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IPM Entomology Farm Advisor with University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) in Salinas, Monterey County, CA

Type of position 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 https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/118501.pdf
Employer University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR)
Location Salinas, Monterey County, CA
Salary Beginning salary will be in the Cooperative Extension Assistant Advisor Rank and commensurate with applicable experience and professional qualifications
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 approximately thirteen paid holidays per year. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website at: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html
Closing date of competition July 13, 2022 – (open until filled)
Date position available September 2022
Description of duties

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), a statewide program with local development and delivery, is seeking the following UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Advisor.

The IPM Entomology Farm Advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied research program to address pest management issues facing agriculture.

Research and extension will address high-priority issues related to ecologically and economically sound integrated pest management programs. Emphasis is expected to be on interdisciplinary projects that affect cool-season vegetables including leafy greens, such as lettuce, and cole crops, such as broccoli, along with other crops including strawberries and other berries, ornamental and nursery plant production and local specialty crops.

This is an exciting opportunity to do research and provide research-based education on pest and pesticide-safe management practices to enhance production efficiency and profitability and to help protect the environment. Opportunities abound to build partnerships with USDA, PCA’s, growers, agencies, and other interested parties (e.g., California Strawberry Commission, California Leafy Greens Board, public and private companies, and the USDA, CDFA and CDPR research support programs).

The advisor joins a team of highly motivated UCCE colleagues who are passionate about their work and are dedicated to making a difference within the communities and throughout California. The potential for collaborative projects within the UC ANR system is nearly limitless. The Area Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Cooperative Extension (CE) Advisor for Entomology will be a key member of the UC Statewide IPM Program’s (UCIPM) academic team.

Qualifications sought

Required Qualifications

Education: A minimum of a Master’s degree in entomology, pest management, or closely related field is required at the time of appointment. 

Additional Requirements

  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Expectation to be available to work onsite on any day.
  • A broad understanding of IPM principles, including knowledge of crop production, cultural and biological controls, and pesticide use.
  • The CE Advisor must obtain a Qualified Pesticide Applicator Certificate (QAC) prior to applying pesticides or supervising the application of any pesticide.

Desired Experience

  • Ability to identify insects at the family level and be familiar with their life history
  • Practical field experience in entomology pest management and collaborating with private industry.
  • Experience in conducting field research in agriculture; planning and implementation of broad, large-scale research and extension programs.
  • An understanding of how public policy impacts agricultural management and producer decision-making.
  • Passion and desire to pursue a career in Cooperative Extension.
  • Experience in building partnerships and with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively plan projects, manage teams and implement an applied research and outreach program, including setting measurable goals and objectives.

Skills Required

To be successful, the CE Advisor requires skills in the following area:

Technical Competence and Impact

The candidate should have a deep understanding of pest management and be able to design and implement a program that leads to positive changes and impact within the community and beyond. There is an expectation that advisors evolve and grow across their career and respond to changes in the industry and by clientele. 

Communication

Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal, and information technology communication skills.  Public speaking to stakeholders is a routine part of this position. 

Demonstrated ability to share complex information in a manner tailored to the audience.

Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team member with industry and other stakeholders.  Able to adapt as circumstances warranted.  

Aware and willing to actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Lifelong Learning

Demonstrated commitment to ongoing self-improvement – both professionally and as a person. Ability to shift program focus as times and organizational needs change.

Learn more about Skills and Areas of Programmatic Review (including Professional Competence, University and Public Service and Affirmative Action and DEI) at: https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/319460.pdf“>https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/319460.pdf

Contact for additional information Contact Alma Jackson, email: [email protected]
Application procedure  
Submit what If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose “applicants” (refer to position #22-29)
Submit to If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose “applicants” (refer to position #22-29)
Additional Information 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.