Cooperative Extension Horticulture and Specialty Crops Advisor - Serving Humboldt and Del Norte Counties (AP# 22-24)

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), invites applications for a University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Horticulture and Specialty Crops Advisor serving Humboldt and Del Norte Counties at the Assistant rank. The Advisor will develop an innovative extension, education, and applied research program to address issues related to the North Coast food system's sustainability, resiliency, marketing, innovation, and competitiveness.

This position offers the opportunity to address a myriad of issues related to diversified farming systems, food security, water quality compliance, irrigation management, soil health, farm sustainability, climate resilience, pest and disease management, enterprise analysis, succession planning, community food security, and overall natural ecosystem resilience. The Advisor will also provide academic oversight for the Master Gardener Program as these volunteers disseminate information to the public and support local horticulture education. This position will integrate ANR's research and extension education efforts across communities to improve the profitability and resilience of plant-based food systems across the region.

UCCE Advisors are responsible for conducting applied research and extending knowledge. Research activities are applied and mission-oriented, focused on addressing challenges in our communities. Extension activities are the educational methods that Advisors use to share research results directly with clientele and communities to increase knowledge and understanding of science-based research that supports and promotes the adoption of practices and technologies to solve local problems. Extension activities may include individual farm consultations, presentations, or organizing educational workshops, short courses, and field demonstrations. Information may also be disseminated via radio, webinars, fact sheets, policy briefs, news blogs, social media, and other outlets. Publications are expected in various formats, such as newsletters, articles for the popular press, curricula, conference proceedings, and peer-reviewed publications. Successful research and extension programs result in new information that improves knowledge or understanding and eventual adoption of new skills or practices, changed attitudes or policies, and improved environmental, economic, or social conditions. UCCE Advisors are evaluated through an academic advancement system based on four criteria: 1) extending knowledge, 2) applied research and creative activity, 3) professional competence and activity, and 4) university and public service.

Location Headquarters: This position will be headquartered at the Humboldt County UCCE Office, 5630 South Broadway, in Eureka, or the Del Norte County UCCE Office, 586 G Street, Crescent City. The successful candidate may choose the location they prefer for their office headquarters.

Position Details

Humboldt and Del Norte Counties have numerous vegetable, fruit, and ornamental growers, including ~150 certified organic producers (22% of the region's agricultural production). The North Coast has an abundant supply of water, and the region's agricultural importance will likely increase as prolonged droughts and climate change impacts continue throughout the state. North Coast farmers grow a variety of crops sold at farmers' markets, roadside stands, community-supported agricultural programs, groceries, and restaurants. Agricultural entrepreneurs are the backbone of local food production, which supports rural food security, provides rural family incomes, sustains economic diversity, and enhances the regional quality of life. The North Coast hosts an internationally important bulb and lily industry, as Del Norte County produces 95% of the nation's Easter lily bulbs. The region's diverse producers, along with socially disadvantaged and underserved Hispanic, Native American, and Hmong agricultural entrepreneurs, will benefit from UC ANR extension support. This is an exciting opportunity to develop and deliver relevant program content to have meaningful impacts in these local communities and throughout California.

The Advisor will conduct applied research on topics relevant to local growers, based on a clientele needs assessment and the Advisor's expertise. Examples of potential research topics include:

* Variety trials for new and/or innovative specialty crops from other regions that might prosper in the unique north coast climate

* Assessing economically viable irrigation and fertilizer efficiency improvements

* Soil health research and advocacy

* On-farm technology assessment and support

* Economic assessment of value-added products from locally grown foods

* Integrated pest management strategies for both organic and conventional producers for the North Coast's unique and diverse commodities and climates

* Market development and support for farm business development and succession planning

* Regional food security and food infrastructure support

The Advisor will conduct outreach to provide science-based information through workshops, field meetings, webinars, newsletters, industry and media outlets, phone calls, and online and social media tools, as appropriate for the target audiences. Extension efforts will need to cover basic information for small acreage and new growers, as well as cutting-edge information for more experienced growers.

This position will support the goals of the statewide UC Master Gardener program by providing academic oversight for UC Master Gardener Volunteer program in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. Providing accurate information on home and community landscapes to the local Master Gardeners is an essential role of this Advisor.

In this highly collaborative role, the Advisor will work with UC ANR Program Teams, UCCE Specialists, and others in the UC ANR network, as well as external partners. Other opportunities for extension and research partnerships exist with a variety of stakeholders, including but not limited to the North Coast Growers Association, Humboldt and Del Norte Farm Bureaus, Tribes (Yurok, Hoopa, Karuk, etc.), Community Alliance of Family Farmers, Humboldt Food Policy Council, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Small Business Development Center, local Resource Conservation Districts, and Cal Poly Humboldt. The Advisor joins a team of highly motivated UCCE colleagues who are passionate about their work and are dedicated to making a difference within their communities and throughout California.

Counties of Responsibility. This position will serve both Humboldt and Del Norte Counties.

Reporting Relationship: In this appointment, you will report directly to the UC Cooperative Extension Director for Humboldt and/or Del Norte County with input from the Director of the Master Gardener Statewide Program. It is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite at the headquarters location in either Eureka or Crescent City, CA, and travel to and be present in both counties served. Specific expectations for maintaining office hours and fieldwork in the geographic area covered by this position will be outlined upon hire by their supervisor.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Education: A minimum of a master's degree in plant science, horticulture, agronomy, soil science, crop science, or related field is required at the time of appointment.

Key Qualifications

* Experience in horticulture or agriculture science

* Experience in conducting applied, impact-oriented research on topics relevant to this position

* Capacity or potential to accomplish team-based research and education programs consistent with the values of UC ANR.

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

* Experience in research design and statistical data analyses.

* Advisors are expected to publish in both peer-reviewed journals and communicate with diverse audiences in popular press outlets.

* Experience and an interest in working with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes and ethnicities are essential.

* 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 or obtain a valid California Driver's License to drive a county or university vehicle.

* We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employmentvisaat this time. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. at the time of hire.

Additional Skills Required

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

* An interest in and desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension.

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

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

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

* 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

Desired Experience

* Demonstrated ability to effectively plan projects, manage teams, and implement an applied research and outreach program, including setting measurable goals and objectives.

* Familiarity with multiple cropping systems, organic farming practices, regenerative soil management, integrated pest management, plant pathology/entomology, weed management, irrigation systems, and direct market farming.

* Passion and desire to pursue a career in Cooperative Extension.

* Experience in building partnerships and working with multidisciplinary teams.

* Demonstrated ability to conduct research projects and contribute to the peer-reviewed scientific community.

* Language proficiency in Hmong and/or Spanish.

About UC ANR

UC ANR is a division of the UC system that bridges the gap between local issues and the expertise of the University of California 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 more than 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 Humboldt and Del Norte Counties

Humboldt and Del Norte Counties are in the far northwestern part of California, along the scenic Pacific coast. The two-county area is known for its tall and majestic redwood forests, beautiful coastline, mountains, rivers, and valleys. The region is home to a diverse climate with coastal areas commonly cooled by fog as the interior portions of the counties experience hot summers and cool nights. The region supports a diversified agricultural base with many small farms, the largest pasture-based organic dairy production area in California, numerous cow-calf beef operators, and many fishing and aquaculture businesses. Humboldt County is approximately 270 miles north of San Francisco. It has a population of 150,000 and has six incorporated towns, including Eureka, Arcata, and Fortuna, and is home to Cal Poly-Humboldt. Del Norte County borders Oregon and has a population of approximately 25,000, and it has one incorporated community, Crescent City. The region is known for its art, food, outdoor recreation, and culture, with strong rural communities, modest urban amenities, vibrant tribal nations, and civically engaged residents.

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, involving 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.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: The salary range for this Cooperative Extension Advisor position is Assistant Rank, Step I ($85,600) to Step VI ($108,600). 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 #22-24)

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by November 16, 2025- (open until filled)

Questions?

Contact Kahla Wallace via email: kahwallace@ucanr.edu

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.

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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.