Nutrient Management and Forage Systems Advisor

Position: Nutrient Management and Forage Systems Advisor (AP#25-37)

Application Window

Open date: December 15, 2025

Next review date: Tuesday, Feb 3, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) – Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Friday, Mar 6, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) – Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position Description

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.

UCCE Advisors Responsibilities

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

Successful research and extension programs result in new information that improves knowledge or understanding, and eventual adoption of new practices. UCCE Advisors are evaluated through an academic advancement system based on four criteria: extending knowledge, applied research and creative activity, professional competence and activity, and university and public service.

Location Headquarters

This position will be based at the UC Cooperative Extension Office in Stanislaus County, located at 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto, California 95358.

Position Details

In the three‑county region served by this Advisor, forage crops account for $900 million in revenue from 570,000 harvested acres, supporting $3.8 billion in milk and cattle revenue and the economic viability of many disadvantaged communities. The dairy industry relies on a wide mix of locally grown forage crops that thrive in the Central Valley.

Research Focus (examples)

• Nitrogen and salt management
• Improved production practices (cultural, crop variety, pest management, fertility, irrigation, and economics)
• Use of nitrification inhibitors
• GIS systems for 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 issues
• Decision‑making tool development
• Alternate manure management practices that maximize nutrient use while being climate neutral and protecting groundwater

Research programs will be developed and carried out in collaboration with UC ANR academics and appropriate statewide efforts, including Program Teams and Work groups, local stakeholders, and collaborating agencies in the three counties.

Clientele

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

Counties of Responsibility

This position will serve Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Merced Counties.

Reporting Relationship

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.

Qualifications and Skills

Required Qualifications

Education: 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 in nutrient management issues linked to the California dairy‑forage production system.
• Ability to develop and…