"UC Cooperative Extension Orchard Systems Advisor (Cherries, Walnuts, Olives, Apples)"

Job Details

UC Cooperative Extension Orchard Systems Advisor (Cherries,
Walnuts, Olives, Apples)

Serving San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties

The University of California division of Agriculture and Natural
Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative
Extension (UCCE) Orchard Systems Advisor, in the Assistant Rank,
serving San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties. The successful
candidate will develop and implement an innovative applied research
and extension education program that will focus on walnut and sweet
cherry production. Disciplinary focus will be on production systems,
integrated pest management, nutrient management, irrigation
management and efficiency, business strategies, soil fertility and
health, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. The position
will also include sweet cherry in Sacramento County and area wide
responsibilities for olives (oil and table), and several other
smaller-acreage crops including apples, prunes, persimmons, and
pomegranates. San Joaquin County is the statewide leader in both
cherry and walnut production and the advisor would be expected to
develop a regional and statewide expertise on these crops,
providing leadership within ANR. This position will work with
commercial organic, regenerative, and conventional production and
marketing systems.

UCCE Advisors are responsible for applied research and the
extension of knowledge. Research activities are applied,
needs-based, mission-oriented, and focused on addressing our
communities' challenges. Extension activities are educational
practices Advisors use to share research results directly with
their clientele and communities. Increased knowledge and
understanding of science-based research helps to support and
promote the adoption of practices and technologies that 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.

Location Headquarters: This position will be headquartered
in the UCCE Office in San Joaquin County located at 2101 E. Earhart
Ave. #200, Stockton, CA 95206.

Position Details

The advisor will address UC ANR's value statements and condition
changes by promoting the economic prosperity of California while
protecting our natural resources, mitigating climate change, and
safeguarding abundant food for Californians. High priority issues
include increasing fruit and nut tree production while reducing the
environmental footprint of fertilization, irrigation and pest
management practices, the implementation of the Sustainable
Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and mitigating the effects of
climate change. The likelihood of producing significant impacts is
high as this position is visible and ranked as critical by the
walnut and cherry industries.

San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties have a mixture of part-time
small acreage and full-time medium acreage growers. There are many
critical research needs for these commodities. Research
opportunities include rootstock, variety, irrigation, fertilization
and pruning of walnuts and cherries; development of selective and
integrated new approaches for managing endemic and invasive pests
and diseases; improving cherry quality through improved growing and
handling, and testing of new technologies to improve orchard
efficiency and mechanization, such as higher density short stature
orchard systems and mechanical or assisted harvesting innovations
for cherries and apples. Extension efforts will cover very basic
information for new, small acreage growers as well as cutting-edge
information for more experienced, sophisticated growers. Extension
methods will be varied and sensitive to the mixed learning styles
and information resourcing preferences of a multi-generational
diverse audience. California pest control advisors (PCA) and
certified crop advisors (CCA) seek continuing education to continue
to advise farmers on best practices while developing nutrient
management plans on roughly 475,000 fruit and nut acres in San
Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties.

Since the Northern San Joaquin Valley leads the nation in sweet
cherry production, the advisor will serve as the liaison to the
California Cherry Marketing and Research Boards, with the
opportunity to develop statewide expertise in sweet cherry
production, providing a resource to other advisors and out of state
scientists, creating opportunities for out of state and
international cooperation. In addition, this position is strongly
supported by the California Walnut Board.

This position will play a key role in statewide leadership for the
commodities it covers, working closely with UC Specialists and
Faculty through commodity workgroups, program teams, and initiative
groups. The proximity of San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties to the
campuses of UC Davis, UC Merced, and UC Berkeley will provide
numerous opportunities for collaborative research and extension
activities with ANR and AES scientists and advisors in these
counties. This position will also work closely with USDA-ARS, CDFA,
and NRCS scientists.

Counties of Responsibility: This position will be
headquartered in San Joaquin County and will serve San Joaquin and
Stanislaus Counties.

Reporting Relationship: The Orchard Crops Advisor will serve
under the administrative guidance of the County Director for San
Joaquin County, with input from the Stanislaus County Director. It
is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work
onsite at the headquarters location and travel to and be present in
Stanislaus County to cover programmatic responsibilities. Specific
expectations for maintaining office hours and fieldwork in the
geographic area covered by this position will be outlined upon hire
by the County Director.

Qualifications and Skills Required
Required Qualifications
Education: A minimum of a master's degree in pomology,
production horticulture, pest management or a closely related field
is required at the time of appointment.

Key Qualifications:

• Experience in conducting applied research in agriculture,
  horticulture or natural resources.
• Experience delivering educational and outreach
  programming.
• Experience in program and/or personnel management.
• The CE Advisor must possess or obtain a Qualified Pesticide
  Applicator Certificate (QAC) or License (QAL) prior to applying or
  supervising the application of any pesticide.
• 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 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.
• This is not a remote position.

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 desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative
  Extension.
• Technical Competence and Impact: The candidate should
  understand key concepts related to horticultural production
  practices, small farm economics and other related topics suitable
  for the area.
• 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 change.
• 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.
  UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third
  Parties
  APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in
  Employment

Desired Experience

• Ability to effectively engage with partner organizations to
  develop strong relationships associated with problems and issues
  facing the orchard crop Industries.
• Ability to communicate well with regional audiences including
  local elected officials, agricultural organizations, and natural
  resources agencies.
• Experience working with grower cooperators, collaborators and
  agency personnel.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan applied research or
  evaluation projects, manage teams and set measurable goals and
  objectives.
• The ability to work with clientele across a wide range of
  socio-economic classes and ethnicities.

About UCANR

UC ANR is a division of the University of California (UC) system
that bridges the gap between local issues and the expertise of the
UC system by providing research-based information, educational
programs, and technical expertise to the public in areas such as
agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, and youth development.
UC ANR is part of a nationwide Cooperative Extension network, which
began in the early 20th century to connect research from land-grant
universities with the everyday needs of people in communities
across the United States. Today, we collaborate with farmers,
ranchers, diverse communities, youth and adult educators, and
policymakers to address local and statewide issues related to food
systems, water, climate change, and sustainable agriculture through
a statewide network of campus-based researchers, county-based
Advisors, and community educators. Our mission is to cultivate
thriving communities, sustainable agriculture, resilient
ecosystems, and economic prosperity in California and globally
through equitable generation and sharing of collaborative,
science-based solutions. Over 180 UCCE Advisors conduct applied
research and extension education from county-based UCCE offices
serving all 58 counties from 70+ locations. By working and living
among those we serve, UC ANR expands the University of California's
reach to engage all people and communities in California, ensuring
equal access to the resources UC has to offer. Our vision is that
UC ANR will be valued in every California community for meaningful
engagement and making a positive difference in people's
lives.

About San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties

San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties make up the Northern San
Joaquin Valley, an area rich in agricultural history that saw the
development of irrigation districts bringing water from the Sierra
Nevada to valley growers over 100 years ago. San Joaquin County has
an area of just under 1500 square miles and a population of over
800,000 residents, mostly concentrated in the county seat of
Stockton. Stanislaus County is comprised of just over 1500 square
miles, and a population of over 500,000 residents, centered in the
county seat of Modesto. Despite their growing metropolitan areas,
agriculture continues to be the economic driver in both counties,
which are two of the top ten counties in the U.S. in terms of their
farm production. The Northern San Joaquin Valley leads the state in
walnut and cherry production, with 1,836 growers of cherries and
walnuts on diversified, mostly family-owned farms that produced
$508 million in crop value in 2023. San Joaquin and Stanislaus
Counties are home to roughly 110,540 acres of walnuts (30% of CA's
production), 25,000 acres of sweet cherries (50% of CA's
production), and 6,362 acres oil olives (2022 data). Stanislaus
County boasts California's largest multi-million-dollar tree fruit
nursery industry.

Learn more about

• UC ANR and UC ANR Mission Statement.
• UC ANR administers Statewide Programs and Institutes that focus
  research and extension on solving priority problems that engage ANR
  academics and UC faculty in integrated teams
• UC ANR Strategic Initiatives help unify, communicate, and
  advocate for the work we do.
• UC ANR UC ANR uses seven Public Value statements to communicate
  how our work makes a difference to the public.
• UC ANR academics are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR's
  commitment to UC ANR's Affirmative Action policy.
• UC ANR is committed to supporting inclusive excellence and is
  guided by UC ANR's Principles of Community. We strive to create an
  environment where all individuals, regardless of their background,
  feel valued and respected and have equal opportunities for growth
  and success.

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

If the successful candidate is currently a UCCE Advisor, the
candidate will be offered the position without change to the
candidate's current rank, step, salary and/or appointment terms;
and if applicable, is eligible to retain indefinite status.

This position is eligible for indefinite status following three
successful reviews and subject to terms noted in UC ANR Policy and
Procedure Manual, Section 315 of the ANR Policy and Procedure
Manual (PPM).

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 #25-21). An in-person
finalist interview may be required as part of the search
process.

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application
packets must be received by January 3, 2026 (open until
filled).

Questions?
Contact Mikyla Perez at mikperez@ucanr.edu

University of California Cooperative Extension
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all
applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining
agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or
local government directives may impose additional
requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All
qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment
without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation,
gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected
veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal
law.

As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment
in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the
use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly
prohibited.