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Rice Farming Systems Advisor (#22-46) with University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources in Colusa, CA

Type of position Position is eligible for indefinite status following three successful reviews and subject to terms noted in UC ANR Policy and Procedure Manual, Section 315
Employer University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources
Description of Employer The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) consists of a network of scientists and educators working in partnership across the California. We are committed to developing and supporting healthy food systems, healthy environments, healthy communities, and healthy Californians. UC ANR administers UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE), which is responsible for program development and delivery in the counties throughout the state of California.
Location Colusa, CA
Salary Commensurate with applicable experience and professional qualifications
Closing date of competition November 14, 2022 – (open until filled)
Date position available 1/1/2023
Description of duties

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers a unique recruitment opportunity for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Rice Farming Systems Advisor.  UC ANR operates a statewide network of researchers and educators dedicated to the development and application of knowledge to address local agricultural, environmental and health issues. Over 150 UC ANR UCCE advisors conduct research, outreach and education from locally based CE offices serving all 58 counties from 70+ locations throughout the state. 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 UC system.

Location Headquarters:  UCCE Colusa County, CA

Purpose. The Rice Farming Systems Advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied research program to address issues related to sustainably optimizing rice farming systems in Colusa and Yolo Counties.

This position offers the opportunity to address production issues and issues related to the interface between agriculture and natural ecosystems, especially regarding water. Some of the major challenges facing the rice industry include pest management, in particular introduced and emerging pests and increasing herbicide resistance; water management relative to crop production and weed control; water quality and conservation; and rising production costs.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop and deliver relevant program content to have meaningful impacts in local communities and throughout California.

Opportunities abound for extension and research partnerships with a variety of stakeholders and partnerships, including industry groups, growers, public agencies, policymakers, and the general public. The advisor joins a team of highly motivated UCCE colleagues who are passionate about their work and are dedicated to making a difference within their communities and throughout California.  There is excellent potential for collaborative projects within the UC ANR system.

Counties of ResponsibilityThis position will be headquartered in the UCCE Colusa office, CA and also has activity in Yolo County.  This is not a remote position.

Reporting Relationship: The CE Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) County Director of the UCCE Colusa County with input from the County Director of Yolo County.

About UC ANR 

Learn more about 

Salary & Benefits

Salary: The beginning salary will be in the Cooperative Extension Assistant Advisor Rank and commensurate with 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/anrstaff/files/358478.pdf“>https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/358478.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 https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/118501.pdf“>https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/118501.pdf 

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“>https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

How to Apply

If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/“>https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose “applicants” (refer to position #22-46) 

Closing Date:  To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by November 14, 2022 – (open until filled)

Questions?

Contact Anna Lee – email: [email protected]“>[email protected]

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

Qualifications sought

Required Qualifications

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

Additional Requirements

  • Valid driver license required to fulfill job duties.
  • Technical competency in research and extension techniques.
  • The ability to work with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes and ethnicities is essential.
  • The CE Advisor must possess or obtain within one year a Qualified Pesticide Applicator Certificate (QAC) or License (QAL) prior to applying or supervising the application of any pesticide.

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 agronomy and cropping systems 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 clientele. 

Communication

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

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.

Desired Experience

  • Passion and desire to pursue a career in Cooperative Extension
  • Experience in education and outreach
  • 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.

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

Application procedure  
Submit what Cover letter, CV, college-level transcripts, application
Submit to If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose “applicants” (refer to position #22-46)
Additional Information University of California Cooperative Extension

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Appendix F, Section II.C. of the policy for applicable deadlines. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health 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.