Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers a unique opportunity for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Community Nutrition and Health 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 power of 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:  Amador County, Jackson, CA

Purpose. The Community Nutrition and Health Advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied problem-solving research program for the Central Sierra (including El Dorado, Amador, Calaveras, and Tuolumne counties) and Placer and Nevada counties, a primarily rural area.

The advisor will develop a program based on priority community needs within the broad areas of healthy lifestyles, health equity, food security, Indigenous food sovereignty, nutrition, water security and safety, health, and/or climate change. Of specific current interest are the areas of farm to school programs, the social determinants of health in a rural context, partnering with Tribes and tribal communities to co-develop culturally relevant programming, and community health response to issues such as COVID and mental health.

The advisor will work with and provide a point of connection for the county, state, tribal, community, schools and other organizations to work together toward enhanced community health and resilience. The advisor’s applied research program will inform management and policy efforts across the area counties with potential for impact throughout California.

The advisor will be part of the network of UC ANR Nutrition and Health Advisors that provide critical capacity, coordination, and science-based momentum for an accelerated approach to California’s health problems.  As such, the advisor’s work will also connect with other UC ANR advisors, UC Campus-based specialists and faculty, the UC ANR Nutrition Policy Institute and with relevant UC ANR volunteer networks (e.g., UC Master Gardener, UC Master Naturalist, and UC 4-H). UC ANR implements two large Federal Nutrition programs (CalFresh Healthy Living, UC and EFNEP) and runs the UC Master Food Preserver Program. These programs offer rich opportunities for programmatic input, applied research and expanded community impact. The advisor will be part of a state-wide advisory committee providing input on and seeking synergies around these and other Statewide programs.

This is an exciting opportunity to have meaningful impacts in the Central Sierra, Placer and Nevada County communities and throughout California more broadly.

There are numerous opportunities for research and extension partnerships that link consumers and   professionals across multi-sectors with relevant science-based information and promote effective problem solving.  The advisor will also join 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 is focused on Central Sierra region of Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Tuolumne, Placer and Nevada Counties.  There is an opportunity to work collaboratively across counties, as well as some statewide collaborations, influence and impact.

Reporting Relationship: The CE advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) County Director for the Central Sierra Multi-County Partnership with input from the UCCE County Director for Placer and Nevada Counties.  The CE advisor is programmatically responsible to the Statewide Community Nutrition and Health Director.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications

Education:   A minimum of a Master’s degree in Public or Community Health, Nutrition or other closely related fields is required at the time of appointment.

Additional Requirements

• A background investigation will be required for the successful candidate, including fingerprinting and a criminal history clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This position is subject to the requirements and compliance of the California’s Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA). Employment within UC ANR is contingent upon securing written acknowledgement to comply with California law.
• 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 is not a remote position. The candidate must be available to work onsite.
• The ability to work with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes and ethnicities is essential.

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 key concepts related to community health and nutrition 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 may even need to change the focus of their work.

Communication

Demonstrated excellence in written, oral and interpersonal and information technology communication skills.

Demonstrated ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity and humility, and 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 others.  Able to adapt as circumstances warranted.

Ability and experience 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

Desired Experience

• Passion and desire to pursue a career in Cooperative Extension and community development.
• Experience in successful Cooperative Extension programming or community development,
• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan, manage teams and implement a research program, including setting measurable goals and objectives.
• Experience and /or expertise in whole child health (physical, social-emotional) and/or social determinants of health (including healthcare, transportation, built environmental, workforce development, public safety, nutrition security, climate health, etc.).
• Experience and/or expertise applying equity-driven values and approaches in racially and culturally divers communities; understanding and experience with practice of inclusion.

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 the California.  We are committed to developing and supporting 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 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 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 #21-27)

Closing Date:  To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by June 19, 2023 – (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 Policy on Vaccination Programs – With Updated Interim Amendments. 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 Exhibit 2, Section II.C. of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Attachment 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 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program Attachment. (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.