University of California, Davis Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Specialist; AP

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Specialist at the Assistant rank. Disasters in California—from wildfires to floods, droughts, heatwaves, and earthquakes—pose significant economic, social, and community challenges, underscoring the urgent need for preparedness. Economically, these events inflict massive losses: over the period , the state has experienced roughly 46 “billion-dollar” disasters, with total costs ranging between US $100 billion and $200 billion.

Socially, these disasters deepen existing inequalities as low‑income and marginalized communities often face greater evacuation barriers, longer recovery periods, and fewer resources. On a community level, the loss of homes, schools, shared spaces, and local businesses can erode social cohesion and disrupt networks of care and mutual support. All of these findings reinforce the importance of investing in early warning systems, community resilience planning, equitable recovery strategies, and infrastructure designed for disaster readiness.

UC ANR, with its network of community partners and experts across the state, is uniquely positioned to facilitate this work. To this end, UC ANR is launching the Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Institute (DPRI), where this position will be located administratively and organizationally. The Specialist will be the founding Director of the Institute and coordinate the startup and programming. They will conduct cutting‑edge research, lead teams of researchers and key experts, and coordinate with partners to improve the preparedness and resilience of California’s communities.

• Serve as Director of the UC ANR Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Institute (approximately .3 FTE).
• Collaborate with UC ANR’s network of advisors, specialists, AES faculty, statewide programs, and institutes, and the University of California Disaster Resiliency Network, as well as external stakeholders, to conduct applied research and disseminate research results. External partners may include staff from federal, state, and local agencies, tribal governments, community‑based nonprofit and civic organizations, and grassroots groups.
• Design and conduct applied research focused on disaster preparedness and resilience. Potential areas of research include:
  • Zoonotic agrosecurity
  • Food safety/security planning
  • Climate resiliency
  • Human pandemics and disaster response
  • Mental Health First Aid related to disaster response and preparedness
  • Disaster preparedness related to flooding, fire, drought, coastal sea rise, etc.
  • Youth training and engagement in disaster preparedness
  • Policy solutions for disaster preparedness and resiliency
  • Lead efforts to translate findings into real‑world solutions that make communities more resilient and better prepared for disasters.
  • Develop an effective extension education program (including statewide trainings, workshops, educational resources, and a website) that enables ANR personnel, communities, and state and local agency staff to improve disaster preparedness.
  • Seek research and extension funding from federal and state agencies as well as other sources.
  • Publish findings, best practices, and case studies in accessible formats, including peer‑reviewed journals, ANR outlets, popular press, and relevant online platforms to widen the reach and impact of research outcomes.
  • Participate in professional society activities and scholarly contributions, attaining goals of state, national, and international recognition over time.

This state‑wide position will serve communities across California. This is an exciting opportunity to impact diverse communities throughout the state.

The position will be located at UC ANR headquarters in Davis, CA. UC ANR will oversee the merit and promotion process, consistent with other UC ANR CE Specialists. In this position, you will report to the Associate Vice President for Research and Extension. It is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite at the UC ANR building in…