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

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.

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, managed by the Baskin School of Engineering, with secondary office space and presence required at the Monterey Bay Education, Science, and Technology Center (MBEST), in the emerging food safety nexus of Monterey County.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborating extensively with UCSC faculty, as well as UC ANR's network of advisors, specialists, AES faculty, statewide programs, program teams, and institutes. Additional potential collaborators include other UC campuses, the California State University Monterey Bay, Hartnell College, Cabrillo Community College, other academic institutions, community partners, government agencies, and industry partners.
• Designing and conducting applied research focused on the intersection of food safety and technology. Potential areas of research include: novel approaches to assessing runoff and water contamination, new technologies for assessing food safety risk (multispectral imaging, AI) through field scouting (aerial and terrestrial drones), research on the impact of amendments on food safety outcomes, research on the effects of conservation practices on food safety outcomes, legislative recommendations for drone safety, novel approaches to drone applications, integration of environmental sensors with drone applications, implications of transitioning to drone spray applications.
• Building an effective extension education program (statewide trainings, workshops, educational resources, website, etc.) that helps partners and clientele implement technology strategies to improve food safety outcomes.
• Publishing findings in accessible formats, including peer-reviewed journals, ANR outlets, industry publications, and relevant online platforms.
• Participating in professional society activities and scholarly contributions.

Geographic Area of Responsibility

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

Qualifications and Skills Required

Education: A minimum of a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in electrical engineering, agricultural engineering, computer engineering, or a related field is required at the time of appointment.

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, such as organic and regenerative agriculture, food safety, and technology
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated record of productivity in research as evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals
• A track record of effectively engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Experience in leading collaborative research teams

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, subject to terms noted in Section 315 of UC ANR Policy and Procedure Manual.

Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits, including two days per month paid vacation, one day per month paid sick leave, and paid holidays. This position is eligible for sabbatical leave privileges per the terms of University policy.

How to Apply

If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/JPF00368 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