Specialist in Cooperative Extension; Professor of Cooperative Extension-Groundwater Quantity and Qu

Specialist in Cooperative Extension (Professor of Cooperative Extension) – Groundwater Quantity and Quality

Location:

West Side Research and Extension Center (25-31) Application Window

Open date:
February 26, 2026

Next review date:
Wednesday, Apr 22, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date:
Tuesday, Jun 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) in collaboration with the University of California, Merced invites applications for a Professor of Cooperative Extension at the Assistant Rank, formally titled Specialist in Cooperative Extension.

The role focuses on drought, climate change, and groundwater overdraft through innovative research and extension, building capacity across California to sustainably manage groundwater quantity and quality. The successful candidate will develop applied research to support sustainable use strategies and conduct outreach to facilitate the adoption of science‑based knowledge for water management in California's Central Valley. Expertise is sought in hydrogeology, hydrogeochemistry, sustainable groundwater management, contaminants (salinity, nitrates, TCPs, microplastics, PFAS), groundwater monitoring and modeling, managed aquifer recharge, and strategic cropping systems.

• Develop and implement a collaborative research, education, and outreach program to enhance sustainable groundwater use and quality.
• Conduct applied research on topics such as:
  Subsurface hydrology and groundwater quality assessment in the San Joaquin Valley
  Development and use of groundwater hydrology, surface‑water interaction, and chemical fate models for planning activities and various agricultural use scenarios
  Design of conjunctive use scenarios for sustainable farming under different cropping patterns
  Evaluation of climate change, drought, floods, nitrates, pesticides, and other chemicals impacts on groundwater quality and quantity, and development of novel management strategies using a quantity‑quality relationship approach
  Development of scenarios and practical guidelines for groundwater recharge via field measurements, remote sensing, and modeling
  Agricultural drainage and its impact on salinity management and groundwater quality
• Extend knowledge on groundwater quality and management through publications, newsletters, web pages, blogs, policy briefs, UCCE Advisor meetings, on‑site visits, workshops, and stakeholder validation events.
• Develop and implement educational programs on groundwater management, focusing on conjunctive use and sustainable water use, including assessment, irrigation management, and crop selection strategies.
• Collaborate with UCCE Advisors, specialists, UC Merced faculty, and statewide programs to conduct applied research and inform extension at local, regional, and statewide levels.
• Engage networks of groundwater professionals and provide expertise to agencies such as the California Department of Water Resources, State Water Resources Control Board, and regional Groundwater Sustainability Agencies.
• Network with stakeholders including the Groundwater Resources Association, U.S. Department of Agriculture, United States Geological Survey, and private sector experts.
• Work closely with water districts and authorities on implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and related programs.
• Publish in UC ANR outlets and external scientific journals.

• Ph.D. (or international equivalent) in Hydrogeology, Hydrogeochemistry, Geophysics, Water Resources, Hydrological Sciences, Natural Resources Management, or a closely related field. Candidates within 12 months of completing the degree are eligible.
• Experience in groundwater research and extension.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong publication record.
• Experience leading collaborative research teams.
• Ability and willingness to travel flexibly, proof of liability insurance, and possession of a valid California Driver's License.
• Unrestricted, permanent U.S. work authorization.
• Non‑remote position; applicant must be available onsite at WSREC.
• Disclosures…