UC Cooperative Extension Orchard Systems Advisor; Cherries, Walnuts, Olives, Apples AP

Overview

The University of California division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Orchard Systems Advisor, in the Assistant Rank, serving San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties. The successful candidate will develop and implement an innovative applied research and extension education program that will focus on walnut and sweet cherry production. Disciplinary focus will be on production systems, integrated pest management, nutrient management, irrigation management and efficiency, business strategies, soil fertility and health, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

The position will also include sweet cherry in Sacramento County and area wide responsibilities for olives (oil and table), and several other smaller-acreage crops including apples, prunes, persimmons, and pomegranates. San Joaquin County is the statewide leader in both cherry and walnut production and the advisor would be expected to develop a regional and statewide expertise on these crops, providing leadership within ANR.

This position will work with commercial organic, regenerative, and conventional production and marketing systems.

UCCE Advisors are responsible for applied research and the extension of knowledge. Research activities are applied, needs-based, mission-oriented, and focused on addressing our communities  challenges. Extension activities are educational practices Advisors use to share research results directly with their clientele and communities. Increased knowledge and understanding of science-based research helps to support and promote the adoption of practices and technologies that solve problems.

Extension methods may include individual consultations, presentations, organization of educational workshops and short courses, field demonstrations, farm calls, and site visits. Information may also be disseminated via radio outreach, webinars, fact sheets, policy briefs, news blogs, and social media. Publications are expected in various formats, such as newsletters, articles for the popular press, curriculums, conference proceedings, and peer-reviewed publications. Successful research and extension programs result in new information that improves knowledge or understanding and adoption of new skills, practices, changed attitudes, policies, and improved environmental, health, agricultural, economic, and/or social conditions.

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 headquartered in the UCCE Office in San Joaquin County located at 2101

E. Earhart Ave. #200, Stockton, CA 95206.

The advisor will address UC ANR’s value statements by promoting the economic prosperity of California while protecting natural resources, mitigating climate change, and safeguarding abundant food for Californians. High priority issues include increasing fruit and nut tree production while reducing the environmental footprint of fertilization, irrigation and pest management practices, the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), and mitigating the effects of climate change.

This position is considered high impact and is ranked as critical by the walnut and cherry industries.

• Geographic scope includes San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties with mixed clientele of part-time small acreage and full-time medium acreage growers.
• Research opportunities include rootstock, variety, irrigation, fertilization and pruning of walnuts and cherries; development of integrated pest management approaches for pests and diseases; improving cherry quality; and testing new technologies for orchard efficiency and mechanization (e.g., high-density short stature systems and harvesting innovations).
• Extension efforts will range from basic information for new growers to cutting-edge information for experienced growers; methods will be diverse to accommodate a multi-generational audience.
• Collaboration with California pest control advisors and certified crop advisors to develop nutrient management plans for about 475,000 acres in the region.

San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties have a strong production profile with coordinated statewide leadership potential. The advisor will serve as a liaison to relevant boards for sweet cherry and walnut distribution, with opportunities for statewide expertise and collaboration with other advisors and researchers.

Counties of Responsibility:
San Joaquin and Stanislaus. Reporting Relationship:
The Orchard Crops Advisor will report to the County Director of San Joaquin County with input from the Stanislaus County Director. This is not a remote position; the candidate must be onsite and travel to Stanislaus County to cover…