"Cooperative Extension Viticulture and Tree Fruit Area Advisor - Serving Sacramento, Yolo, and Solano Counties (AP 25-28)"

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Viticulture and Tree Fruit Area Advisor at the Assistant rank serving Sacramento, Yolo, and Solano Counties. The Advisor will develop an innovative applied research and extension education program focused on viticulture (wine grapes) and pomological crops (oil olives, pears, and other minor fruit crops) across the three-county area.

The Viticulture and Tree Fruit Area Advisor will provide leadership on critical issues impacting the area's wine grape and tree fruit industries, including climate adaptation strategies, pest management practices, production efficiency, sustainability improvements, and labor-saving technological innovations. The Advisor will work closely with local growers, commodity and grower groups such as local wine grape grower associations, and Farm Bureaus. They will develop collaborative teams with other UC ANR academics, including UCCE Advisors and Specialists, to address priority issues for clientele and UC ANR.

Position Details

The wine grape and olive industries have become significant contributors to the three-county area economy over the past decade, while pears have remained a steady contributor with deep historical roots. The Capitol Corridor now contains 15 American Viticultural Areas, and its wine grape acreage has increased 50% in the last decade, growing to 61,000 acres from 39,000 in 2010. Simultaneously, wine grape values have increased 90%, and remain the highest grossing commodity in Sacramento County, the second highest in Solano, and the fifth in Yolo. Olive production in the three-county area has grown from almost zero acres in 2010 to 8,300 acres, producing oil valued at $14 million as of 2022.

Despite the growth in acreage and high value of these crops, along with significant infrastructure investments in the region, such as the construction of new wineries and olive mills, climate change threatens these industries in multiple ways... By conducting applied research and providing science-based information to wine grape and tree fruit growers, the Advisor will drive innovation, increasing the economic and environmental sustainability of these industries in the region.

Extension

The Advisor is expected to develop an innovative and engaging extension program, including direct collaboration with farmers through farm visits, workshops, field days, short courses, commodity meetings, and farmer-to-farmer learning networks, as well as a robust online/electronic presence to amplify reach. Key clientele includes existing and prospective growers of focal crops... The Advisor will collaborate with a wide variety of regional industry groups, including the CA Pear Advisor Board and the CA Olive Council, as well as local Farm Bureaus, Agricultural Commissioners, and other relevant governmental and non-profit organizations.

Research

Key areas of potential research for this Advisor include innovative crop-specific approaches to optimize resource use and minimize environmental impact for conventional and organic production. These might include labor-saving technologies (mechanization, plant bio-regulators, cultural practices), horticultural management and efficiencies (spacing, training, pruning, canopy management, harvest), rootstock and variety selection, cultural practices to mitigate effects of climate change and extreme weather, nutrient management, and pest and disease management. The Advisor is expected to publish in relevant peer-reviewed journals, such as the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture, trade journals like American Vineyard Magazine and Progressive Crop Consultant, as well as UCCE publications.

Counties of Responsibility: Sacramento, Yolo, and Solano Counties. Location Headquarters: UCCE Sacramento County office at 4145 Branch Center Road, Sacramento, CA.

Reporting Relationship: Report directly to the UC Cooperative Extension Director for the three-county Cooperative Extension Capitol Corridor unit. It is not a remote position.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Education: A minimum of a master's degree in viticulture, pomology, horticulture, plant physiology, crop science, agroecology, or a closely related field is required at the time of appointment.

Key Qualifications:

• A demonstrated ability in applied agricultural research and extension is required.
• General knowledge of crop production, including soil, water, fertility, and pest management.
• Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule... 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.

Desired Experience: Relevant experience with viticulture and/or pomology; Experience working for or with growers; Experience in building partnerships...

Salary & Benefits

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

This position is eligible for indefinite status following three successful reviews...

Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits... UC Benefits website.

How to Apply

If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu and choose 'applicants' (refer to position #25-28).

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by January 31, 2026 - (open until filled).

Questions? Contact Katie Kilbane at klkilbane@ucanr.edu.

Application Requirements

Document requirements: Curriculum Vitae, Cover Letter, Statement of Research and Extension (2-page), References (3), College Level Transcripts.