Cooperative Extension Nutrient Management and Forage Systems Advisor Serving Stanislaus, San Jo

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Nutrient Management and Forage Systems Advisor at the Assistant rank serving Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Merced Counties.

The Nutrient Management and Forage Systems Advisor will implement an innovative multi‑county extension education and applied research program focused on production issues for forage crops in California’s Northern San Joaquin Valley. The emphasis will be on nutrient management in cropping systems linked to animal agriculture and fertilizer use, as well as on irrigation management and water quality issues. Expected impacts are optimized agronomic practices that maximize profitability while improving water and nutrient use efficiency, protecting water and air resources, and building climate resilience through identification and promotion of best agricultural practices.

Forage crop production innovations present promising solutions for conserving soil and water resources and managing manure nutrients, which affect groundwater and air quality, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. Improved stewardship of nitrogen from manures and fertilizers in forage production is necessary to sustain California's important dairy industry and to protect soil, air, and water resources for all Californians.

UCCE Advisors conduct applied research and extend knowledge. Research activities are mission‑oriented and focus on addressing challenges in community agricultural systems. Extension activities include individual farm consultations, presentations, workshops, short courses, field demonstrations, and dissemination through radio, webinars, fact sheets, policy briefs, blogs, social media, and other outlets. Publications are expected in newsletters, popular press, curricula, conference proceedings, and peer‑reviewed journals.

Research topics for this position include:

• Nitrogen and salt management
• Improved production practices (cultural, crop variety, pest management, fertility, irrigation, and economics)
• Use of nitrification inhibitors
• GIS systems for controlling site‑specific fertilizer and pest applications
• Conservation tillage
• Role of nitrogen‑fixing legumes in cropping systems
• Best practices to manage organic nitrogen to mitigate nitrogen contamination
• Decision‑making tools development
• Alternate manure management practices that maximize nutrient use in cropping systems while being climate neutral and protecting groundwater

Key clientele include producers of forage crops, dairy farmers, crop consultants, allied industry professionals, and non‑profit environmental groups.

This position will be based at the UC Cooperative Extension Office in Stanislaus County, located at 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto, California 95358. The advisor must be available onsite and able to travel to and be present in San Joaquin and Merced Counties.

The Advisor reports directly to the UC Cooperative Extension Director for Stanislaus County, with input from the Directors of UC Cooperative Extension for Merced and San Joaquin Counties.

Required Qualifications

• At the time of appointment, a minimum of a master’s degree in agronomy, crop science, soil science, water management, crop production, plant nutrition, or a related field.
• Expertise to address nutrient management issues linked to the California dairy‑forage production system.
• Ability to develop and integrate aspects of crop production to promote sustainability, profitability, and environmental stewardship.
• Capacity or potential to accomplish team‑based research and education programs consistent with UCANR values.
• Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed; proof of liability and property damage insurance on the vehicle used is required; a valid California Driver’s License is required.
• Background investigation, including fingerprinting and criminal history clearances, is required; compliance with California’s Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act is required.
• Unrestricted and permanent work authorization in the United States; no visa sponsorship.
• Not a remote…