"UC Cooperative Extension Specialist Food Safety, Drones, and Spectral Analysis Located at the University of California, Santa Cruz (25-38)"

Job Description

UC Cooperative Extension Specialist Food Safety, Drones, and Spectral Analysis Located at the University of California, Santa Cruz (25-38)

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

Application Window

Open date: December 15, 2025
Next review date: Tuesday, Feb 10, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Final date: Wednesday, Apr 29, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), in collaboration with the University of California, Santa Cruz, invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Specialist at the Assistant rank.

Food safety is a major priority for California agriculture, especially in the fresh produce industry. This position will address the evolving food safety challenges in specialty crop production... [full description of role, focus on food safety, organic/regenerative farming, drones, spectral analysis, sensors].

Location Headquarters

The Specialist will be part of the University of California, Santa Cruz Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The position will be based primarily at the Westside Research Park, near the UCSC main campus... with secondary office space... at the Monterey Bay Education, Science, and Technology Center (MBEST).

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborating extensively with UCSC faculty, UC ANR's network...
• Designing and conducting applied research... (list of potential research areas)
• Building an effective extension education program...
• Publishing findings...
• Participating in professional society activities...

Geographic Area of Responsibility

State-wide position serving agriculture across California.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Education: Ph.D. in electrical engineering, agricultural engineering, computer engineering, or related field.
Key Qualifications: Expertise in drones, experience in organic agriculture, food safety, technology; communication skills; research record; stakeholder engagement; team leadership.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: Assistant Cooperative Extension Specialist Rank Step 1- $90,600 to Step 6 - $118,500 annually. Salary scales.
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits, vacation, sick leave, holidays, sabbatical eligibility.

How to Apply

Visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ (position #25-38). Closing Date: February 10, 2026 (open until filled).
Contact: Tatiana Avoce at tavoce@ucanr.edu