Cooperative Extension Area Low Desert Weed Management Advisor - Serving Imperial and Riverside Counties (24-24)

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Area Low Desert Weed Management Advisor at the Assistant Rank to serve Imperial and Riverside Counties. The advisor will implement an innovative multi-county extension education and applied research program that will focus on biology, ecology and management of weeds of agricultural importance in the lower desert cropping areas.

UCCE Advisors are responsible for applied research and extension of knowledge. Research activities are applied, needs-based, mission-oriented, and focused on addressing our communities' challenges and needs. Extension activities are the educational practices advisors use to share research results directly with clientele and communities to increase their knowledge and understanding of science-based research results to support and promote the adoption of practices and technologies to solve problems. Extension methods may include individual consultations, presentations, organization of educational workshops and short courses, field demonstrations, farm calls, and site visits. Information may also be disseminated via radio outreach, webinars, fact sheets, policy briefs, news blogs, and social media. Publications are expected in various formats, such as newsletters, articles for the popular press, curriculums, conference proceedings, and peer-reviewed journals. Successful research and extension programs result in new information that improves knowledge or understanding and enhances adoption of new skills, practices, changed attitudes, policies, and improved environmental, health, agricultural, economic, and/or social conditions. UCCE Advisors are evaluated through an academic advancement system based on four criteria: extending knowledge, applied research and creative activity, professional competence and activity, and University and public service.

Location Headquarters: University of California Cooperative Extension Office in Imperial County, located at Holtville, California.

Position Details

The Advisor will develop applied weed management research locally and in partnerships with collaborators. It is expected that applied research will cover the low desert agricultural areas of Imperial and Riverside Counties, including the Imperial, Coachella, and Palo Verde valleys, which produce more than 100 crop commodities year-round. Low desert commodities and cropping systems include a diverse mix of agronomic crops (alfalfa, wheat, sugar beet, sudangrass, Rhodes grass, Bermuda and Klein grasses, and oilseed crops) and various vegetable and specialty crops.

The research is expected to address weed management techniques and practices, which may include weed biology, ecology, and other weed management techniques. The low desert crops are infested with various weeds, including noxious, invasive and weeds resistant to herbicides. Weed management research programs will be developed and carried out in collaboration with UC ANR academics and appropriate statewide efforts, including UC ANR Program Teams and Workgroups, local stakeholders, and other collaborating industries in Imperial and Riverside Counties.

Local collaboration on agronomic and vegetable crop production, livestock, waste management research and development and delivery of science-based information will be addressed in the Area Low Desert Weed Management Advisor position. The Advisor is expected to collaborate with other Cooperative Extension (CE) and Agricultural Extension Stations (AES) researchers and educators to conduct research and education programs that address the issues within weed management and related disciplines. The advisor will be supported by CE and AES specialists and researchers at UC Davis, UC Riverside and UC Berkley departments including Agronomy and Plant Science, and pest management programs at UC Davis.

The Advisor will also collaborate with USDA ARS scientists, agencies, community groups, neighboring state agricultural agents and specialists, relevant community colleges and state universities.

Science-based research results and other educational information will be disseminated using a variety of methods including individual consultations, presentations at grower and industry meetings, workshops, short courses, field demonstrations, UC ANR publications, peer-reviewed journal articles, newsletters, technical reports to commodity boards/funding agencies, and an appropriate mix of contemporary and emerging electronic tools (such as online learning, web content systems and repositories, social media, impact and evaluation tools), along with specialized and public media outlets. The advisor will collaborate with the local advisors in organizing education extension events and workshops.

Key clientele will include commercial farms (both large and small), pest control advisers, allied industries, commodity groups, seed companies, conservation/environmental groups, public agencies, and consumers. The growing home gardening activity in Imperial and Riverside Counties may create an opportunity to cover urban and gardening clientele.

Counties of Responsibility. This position will be headquartered in Imperial County and will serve Imperial and Riverside Counties.

Reporting Relationship: The advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Area County Director for Imperial and San Diego Counties with input from the UCCE Riverside County Director. This is not a remote position; the advisor must be available to work onsite at the headquarter location and travel to and be present in other assigned counties with programmatic responsibilities. Specific expectations for maintaining office hours and fieldwork in the geographic area covered by this position will be outlined upon hire by the respective directors and supervisors.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications

Education: At the time of appointment, a minimum of a master's degree in weed science, agronomy, botany, or a related field is required.

Key Qualifications

* Knowledge and experience in crop production and weed management or a related field.

* Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed and has proof of liability and property damage insurance on the vehicle used is required. Must possess a valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University Vehicle.

* 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.

Additional Skills Required

* Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series and evidence for success in meeting required academic advancement criteria as per UC Academic Personnel Manuals. Applications need to document relevant research, extension, and teaching experience and appropriate scholarly achievements.

* Interest in and a desire to pursue a career in UCANR / UC Cooperative Extension

* Technical Competence and Impact: The candidate should understand key concepts to optimize engagement and development and be able to design and implement a program that leads to positive changes and impact within the community and beyond.

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

* Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility: The candidate should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively as a team member with key external stakeholders and county-based staff, as well as with other colleagues within UC ANR.

* Lifelong Learning: Advisors are expected to evolve and grow throughout their careers and respond to changes in the industry, clientele, and organizational structure.

Desired Experiences

* Experience in successful Extension programming or community development,

deep understanding of agronomy and weed management and be able to design and implement a program that leads to positive changes and impact within the community and beyond.

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

* Demonstrated ability to share complex information in a manner tailored to the audience.

* 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 and extend knowledge accordingly.

About UC ANR

UC ANR is a division of the University of California (UC) system that bridges the gap between local issues and the expertise of the UC system by providing research-based information, educational programs, and technical expertise to the public in areas such as agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, and youth development. UC ANR is part of a nationwide Cooperative Extension network, which began in the early 20th century to connect research from land-grant universities with the everyday needs of people in communities across the United States. Today, we collaborate with farmers, ranchers, diverse communities, youth and adult educators, and policymakers to address local and statewide issues related to food systems, water, climate change, and sustainable agriculture through a statewide network of campus-based researchers, county-based Advisors, and community educators. Our mission is to cultivate thriving communities, sustainable agriculture, resilient ecosystems, and economic prosperity in California and globally through equitable generation and sharing of collaborative, science-based solutions. Over 180 UCCE Advisors conduct applied research and extension education from county-based UCCE offices serving all 58 counties from 70+ locations. 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 resources UC has to offer. Our vision is that UC ANR will be valued in every California community for meaningful engagement and making a positive difference in people's lives.

About Imperial and Riverside Counties

Imperial County is home to approximately 180,000 residents who live and work within its seven cities (Brawley, Calexico, Calipatria, El Centro, Holtville, Imperial and Westmorland) and eight unincorporated communities (Bombay Beach, Heber, Niland, Ocotillo, Palo Verde, Salton City, Seeley and Winterhaven). The county was the last to be established in California in 1907; however, it is the ninth largest California County encompassing 4,284 square miles. Imperial County has a rich agricultural heritage, which includes the production of half of our nation's winter vegetables, an extensive amount of renewable resources, including geothermal, wind, and solar, a wide-range of cultural and outdoor recreational activities with hundreds of points of interest such as the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, a magnet for off-road enthusiasts, and the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, a renowned birding site, and a lively population with frequent family-oriented community events.

Riverside is the fourth largest county in California and the 10th largest in the United States. It covers more than 7,300 square miles and is home to 2.4 million residents. A variety of crops are produced in Riverside County, including nursery stock, dairy, avocados and citrus, dates, alfalfa and vegetable crops. UC Riverside, a campus of over 26,000 students, has a history of high-impact innovation that began with the university's earliest days as the Citrus Experiment Station. Riverside is located 55 miles east of Los Angeles and 90 miles north of San Diego.

Learn more about

* UC ANR and UC ANR Mission Statement.

* UC ANR administers Statewide Programs and Institutes that focus research and extension on solving priority problems that engage ANR academics and UC faculty in integrated teams

* UC ANR Strategic Initiatives help unify, communicate, and advocate for the work we do.

* UC ANR UC ANR uses seven Public Value statements to communicate how our work makes a difference to the public.

* UC ANR academics are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR's commitment to UC ANR's Affirmative Action policy

* UC ANR is committed to supporting inclusive excellence and is guided by UC ANR's Principles of Community. We strive to create an environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, feel valued and respected and have equal opportunities for growth and success.

* As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties

APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Salary & Benefits

Salary: The salary range for this Cooperative Extension Advisor position is Assistant Rank, Step I ($82,900) to Step VI ($105,200). 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/default/files/2025-01/406198.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 of the ANR Policy and Procedure Manual (PPM).

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 #24-24). An in-person finalist interview may be required as part of the search process.

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by

June 25, 2025 - (Open until filled)

Questions?

Contact Kahla Wallace at kahwallace@ucanr.edu and Tatiana Avoce at tavoce@ucanr.edu

Applicants may wish to explore the UC Davis Services for International Students and Scholars web page at https://siss.ucdavis.edu and the UC ANR Green Card Sponsorship Guidelines & FAQ's for reference.

University of California Cooperative Extension

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity 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 status under state or federal law.

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.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. 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.