"Nutrient Management and Forage Systems Advisor (AP25-37)"

Job Description

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Nutrient Management and Forage Systems Advisor at the Assistant rank serving Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Merced Counties.

The Nutrient Management and Forage Systems Advisor will implement an innovative multi-county extension education and applied research program focused on production issues for forage crops in California's Northern San Joaquin Valley. The emphasis will be on nutrient management in cropping systems linked to animal agriculture and fertilizer use, as well as on irrigation management and water quality issues. Expected impacts are optimized agronomic practices that maximize profitability while improving water and nutrient use efficiency, protecting water and air resources, and building climate resilience through identification and promotion of best agricultural practices.

Position Details

In the three-county region served by this Advisor, forage crops account for $900 million in revenue from 570,000 harvested acres, supporting $3.8 billion in milk and cattle revenue...

Research is expected to focus on crop production issues for livestock feed, emphasizing animal agriculture and fertilizer use, nutrient management issues, irrigation management, and water quality. Research topics may include: Nitrogen and salt management, Improved production practices, Use of nitrification inhibitors, GIS systems, Conservation tillage, Role of nitrogen-fixing legumes, Best practices to manage organic nitrogen, Decision-making tools, Alternate manure management practices.

Location Headquarters: UC Cooperative Extension Office in Stanislaus County, located at 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto, California 95358.

Counties of Responsibility: Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Merced Counties.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications
Education: Minimum of a master's degree in agronomy, crop science, soil science, water management, crop production, plant nutrition, or a related field.

Key Qualifications: Expertise in nutrient management issues linked to California dairy-forage production system, etc.

Desired Experiences: Experience in Extension programming, understanding of California dairy nutrient management, etc.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: Assistant Rank, Step I ($85,600) to Step VI ($108,600).
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, vacation, sick leave, holidays, sabbatical eligibility.

How to Apply

Visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/JPF00365 (refer to position # 25-37).
Closing Date: February 3, 2026 for full consideration (Open until filled).

Questions? Contact Mikyla Perez at mikperez@ucanr.edu

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research and Extension
• References (3-5)
• College Level Transcripts

Job location: Modesto, CA