Weed Ecology and Management Advisor with University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources in Tulare, CA

Position Overview 

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers a unique recruitment opportunity for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Weed Ecology and Management 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 Tulare County, CA  

Purpose. The Weed Ecology and Management Advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied research program to address issues related to weed management for cropping systems and non-crop settings of the southern San Joaquin Valley, including Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties.   

This position offers the opportunity to address a myriad of issues ranging from invasive species, herbicide resistance, air, and water quality issues related to weed control practices, and emerging mechanical (e.g., robotic) technologies in conventional and organic production systems. 

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 commodity-focused CE Advisors, farmers, commercial Pest Control Advisors (PCA), agricultural commodity boards, and government agencies. 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.

Counties of Responsibility.  This position will be headquartered in the UCCE Tulare office, CA, and also have programmatic responsibilities in southern San Joaquin Valley, including Fresno and Kings Counties.  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 for Fresno, Kings and Tulare Counties.

Required Qualifications

Education: A minimum of a Master’s degree in Weed Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, Crop Science, or related field is required at the time of appointment.  

Additional Requirements 

• Valid driver’s license required to fulfill job duties- Employees driving County or University vehicles must possess valid California Driver’s License and participate in the DMV pull notice program.
• Knowledge of weed science
• 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 weed 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.  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. 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

Desired Experience and skills

• 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 

About UC ANR 

The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) consists of a network of scientists and educators working in partnership across California.  We are committed to developing and supporting practical, science-based solutions that contribute to 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.  

Learn more about  

• UC ANR ahttps://ucanr.edu/“>t https://ucanr.edu/“>https://UCANR.edu
• UC ANR in counties: https://ucanr.edu/sites/ucanr/County_Offices/“>https://ucanr.edu/sites/ucanr/County_Offices/
• Our Strategic Initiatives http://ucanr.edu/sites/StrategicInitiatives/“>http://ucanr.edu/sites/StrategicInitiatives/
• Our Public Value statements at:

https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/Divisionwide_Planning/UC_ANR_Public_Values/“>https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/Divisionwide_Planning/UC_ANR_Public_Values/

• DEI: Further to the above, advisors are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR’s commitment to

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiohttps://ucanr.edu/sites/Professional_Development/Office_-_Team_Management/Diversity_Equity_Inclusion_Belonging/“>n https://ucanr.edu/sites/Professional_Development/Office_-_Team_Management/Diversity_Equity_Inclusion_Belonging/“>https://ucanr.edu/sites/Professional_Development/Office_-

https://ucanr.edu/sites/Professional_Development/Office_-_Team_Management/Diversity_Equity_Inclusion_Belonging/“>_Team_Management/Diversity_Equity_Inclusion_Belonging/

• Affirmative Action: Further to the above, advisors are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR’s commitment to affirmative action. Learn more of UC ANR Affirmative Action policy:

http://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/Diversity/Affirmative_Action/“>http://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/Diversity/Affirmative_Action/

• 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.

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by December 12, 2022 – (open until filled)

Questions?
Contact Alma Jackson – email [email protected]

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.