Farms Advisor; AP

Overview

Small Farms Advisor(AP 23-17) — University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR).

Position based in Fresno County, with responsibilities for Fresno and Madera Counties. The Small Farms Advisor conducts an integrated program of extension and applied research to support economic viability and sustainable production for small-scale farms, including limited-resource and beginning farmers growing specialty crops for direct and niche markets.

• Headquartered in Fresno County; serves farms that are typically 80 acres or less (majority under 50 acres).
• Collaborates with statewide SFN and UC ANR programs; provides technical assistance for regulatory compliance, on-farm production, marketing, and climate-smart agriculture.
• Develops and implements an applied research program addressing needs of small-scale, diversified, limited-resource, beginning, and underserved growers; includes field research on private farms and at KARE; extensive grower and community engagement.
• Provides extension education through consultations, workshops, field demonstrations, farm calls, and diverse dissemination channels (radio, webinars, fact sheets, policy briefs, news blogs, social media).
• Language: bilingual outreach in Hmong, Spanish, and other languages where applicable; supervises Hmong Agricultural Assistant and other staff in the county network.

• Address issues related to sustainable crop production, economics and marketing, and regulatory compliance (food safety, labor, pesticide use, nitrogen fertilizer use, groundwater management).
• Provide field consultations, problem solving, technical assistance, and applied research.
• Collaborate with campus and county colleagues, partners, and private industry; participate in cross-program activities within UC ANR and SFN.
• Communicate research results to diverse audiences; develop publications, curricula, and extension materials.
• supervise and provide programmatic guidance to county-based staff as part of the Small Farms Network.

• Required
  • Education:
    
    Master’s degree in plant science, crop science, agronomy, plant pathology, entomology, soil science, horticulture, weed science, plant physiology, agroecology, agricultural economics, or related agricultural sciences at time of appointment.
  • Demonstrated ability in applied agricultural research and extension methods for the clientele and production systems relevant to the position.
  • Experience in conducting applied research in agriculture, horticulture, or natural resources; program and/or personnel management; ability to plan, implement, and evaluate educational/outreach programs; ability to analyze data and publish applied research.
  • Ability and means to travel; valid California Driver's License; liability/property damage insurance as required; willingness to obtain Qualified Pesticide Applicator Certificate (QAC) or License (QAL) within one year.
  • Authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. at hire; not a remote position.
• Desirable
  • Experience engaging with partner organizations; strong collaboration with growers, agencies, and community partners.
  • Ability to communicate with diverse audiences including elected officials, agricultural organizations, public agencies.
  • Experience securing extramural funding; ability to plan applied research/evaluation projects; supervise teams; manage multiple projects.
  • Experience working with clientele across socio-economic and ethnic groups; ability to evaluate crop production and management problems.

Salary range:
Assistant Rank, Step I ($85,600) to Step VI ($108,600). Salary progression depends on experience and qualifications. See UC ANR salary schedule for details.

: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and choose "applicants" (position #23-17).

Closing date for full consideration:
January 6, 2026 (open until filled).

• Questions? Contact Mikyla Perez at mikperez.
• This is not a remote position. UC ANR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a smoke- and tobacco-free environment.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration 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.