Cooperative Extension Horticulture and Specialty Crops Advisor - Serving Humboldt and Del Norte

Position overview

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.

• Conduct applied research and extension activities to address local needs, including individual farm consultations, workshops, short courses, field demonstrations, and outreach via radio, webinars, newsletters, policy briefs, blogs, social media, and other outlets.
• Publish in a variety of formats, including newsletters, popular articles, curricula, conference proceedings, and peer‑reviewed publications; evaluate programs using four criteria: extending knowledge, applied research and creative activity, professional competence and activity, and university/public service.
• Provide academic oversight for the UC Master Gardener Volunteer program in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties and guide home and community landscape education.
• Collaborate with UC ANR Program Teams, UCCE Specialists, external partners, and diverse stakeholders to develop and deliver program content with meaningful local impact.
• Conduct applied research topics such as variety trials for new crops, irrigation and fertilizer efficiency, soil health, on‑farm technology, value‑added products, integrated pest management, market development, and regional food security.

Education:

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; capacity to contribute to team‑based programs in line with UC ANR values.
• Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, and information technology communication skills.
• Experience in research design and statistical data analyses; ability to publish in peer‑reviewed journals and communicate with diverse audiences in popular outlets.
• Experience and interest in working with clientele across a wide range of socio‑economic classes and ethnicities; willingness to travel as needed.
• Valid California driver’s license; ability to drive a county or university vehicle; liability/property damage insurance on vehicle; ability to work onsite in Eureka or Crescent City and travel between counties.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. at the time of hire; this position does not sponsor employment visas at this time.

Additional skills

• Meet appointment criteria for UC academic title series; document relevant research, extension, teaching experience, and scholarly achievements.
• Interest in pursuing a career in UC Cooperative Extension; ability to engage diverse stakeholders and communities; lifelong learning mindset.
• Understanding of key concepts to optimize engagement and development of agricultural/horticultural science programs with community impact; collaborative team orientation.
• Disclose any misconduct findings from the past seven years as a condition of employment; comply with UC Sexual Violence and Harassment Policy, UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy, and…