Urban Agriculture Technology Area Advisor - Applied Research and Extension, Serving Orange and Los Angeles Counties, California
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 Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Advisor.
Location Headquarters. South Coast Research and Extension Center, Irvine, Orange County, CA
Purpose. The Urban Agriculture Technology Area Advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied research program integrating several disciplines to focus on expanding agriculture technologies in urban and peri-urban communities, focusing on controlled environment agriculture (CEA) production.
The position will involve
• Research and demonstration crop production in highly- controlled environments such as modern greenhouses and vertical farms in the face of climate change
• Demonstration and testing of all types of plant production for in-door and urban agriculture, focusing on food production, medicinal crops and ornamentals to demonstrate economic and practical feasibility to the industry
• Development, assessment, and implementation of advanced plant production technologies with particular focus on optimization of environmental variables with regard to energy utilization as well as labor-saving technologies.
• Identifying barriers to CEA adoption and expansion and developing effective strategies for CEA success.
• Extension of CEA technologies to other areas of urban agriculture with specific focus on growing crop with less water, minimization of fertilizer nutrient discharge through recirculation, and application of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to achieve economic optimization
This position offers the opportunity to integrate and bring focus to the potential for controlled environment agriculture and its impacts on regional economic development and community resilience. Education programs will have positive impacts through building climate-resilient agriculture systems across the region.
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 local agriculture producers, USDA ARS researchers, UC and CSU academic colleagues statewide, as well as local and regional entities. UC ANR has numerous programs and individuals addressing relevant issues ready to partner with this advisor. 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. Counties of Responsibility. This position will be headquartered at the South Coast Research and Extension Center (SCREC), Irvine, California, serving Orange and Los Angeles counties. All of southern California will benefit due to South Coast REC's regional location. SCREC is used widely by University of California faculty, particularly UC Davis and UC Riverside, for conducting agricultural research that is especially relevant in the southern areas of California.
Reporting Relationship: The CE Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California South Coast Research and Extension Center Director with input from the UCCE County Directors in the coverage area.
Qualifications and Skills Required
Required Qualifications
Education: A minimum of a Master's degree in plant science, agricultural engineering, controlled environment agriculture, or related field is required at the time of appointment.
Additional Requirements
• Valid driver license to perform duties.
• Solid understanding of agriculture technologies in urban environments, with emphasis on controlled environment agriculture systems.
• Expectation to be available to work onsite on any day.
Desired Experience
• Experience in urban and peri-urban communities and natural resource-based economies.
• Passion and desire to pursue a career in Cooperative Extension and community development
• Experience in building partnerships and with multidisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan programs, manage teams, and implement an applied research and outreach program, including setting measurable goals and objectives
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. Understandingshould 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 Assistant CE Advisor Rank and commensurate with applicable experience and professional qualifications. For information regarding CE advisor series salary scales, please refer to: https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/358478.pdf
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 #21-59)
Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by November 30, 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
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.