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Restoration Ecology and Weed Science Area Advisor Applied Research and Extension Serving Kern, Tulare, and Kings Counties, California with UC ANR in Bakersfield, CA

Type of position CE Advisor
Employer UC ANR
Description of Employer 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 at https://UCANR.edu

Location Bakersfield, CA
Salary The salary range for this Cooperative Extension Advisor position is Assistant Rank, Step I ($71,200) to Step VI ($94,000).
Closing date of competition Aril 27, 2023
Date position available June 1, 2023
Description of duties

Purpose. The Restoration Ecology and Weed Science Area Advisor will provide regional leadership in ecological restoration and weed management in fallowed, retired and abandoned agricultural lands, and natural areas. The advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied research program to address these issues in Kern, Tulare, and Kings counties.

 

The Advisor’s research and extension program will focus on land being removed from production either temporarily or permanently.  Weed Science expertise for field and permanent crops will be an additional area of focus for the position.

 

Extension and education emphasis will be on development and implementation of sustainable and innovative weed management and restoration practices across California’s Southern San Joaquin Valley to protect and improve multiple ecosystem services.  The Advisor will cooperate with CE Advisors and Specialists to develop an innovative regional outreach program linking landscape restoration, invasive weed management, and corresponding ecosystem services. The candidate will extend results through demonstration, outreach, networking, and communication activities.

 

The major research activities of this Advisor will focus on the intersection of invasive weed management and the conservation and restoration of fallow land into rangelands and natural areas. Because weeds are both a symptom and cause of degraded landscapes, successful conservation and restoration of these landscapes requires a multidisciplinary understanding of both the weedy and desired species, as well as the management practices and goals of the land managers. Specific research could focus on the biology, ecology, and management of weeds and on the restoration practices, materials or site-specific management options that lead to success or failure in restoration efforts. Secondarily, weed management continues to be a significant challenge for agricultural producers in the southern San Joaquin Valley. Research on weed management in active cropping systems will complement the work in fallow lands.  The Advisor’s research program will be coordinated with both campus-based faculty and county-based CE Advisors. Publication outlets for this type of research include UC ANR online and print publications, and scientific journals focused on invasive plants or ecological restoration.

 

There are opportunities for extension and research partnerships with a variety of stakeholders and partnerships, including USDA-NRCS, CDFA, CA Resource Conservation Districts, CA Department of Water Resources, CA Natural Resource Agency and local agencies, land managers, non-governmental organizations, local landowners, commodity boards, and PCAs.  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.

Qualifications sought

Education: A minimum of a Master’s degree in Restoration Ecology, Weed Science or a closely related field and applied research experience will be required at time of appointment.        

Additional Requirements

  • 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 valid California Driver’s License to drive a County or University vehicle.
  • This position will require an extensive understanding of weed science principles and weed management strategies.
  • Technical competency in experimental techniques and experience with extension.
  • 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 weed science and weed management and knowledge of restoration ecology to 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, and 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. 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

  • 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

 

Contact for additional information Tatiana Avoce [email protected]
Application procedure  
Submit what Resume, cover letter, Transcripts, Statements. of
Submit to If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose “applicants” (refer to position #22-36)