UC Cooperative Extension Specialist-Organic Production and Faculty Director

Date Posted: February 10, 2025
Closing Date:
April 14, 2025

Job Description: Download

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), in collaboration with the University of California Merced, invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension Specialist (UCCE) - Organic Production and Faculty Director, UC Organic Agriculture Institute at the Assistant or Associate rank.

The Organic Production Specialist will develop and implement a collaborative, multifaceted research and extension program to address challenges facing organic agricultural production systems of California and will provide statewide leadership for strategic planning and program direction of the UC Organic Agriculture Institute (UC OAI). The UC OAI serves as a hub for farmers, researchers, advocates, consumers, and supporting industries to advance research, extension, and education that assists the wide diversity of certified, transitioning, and aspiring organic farmers across California. Focal areas should advance knowledge and practice of organic agriculture centered around the development of ecologically-based production practices; this includes diversified crop production, integrated pest, weed, and disease management, soil health management and animal integration, as well as organic certification and compliance, increased market access, and decreased regulatory burden. This position will develop multidisciplinary research collaborations to address stakeholder needs and should seek opportunities to bring private-sector partners into these collaborations. The Organic Production Specialist will be expected to develop an extramurally-funded research and extension education program focused on organic production; provide statewide leadership to coordinate research and extension efforts in support of organic grower clientele; forge strong interactions with local, regional, state, and national partners and clientele, as well as with UCM colleagues; contribute to core research and extension goals established within ANR; and assist in establishing an innovative multi-disciplinary program in their field of expertise. This role is critical in supporting California's diverse agricultural landscape, benefiting the local small farmer community by enhancing productivity, sustainability, and profitability within organic systems.

UCCE Specialists develop and conduct research and educational programs aimed at appropriate clientele groups in communities outside of UC campuses. UCCE Specialists have programs of primarily mission-oriented research or creative work that support the university's efforts in extending knowledge, including outreach and community engagement. Mission-oriented research describes the complete research continuum that extends from basic research to applications of research results. This research is generally applied in nature and has, as a goal, the solution of a problem facing society that is related to the mission of the UCCE Specialist's discipline and the UCCE mission. UCCE Specialists will publish the results of applied research in a combination of research publication types, whether peer-reviewed or not, based on the relevant audiences served by the UCCE Specialist's program.

The extension program disseminates knowledge and information to clientele groups for their use in improving their abilities to understand and address problems and opportunities facing them. The extension educational program serves the University's public service mission. Educational program activities include but are not limited to collaborations with UCCE Advisors, other UCCE Specialists, campus faculty, program teams, workgroups, or clientele groups; developing and presenting educational materials; communicating to clientele through broadcast, print, or electronic media; participating in meetings with clientele; developing and presenting in-service training courses; organizing or participating in workshops, field tours, symposia or conferences. Much of this work is conducted in partnership with UC ANR's locally based UCCE Advisors. The UCCE Specialist - Advisor and faculty partnership creates an applied research network that benefits both the University and the public at large. This position does not include formal classroom instruction at the University.

Location Headquarters. University of California Merced, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Merced, California

Position Details

Major Duties and Responsibilities Include:

• Serve as the Faculty Director of the UC Organic Agriculture Institute (UC OAI) under the UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (UC SAREP).
• Provide academic expertise and leadership to guide programmatic activities carried out by the UC OAI staff within UC SAREP.
• Work with the UC SAREP Director and Associate Director of Sustainable Production Systems to develop and support research, extension education, technical assistance, and outreach programming that is explicitly focused on the needs of certified, transitioning, and aspiring organic producers.
• Provide programmatic guidance, training, and professional development for OAI academic coordinators and staff to ensure the quality and relevance of program outputs benefiting a clientele of organic producers in California.
• Collaborate with UC SAREP leadership to develop new funding sources in support of UC OAI activities.
• Develop and implement a collaborative research and outreach program with the goal of addressing challenges facing organic agricultural production systems of California, leading research and extension efforts supporting organic growers, and pushing for recognition of organic agriculture as a climate solution at state and federal levels.

• Conduct applied research related to organic production. Potential research topics include:
  
  
  
  • Diversified crop production and small farm production
  • On-farm conservation of biodiversity
  • Integrated pest, disease, and weed management
  • Soil health
  • Crop and livestock nutrition
  • Water and nutrient use efficiency
  • Cycling of on-farm resources
  • Food safety
  • Market strategies
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Organic certification and compliance.
  
  
  
  

• Collaborate with UC Cooperative Extension Advisors, UC SAREP programs, and UC ANR statewide programs and institutes to conduct applied research and inform extension efforts at the county, regional, and statewide levels.
• Facilitate partnerships, provide research-based advice, conduct training and outreach programs, and advocate for policy improvements tailored to the needs of organic agriculture stakeholders, including Certified, transitioning, and aspiring organic farmers and ranchers, underserved smallholder growers, crop consultants, pest control advisors, and organic certifiers.

• Publish in relevant ANR outlets and external scientific journals appropriate for the field of sustainable agriculture.

Counties of Responsibility: This state-wide position will serve farmers, growers, and ranchers across California, as well as allied agencies and organizations. This is an exciting opportunity to impact diverse communities throughout the state.

Reporting Relationship: The position will be located at the UC Merced campus in Merced, CA, with an appointment in the Department of Life and Environmental Sciences. UC ANR will oversee the merit and promotion process, consistent with other UC ANR CE Specialists, in consultation with the UCM department chair and the Director of UC SAREP. The CE specialist will also hold an additional 0% (uncompensated) Adjunct Professor series appointment with the working title of Professor of Cooperative Extension (Organic Production) at UC Merced. It is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite at the UC Merced campus.

Education: A minimum of a Ph.D. is required (or international equivalent) related to agricultural science, plant science, environmental science, ecology, entomology, plant pathology, weed science, agronomy, soil science, or a closely related field is required at the time of appointment. Applicants who have not yet earned a Ph.D. must be within 12 months of completing their degree to be considered for the position.

Key Qualifications

• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills are required.
• Strong publication record.
• Postdoctoral or related work experience in sustainable agricultural research, extension, and education.
• Evidence of successful grant applications.
• A demonstrated record of applied research in organic crop and/or livestock production systems.
• Comprehensive knowledge of organic certification and compliance standards.
• Experience in leading collaborative research teams.
• Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability, and property damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Must possess a valid California Driver's License to drive a university vehicle.
• 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

• Experience with integrated research and educational projects and extension to diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with state and federal organic laws and regulations.
• Supervisory and leadership experience.

Skills Required

To be successful, Cooperative Extension Specialist positions require skills in the following:

Technical competence

• Conduct and report needs assessments to identify priority issues or problems relevant to the clientele groups being served.
• Develop and implement effective UC ANR Cooperative Extension applied research and educational programs to address the identified priority needs of the clientele that are consistent with ANR's Strategic Vision and ANR Initiatives.
• Conduct applied research designed to monitor changes and solve statewide and locally relevant problems related to organic production in California.

Communication

• Disseminate appropriate, science-based information to inform clientele, using extension methods that are responsive to clientele needs and appropriate for the audience and situation.
• Maintain and promote UC ANR Cooperative Extension's credibility by providing science-based knowledge.
• Evaluate programs and report accomplishments, results, and potential or actual impacts to scientific and lay audiences through a variety of outreach methods e.g., peer-reviewed publications, internet, workshops, and newsletters.

Collaboration & Teamwork

• Build collaborative working relationships with CE Advisors, CE Specialists, Academic Coordinators, and program staff across UC ANR, via participation in program teams and work groups.
• Interact with campus academic colleagues to create synergies that will advance the programmatic goals of the UC Merced Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, UC SAREP, and UC ANR.
• Interact with the UC Merced Department of Life and Environmental Sciences and other relevant graduate programs via occasional lectures and other academic functions (such as serving on dissertation committees, oral exams, etc.) as appropriate. In accordance with UC Academic Personnel Policy 334, Specialist in Cooperative Extension Series, the teaching of regular undergraduate or graduate courses will not be a responsibility of the position.
• Engage in campus faculty meetings, campus faculty committee service, and other activities of the UC Merced faculty as appropriate.

Lifelong Learning

• Participate in professional organizations and collaborate with state government and agencies related to organic agriculture in California.
• Demonstrate commitment to ongoing growth - both professionally and as a person.

Salary: The beginning salary will be in the Assistant Cooperative Extension Specialist Rank Step 1- $87,700 to Step 6 - $114,800 or in the Associate Rank Step 1- $109,000 to Step 5 - $137,800 annually. Rank/step placement in this series is based on applicable experience and professional qualifications. For information regarding the Cooperative Extension Specialist series salary scales, please refer to
https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2024-25/july-2024-scales/t29.pdf

This position is eligible for indefinite status, subject to terms noted in Section 315 of the ANR Policy and Procedure Manual (PPM). If the successful candidate is currently a UCCE specialist with indefinite status, the candidate will be offered the position commensurate with applicable experience and professional qualifications with eligibility to retain such indefinite status.

The Cooperative Extension Specialist position is a two or three-year renewable term appointment. Performance in this position is evaluated annually with merit actions being evaluated every two years. Upon completion of a successful review, you may be reappointed for another definite term. Our intention with this definite term appointment is to be reappointed based on positive performance reviews and the continuing need for the position.

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 as per the terms of University policy. ANR is part of UC's Family-Friendly Policies. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/

UC ANR is a division of the University of California 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. The UC Organic Agriculture Institute helps organic growers and stakeholders to optimize organic production systems to be economically viable, agronomically efficient, and ecologically resilient by creating and supporting effective, adaptive, and inclusive institutions to provide research, extension, education, and policy expertise to accelerate organic agriculture in California.

About the University of California Merced

Opened in 2005 as the newest campus of the University of California, UC Merced continually strives for excellence in carrying out the university's mission of teaching, research, and public service, benefiting society by discovering and transmitting new knowledge and functioning as an active repository of organized knowledge. The Department of Life & Environmental Sciences (LES) includes more than 20 faculty with a common interest in interdisciplinary research and education in natural and human-impacted Earth systems. Research and teaching carried out by LES faculty address fundamental and applied problems associated with the environment and its sustainability at the intersection of biological, chemical and physical sciences. The LES faculty advise graduate students within the Interdisciplinary Environmental Systems and Quantitative & Systems Biology programs while supporting two undergraduate majors, environmental systems science and biological sciences.

Learn more about

• UC ANR and UC ANR Mission Statement.
• UC Organic Agriculture Institute
• UC Merced
• 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 academics are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR's commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and will honor your experiences, perspectives, and unique identity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ+ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose "applicants" (refer to position #25-03. 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 April 14, 2025 (open until filled)

Contact Tatiana Avoce; email: tavoce@ucanr.edu

Applicants may wish to explore the UC Davis Services for International Students and Scholars web page at https://siss.ucdavis.edu/ as a resource.

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/Affirmative Action 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 categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

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.