UC ANR Seeks Orchard Systems & Weed Ecology Advisor

Posted on October 17, 2022
UC ANR Seeks Orchard Systems & Weed Ecology Advisor
Position Title: 
Orchard Systems & Weed Ecology Advisor (#22-32)
Applied Research and Extension
Serving Glenn, Tehama and Colusa Counties, California
 

 

Position Summary:
The Orchard Systems and Weed Ecology Advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied research program to address issues related to sustainable orchard crop production and weed ecology in walnut, prune, almond and olive systems in Glenn, Tehama, and Colusa Counties.
Location Headquarters: UCCE Glenn County, Orland, CA
 
This position offers the opportunity to address a myriad of issues related to sustainable production, climate change and increased pest pressure in Northern Sacramento Valley orchard cropping 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 growers, commodity boards, pest control advisers, crop consultants, allied industries, and government bodies like CDFA. 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 Glenn County office, Orland, CA and also have programmatic responsibilities in Tehama, and Colusa 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) Glenn County Director, with programmatic input from the County Directors of Tehama and Colusa Counties.
 
The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers a unique recruitment opportunity for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Orchard Systems and Weed Ecology 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.
 
 
Qualifications and Skills Required
 
Required Qualifications
 
Education: A minimum of a Master’s degree in plant science, pomology, weed science, horticulture, 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 orchard systems
• 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 an understanding of horticulture and pest (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, 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 distill 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 of 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.
 
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
 
 
About UC ANR
 
Learn more about
• UCCE Glenn County https://ceglenn.ucanr.edu/
• 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 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, 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 #22-32)
 
Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by November 30, 2022– (open until filled)
 
Questions?
Contact Tatiana Avoce email: tavoce@ucanr.edu
 
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 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.