Rice Farming Systems Advisor (Applied Research and Extension) AP 22-46 with University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources in UCCE Colusa County, Colusa, CA

Job Description: https://ucanr.edu/publicFiles/jobs/2534.pdf

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. Our mission is to bring the University of California directly to Californians through research, extension and education programs that support:

• Sustainable, safe, and nutritious food production and delivery
• Economic success in a global economy
• A sustainable, healthy, and productive environment
• Science literacy and youth development

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, Colusa, CA.

Purpose. The Rice Farming Systems Advisor will implement an effective 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 matters relating 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; increasing herbicide resistance; water management relative to crop production and weed control; water quality and conservation; and rising production costs.

The Rice Farming Systems Advisor will be expected to become familiar with all aspects of California rice production and actively conduct applied research in select areas based on a needs assessment.

Expected extension education activities will include planning and participation in collaborative education activities and presentation of relevant research-based material at grower meetings, industry meetings, workshops, short courses, field demonstrations and other educational programs independently or in conjunction with other UC academics. The advisor will develop clientele-based publications such as newsletters,

internet websites and blogs, technical reports, and trade magazine publications; and appropriate peer-reviewed publications such as professional society proceedings, https://calag.ucanr.edu/, https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrpeerreview/, and scientific journal articles. The advisor will also serve as a key resource of science-based information for rice related industry groups, public agencies, policy makers, and the general public.

There are numerous opportunities for extension and research partnerships with a variety of stakeholders and partners, including industry groups, growers, public and governmental agencies such as: CA Rice Commission, CA Rice Research Foundation, USA Rice Federation, individual growers, https://capca.com/pca/, US Environmental Protection Agency, US Food & Drug Administration, CA Environmental Protection Agency, CA Department of Water Resources, CA Department of Pesticide Regulation, CA Air Resources Board, 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 Responsibility. This position will be headquartered in the UCCE Colusa office, CA and also be active in Yolo County.

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 UCCE Capital Corridor Director.

Qualifications and Skills Required
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

• Technical competency in research and extension techniques.
• Expertise working with rice cultures and/or other cereal crops.
• 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.
• 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.
• This is not a remote position. The candidate must be available to work onsite.

Skills Required

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

Technical Competence and Impact

The candidate should have a solid 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

The candidate should demonstrate 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.

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to share complex information in a manner tailored to different audiences.

Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively as a team member with industry and other stakeholders.

The candidate should be aware of 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.
Desired Experience

• Interest in and a desire to pursue a career in Cooperative Extension.
• Experience in education and outreach.
• Experience in building partnerships and working in/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

About UC ANR

Learn more about

• UC ANR at https://ucanr.edu
• UC ANR in counties: https://ucanr.edu/sites/ucanr/County_Offices/
• Our Strategic Initiatives http://ucanr.edu/sites/StrategicInitiatives/
• Our Public Value statements at: 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 Inclusion https://ucanr.edu/sites/Professional_Development/Office_-_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/
• 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.

• Salary & Benefits

Salary: The salary range for this Cooperative Extension Advisor position is Assistant Rank, Step I ($71,200) to Step VI ($94,000). 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/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

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

Closing Date: July 12, 2023 (open until filled)
Questions?

Contact Mikyla Perez; email: mailto:[email protected]

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

University of California Cooperative Extension

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, Religious Objection, and/or Deferral based on pregnancy or recent COVID-19 diagnosis and/or treatment) no later than the applicable deadline. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of receiving the most recent CDC-recommended COVID-19 booster or properly decline such booster no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy#page=44, Section II.C. of the https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy#page=13 for applicable deadlines. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of being Up-To-Date on seasonal influenza vaccination or properly decline such vaccination no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to the https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy#page=51. (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.

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