Cooperative Extension Area Pistachio Advisor - Serving Kern and Kings Counties (AP# 25-34)

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Area Advisor at the Assistant rank. The Advisor will develop an innovative multi-county applied research and extension education program focused on the large pistachio industry in Kern and Kings Counties, and supporting citrus production in Kern County by providing information to local growers.

The Advisor will develop problem-solving and educational programs for high-priority production issues related to climate and drought resilience in pistachios, including warmer temperatures, decreased water availability, and decreased water quality. Research and extension solutions may include rootstock and cultivar selection, irrigation and soil management, and emerging innovative farming practices. Additionally, the incumbent will work on horticultural solutions to production challenges in pistachios, integrating research and expertise from colleagues in agricultural engineering, irrigation, plant pathology, and entomology to address concerns such as limited and increasingly expensive inputs (labor, water, nutrients, etc.) and emerging pests and diseases.

UCCE Advisors are responsible for applied research and extension of knowledge. Research activities are applied, needs-based, and mission-oriented, focusing on addressing the challenges in our communities. Extension activities are the educational practices that Advisors use to share research results directly with clientele and communities to increase their knowledge and understanding of science-based research that supports and promotes the adoption of practices and technologies to solve problems. Extension methods may include individual consultations, presentations, organizing educational workshops and short courses, field demonstrations, farm visits, 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, curricula, 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: The position will be based at the Kern County Cooperative Extension Office at 1031 S. Mount Vernon Avenue, Bakersfield, California, 93307.

Position Details

The pistachio industry is important for the state and region, with more than half of the state's 2.4-billion-dollar pistachio crop coming from Kern and Kings Counties combined. Pistachios are a high-value "climate-smart" crop that will sustain rural agricultural economies in the warmer, drier decades to come. However, they face challenges that require local, on-the-ground, research-based solutions. The Advisor will conduct applied research on topics relevant to the pistachio industry, based on a clientele needs assessment and the Advisor's expertise. Examples of potential research topics include:

* Precision-driven nutrient management strategies that enhance yield while reducing environmental impact through targeted application and real-time monitoring

* Advanced water resource management leveraging remote sensing, soil moisture sensors, and predictive modeling to address drought conditions and comply with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA)

* Climate-resilient cultivation practices incorporating precision breeding of pistachio cultivars and rootstocks, alongside dormancy manipulation techniques informed by environmental data analytics

* Integrated pest and disease management using AI-powered diagnostics, drone surveillance, and sensor networks to detect, predict, and mitigate threats with minimal chemical input

* High-density orchard systems optimized for mechanical harvesting, supported by spatial analysis and automation technologies to improve labor efficiency and crop uniformity

Research objectives should emphasize the development of orchard systems that conserve resources in compliance with state air and water regulations. Research results and knowledge are expected to be published in various UC ANR series, technical sheets, commodity board reports, and peer-reviewed journals.

The Advisor will conduct outreach to provide science-based information through workshops, field meetings, webinars, newsletters, industry and media outlets, phone calls, and online and social media tools, as appropriate for the target audiences. Extension efforts will need to cover basic information for small acreage and new growers, as well as cutting-edge information for more experienced growers. The Advisor, while strongly focused on pistachio production, will also extend information to citrus growers in Kern County.

In this highly collaborative role, the Advisor will work with UC ANR Program Teams, UCCE Specialists, and others in the UC ANR network, as well as external partners such as growers, industry organizations such as the American Pistachio Growers, and local farm bureaus.

Counties of Responsibility. This position has programmatic responsibilities for pistachio production in Kern and Kings Counties and citrus production in Kern County.

Reporting Relationship: In this appointment, incumbents will report directly to the UC Cooperative Extension Area Director for Kern, Kings, and Tulare Counties. It is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite at the headquarters location in Bakersfield, CA, and travel to and be present in both counties served. Specific expectations for maintaining office hours and fieldwork in the geographic area covered by this position will be outlined upon hire by the supervisor(s).

Qualifications and Skills Required

Education: A minimum of a master's degree in horticulture, pomology, crop physiology, agroecology, plant nutrition, or a related field is required at the time of appointment.

Key Qualifications

* Experience in conducting applied, impact-oriented research on topics relevant to this position

* Capacity or potential to accomplish team-based research and education programs consistent with the values of UCANR

* 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 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.

Additional Skills Required

* Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series and provide evidence of success in meeting required academic advancement criteria as per UC Academic Personnel Manuals. Applications also need to document relevant research, extension, 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 to optimize engagement and development and be able to design and implement a program that leads to positive changes and impact within the community and beyond.

* Communication: Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal, and information technology communication skills.

* Collaboration, Teamwork, and Flexibility: The candidate should demonstrate the ability to collaborate as a team member with key external stakeholders, county-based staff, and other colleagues within UC ANR.

* Lifelong Learning: There is an expectation that Advisors evolve and grow across their careers and respond to changes in the industry, clientele, and organizational structure.

* 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 in building partnerships and multidisciplinary teams

* Experience fostering climate change mitigation through partnerships and collaborations

* Demonstrated ability to effectively plan projects, manage teams, and implement an applied research and outreach program, including setting measurable goals and objectives

* Experience seeking and securing extramural funding

* Expertise in orchard crops, especially pistachios

* Spanish language skills

About UC ANR

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 more than 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 Kings and Kern Counties

The Advisor will serve a two-county area in California's San Joaquin Valley, one of the most important, diverse, and productive agricultural regions in the world. Both counties served are among the top ten agricultural counties in California, with diverse production including grapes, almonds, citrus, milk, and cotton, along with very significant pistachio production. While both counties are known for their agricultural production, they are also home to cities including Bakersfield, Delano, Hanford, and Lemoore.

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 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 you are interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose "applicants" (refer to positions 25-34). 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

November 23, 2025 (Open until filled).

Questions?

Contact Katie Kilbane, email: klkilbane@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.

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The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. 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.