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 the identification and promotion of best agricultural practices.

UCCE Advisors are responsible for conducting applied research and extending knowledge. Research activities are applied and mission-oriented, focused on addressing challenges in our communities. Extension activities are the educational methods that Advisors use to share research results directly with clientele and communities, increasing knowledge and understanding of science-based research that promotes the adoption of practices and technologies to solve local problems.

Extension activities may include individual farm consultations, presentations, or organizing educational workshops, short courses, and field demonstrations. Information may also be disseminated through various channels such as radio, webinars, fact sheets, policy briefs, news blogs, social media, and other outlets. Publications are expected in various formats, including newsletters, popular press articles, curricula, conference proceedings, and peer‑reviewed journals.

Research is expected to focus on crop production issues for livestock feed, emphasizing animal agriculture and fertilizer use, nutrient management issues, irrigation management, and water quality. Key research topics 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 issues
• Decision‑making tools development
• Alternate manure management practices that maximize nutrient use in cropping systems while being climate neutral and protecting groundwater

• 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 is required.
• Expertise needed to address nutrient management issues, especially linked to the California dairy‑forage production system.
• Ability to develop and integrate all aspects of crop production to promote sustainability, profitability, and environmental stewardship.
• Capacity or potential to accomplish team‑based research and education programs consistent with the values of UCANR.
• Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability, and property‑damage insurance on the vehicle used is required. Must possess or obtain a valid California Driver’s License to drive a county or university vehicle.
• Background investigation, including fingerprinting and criminal history clearances, is required. The position is subject to California’s Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) and other legal compliance requirements.
• Applicants must have unrestricted and permanent work authorization in the United States. This position is not sponsoring or taking over visa sponsorship.
• This is not a remote position.

• Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the UC academic title series and provide evidence of success in meeting the required academic advancement criteria as per UC…