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
Most recent review date: Tuesday, Mar 3, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Final date: Wednesday, Apr 29, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Position description

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, bringing needed scientific and technical expertise to the field, with a focus on the intersection between food safety and organic/regenerative farming practices. The Specialist will examine the potential of agricultural technologies, such as drones, spectral analysis, and sensors, to help California growers ensure the safety of their harvest while using organic and regenerative practices.

UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Specialists develop and conduct research and educational programs aimed at appropriate clientele groups in communities outside of UC campuses...

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 and presence required at the Monterey Bay Education, Science, and Technology Center (MBEST)...

Position Details

Primary duties and responsibilities for this Specialist include:

• Collaborating extensively with UCSC faculty...
• Designing and conducting applied research focused on the intersection of food safety and technology. Potential areas of research include:
  • Novel approaches to assessing runoff...
  • New technologies for assessing food safety risk...
  • Research on the impact of amendments...
  • Research on the effects of conservation practices...
  • Legislative recommendations for drone safety...
  • Novel approaches to drone applications...
  • Integration of environmental sensors...
  • Implications of transitioning to drone spray applications...
• Building an effective extension education program...
• Publishing findings...
• Participating in professional society activities...

Geographic Area of Responsibility

This state-wide position will serve the agriculture sector across California...

Reporting Relationship

The position will be academically positioned within the UC Santa Cruz Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering...

Qualifications and Skills Required

Education: A minimum of a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in electrical engineering, agricultural engineering, computer engineering, or a related field...

Key Qualifications:

• Demonstrated expertise in technologies that can be applied in agriculture, such as drones
• Substantive experience in one or more areas related to the position...
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills...
• Demonstrated record of productivity in research...
• A track record of effectively engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Experience in leading collaborative research teams

Desired Experience:

• Experience with integrated research and educational projects...
• A track record of applying for and securing extramural funding

Salary & Benefits

Salary: The beginning salary will be in the Assistant Cooperative Extension Specialist Rank Step 1- $90,600 to Step 6 - $118,500 annually...

This position is eligible for indefinite status...

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

How to Apply

If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose "applicants" (refer to position #25-38).

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by February 10, 2026 (open until filled).

Questions? Contact Tatiana Avoce at tavoce@ucanr.edu

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research and Extension
• References - Please provide three references (names, titles and contact information).
• Transcripts - College Level Transcripts