Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), a statewide program with local development and delivery, is seeking the following UC Academic Coordinator.

Location Headquarters. The UC ANR Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier, CA

Purpose. The Academic Coordinator will support program leadership of the UC Organic Agriculture Institute (UC OAI) and the UC Small Farms Network in the development, implementation and communication of effective applied research and extension programs to address the identified critical needs of small- to large-scale organic and small-scale, socially disadvantaged, and diversified agricultural stakeholders consistent with the UC OAI Strategic Plan and the Small Farms Network scope of work.

The position involves:

• Extension Programming Development. The AC will provide expertise in adult learning pedagogy and extension methods to coordinate the development of innovative approaches to outreach and education for small-scale and socially disadvantaged farmers, diversified farms, and small- to large-scale organic farmers and review, finalize, and disseminate educational content developed by academics and staff to improve communication with target audiences.

• Research and Evaluation. The AC will evaluate educational extension efforts and materials and conduct literature, statistical or policy reviews to addressing the challenges facing organic agriculture and small-scale, diversified, and socially disadvantaged farmers. The AC will design and conduct surveys of partner organizations providing technical assistance to small and mid-sized, diversified, and socially disadvantaged farmers. This position will be expected to present research results at conferences and public meetings.

• Stakeholder Engagement. The AC will engage with stakeholders to identify research, extension and training needs. Stakeholders include organic growers, small-scale and diversified growers, socially disadvantaged farmers, organic consultants and certifiers, non-profit partner organizations, regulators and policymakers.

• Promotion and Outreach. The AC will enhance the ability of the UC OAI and the UC Small Farms Network to regularly engage with organic, diversified, and small-scale agricultural stakeholders; increasing the visibility of these programs to the broader public. This includes development, organization, and evaluation of research and extension materials, activities, and methods, as well as regular communication with key stakeholders for organic agriculture and small farms, policymakers, and the broader public.

• Building Partnerships. The AC will build relationships and leverage resources with key partners to enhance the efforts of both programs to facilitate research, extension and education. These partners can include the stakeholders mentioned above, as well as campus-based academics, researchers, and Cooperative Extension personnel.

By supporting both small- and large-scale organic agriculture and small-scale, diversified, and socially disadvantaged farmers, the UC ANR Organic Agriculture Institute and Small Farms Network seek to enhance competitive, sustainable, and equitable food systems, as well as the health of Californians and the California agricultural economy.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop and deliver relevant program content to have meaningful impacts in local communities and throughout California.

Counties of Responsibility.  This position will be headquartered in Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier, CA, where the UC OAI is located. Off-site work is possible from a location within commuter distance of key project sites in the Central Valley, where crops that are the focus of the UC OAI are primarily grown and three of the Small Farms Network county regions are located.

Reporting Relationship: The Academic Coordinator is administratively responsible to the UC Organic Agriculture Institute Director and the UC ANR Small Farms Network Principal Investigator. 

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications

Education: A minimum of a Master’s degree in the agricultural, environmental, or social sciences, with coursework or experience relevant to agricultural extension and sustainable agriculture is required at the time of appointment. 

Additional Requirements

• A strong background in extension education methods and public scientific communication.
• Training and experience in organic and/or small-scale diversified production systems,
• Valid driver license.
• Expectation to be available to work onsite on any day.

Desired Experience

• Ability to secure and manage extramural funding.
• Passion and desire to pursue a career in Cooperative Extension.
• Ability to prepare and deliver communications to policy makers, funders, and other external stakeholders.
• Prior experience working in an agricultural setting or working directly with farmers.
• Experience communicating technical information to culturally diverse audiences.
• Experience in building partnerships and working with multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan projects, manage teams and assist in implementing an applied research and outreach program, including setting measurable goals and objectives.

Skills Required

To be successful, the AC requires skills in the following area:

Technical Competence and Impact

• The candidate should have an understanding of food systems and on-farm agricultural production challenges and be able to design and implement a program that leads to positive changes and impact within the community and beyond.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare, deliver, and evaluate educational materials and extension programming.

Communication

• Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, and interpersonal and information technology communication skills.  Public speaking to diverse 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 - 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/Professional_Development/files/355229.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 Organic Agriculture Institute (UC OAI) (http://organic.ucanr.edu/)
• UC ANR Small Farms Network (http://sfp.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: 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

The beginning salary will be in the Academic Coordinator II series.   For information regarding the Academic Coordinator series salary scales, please refer to: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2022-23/july-2022-salary-scales/t36-ii.pdf

This is not an academic career-track appointment.  This position is funded for 2 years, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funding.  The performance in this position will be evaluated annually.  The merit cycle for this position will be evaluated every two (2) years. 

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 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 #22-49)

Closing Date:  To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by July 28, 2022 – (open until filled)

Questions?

Contact Alma Jackson email: ajackson@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.