UC ANR Seeks Rice Farming Systems Advisor
Posted on October 18, 2022
Position Title:
Rice Farming Systems Advisor
Position Summary:
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
Serving Colusa and Yolo Counties, California
Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by November 14, 2022 – (open until filled)
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 Responsibility. This 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.
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
• 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
Technical Competence and Impact
- The candidate should understand agriculture technologies applicable in greenhouse production and indoor plant production such as vertical farms. Furthermore, the candidate should have experience with crop production and the use technologies such as fertigation, environmental sensing, The depth of. Understanding should be at a level where the candidate can teach modern methods and assist growers with diagnosing problems.
Communication
- The candidate should be able to design and implement a program that leads to positive changes and impact within the community and beyond, especially in in the face of economic turmoil and climate change. There is an expectation that advisors evolve and grow across their career and respond to changes in the industry and by clientele.
- Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, and interpersonal and information technology communication skills. Publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals as well as industry publications. 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 stakeholders. Able to adapt as circumstances warranted.
- Awareness and willingness 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
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 at https://UCANR.edu
• UC ANR SCREC: https://screc.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/2016- 2020_Strategic_Plan/Goal_5 Prioritize_programs_and_services/Public_values_statement/
• 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: 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 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. 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 and retirement plans, vacation, 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
How to Apply
If interested in this position, please visit: 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: anlee@ucanr.edu
University of California Cooperative Extension
Please note the UC Policy on COVID and Flu vaccinations and working for UC: The University of California issues policies essential for the safety and well-being of the community, including requirements for employees to be appropriately vaccinated for COVID-19 and vaccinated for influenza, or to have an approved exception/exemption on file.
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.