Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers a unique recruitment opportunity for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Community Nutrition, Health, and Food 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 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:  Contra Costa County, Concord, CA

Purpose. The Community Nutrition, Health, and Food Systems Advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied problem-solving research program for the East Bay (including Contra Costa and Alameda counties).

The advisor will develop a program based on priority community needs within the broad areas of healthy lifestyles, nutrition security, preservation, and food access, including access to locally grown food. Of specific interest and importance are the programmatic areas of strengthening the connections between local farmers and consumers by expanding access to affordable nutritious food; improving community health by increasing consumer awareness and understanding about healthy food choices, local food production and food preservation opportunities; improving water and nutrition security; and promoting health equity.

The Community Nutrition, Health, and Food Systems Advisor will work with and provide a point of connection for county, state, community, nonprofits, schools, and other organizations to work together toward enhanced community health and resilience. The advisor’s applied research program will inform delivery of food, nutrition, and health strategies and assist policy efforts across two counties with potential throughout California. There is a growing interest in urban agriculture, a circular food economy, and addressing economic and health disparities related to food and food systems.

This position will also provide academic oversight for the UC CalFresh Healthy Living Program in Contra Costa County and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Program in Alameda County.

The advisor will be part of the network of UC ANR Community 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 Food Preserver, and UC 4-H). UC ANR implements two large Federal Nutrition programs (CalFresh Healthy Living and EFNEP). These programs offer rich opportunities for collaboration. The advisor will be part of a state-wide advisory committee providing input on and seeking synergies around these and other Statewide programs.

Opportunities abound 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 the East Bay, Contra Costa, and Alameda counties.  There is an opportunity to work collaboratively across counties as well as have 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 Contra Costa County. 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.
• Experience and/or expertise in whole child health (physical, social-emotional) and/or social determinants of health (including healthcare, transportation, built environment, workforce development, public safety, nutrition security, climate health, etc.).
• The ability to work with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes and ethnicities is essential.
• 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 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 due to emerging community nutrition and health needs.

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.

Aware 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.

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 applying equity-driven values and approaches in racially and culturally diverse 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 #23-05)

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.