economically viable irrigation and fertilizer efficiency improvements; Soil health research and advocacy; On-farm technology assessment and support; Economic assessment of value-added products from locally grown foods; Integrated pest management strategies for both organic and conventional producers for the North Coast's unique and diverse commodities and climates; Market development and support for farm business development and succession planning; Regional food security and food infrastructure support.

The Advisor will conduct outreach to provide science-based information through workshops, field meetings, webinars, newsletters, industry and media outlets, phone calls, and online and social media tools, as appropriate for the target audiences. Extension efforts will need to cover basic information for small acreage and new growers, as well as cutting-edge information for more experienced growers.

This position will support the goals of the statewide UC Master Gardener program by providing academic oversight for UC Master Gardener Volunteer program in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. Providing accurate information on home and community landscapes to the local Master Gardeners is an essential role of this Advisor.

In this highly collaborative role, the Advisor will work with UC ANR Program Teams, UCCE Specialists, and others in the UC ANR network, as well as external partners. Other opportunities for extension and research partnerships exist with a variety of stakeholders, including but not limited to the North Coast Growers Association, Humboldt and Del Norte Farm Bureaus, Tribes (Yurok, Hoopa, Karuk, etc.), Community Alliance of Family Farmers, Humboldt Food Policy Council, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Small Business Development Center, local Resource Conservation Districts, and Cal Poly Humboldt. The Advisor joins a team of highly motivated UCCE colleagues who are passionate about their work and are dedicated to making a difference within their communities and throughout California.

Counties of Responsibility: This position will serve both Humboldt and Del Norte Counties.

Reporting Relationship: In this appointment, you will report directly to the UC Cooperative Extension Director for Humboldt and/or Del Norte County with input from the Director of the Master Gardener Statewide Program. It is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite at the headquarters location in either Eureka or Crescent City, CA, and travel to and be present in both counties served. Specific expectations for maintaining office hours and fieldwork in the geographic area covered by this position will be outlined upon hire by their supervisor.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Education: A minimum of a master's degree in plant science, horticulture, agronomy, soil science, crop science, or related field is required at the time of appointment.

Key Qualifications: Experience in horticulture or agriculture science; 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 UC ANR; Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal, and information technology communication skills; Experience in research design and statistical data analyses; Advisors are expected to publish in both peer-reviewed journals and communicate with diverse audiences in popular press outlets; Experience and an interest in working with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes and ethnicities are essential; 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 or obtain a valid California Driver's License to drive a county or university vehicle; We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. at the time of hire.

Additional Skills Required: Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series and demonstrate success in meeting required academic advancement criteria as per the UC Academic Personnel Manuals. They also need to document relevant research, extension, teaching experience, and appropriate scholarly achievements; An interest in and desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension; Technical Competence and Impact: The candidate should understand key concepts to optimize engagement and development of agricultural or horticultural science research and extension programs and be able to design and implement a program that leads to positive changes and impact within the community and beyond; Collaboration, Teamwork, and Flexibility: The candidate should demonstrate the ability to collaborate as a team member with key external stakeholders, county-based staff, and other colleagues within UC ANR; Lifelong Learning: Advisors are expected to evolve and grow throughout their careers and respond to changes in the agricultural industry, clientele, and organizational structure; As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer. 'Misconduct' means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.

Desired Experience: Demonstrated ability to effectively plan projects, manage teams, and implement an applied research and outreach program, including setting measurable goals and objectives; Familiarity with multiple cropping systems, organic farming practices, regenerative soil management, integrated pest management, plant pathology/entomology, weed management, irrigation systems, and direct market farming; Passion and desire to pursue a career in Cooperative Extension; Experience in building partnerships and working with multidisciplinary teams; Demonstrated ability to conduct research projects and contribute to the peer-reviewed scientific community; Language proficiency in Hmong and/or Spanish.

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. This position is eligible for sabbatical leave privileges as per the terms of the University policy. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website at: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html.

How to Apply

If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose "applicants" (refer to position #22-24). Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by November 16, 2025 (open until filled).

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research - Statement of Research and Extension. Please submit a 2-page Statement of Research and Extension Interests including how your current and/or past research and extension experience could contribute to, or be applicable to, the needs of the local community. Provide examples of potential goals and outcomes from your research and extension activities.
• References - Please provide 3 references: names, titles and contact information.
• College Level Transcripts - Electronic transcripts or legible scanned copies (PDF) of original transcripts will be accepted. Transcripts must identify course work completed, grades earned, degrees conferred and confer dates. Please DO NOT send transcripts that are password protected.