UC Cooperative Extension Specialist - Agricultural Innovation and Technology - Located at the Kearney Research and Extension Center (25-10)

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

Date Posted: March 5, 2025
Closing Date: May 1, 2025

Job Description: Download

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension Specialist (UCCE) - Agricultural Innovation and Technology at the Assistant rank.

The Agricultural Innovation and Technology Specialist will lead research, development, and extension activities focused on evaluating and advancing cutting-edge agricultural technologies. This role is critical to supporting California farmers by addressing key challenges such as labor shortages, water scarcity, soil health management, pest and disease management, and increasing regulatory requirements. The specialist will work closely with UC ANR specialists and advisors in technology evaluation and demonstration activities, along with UC campus and county-based academics, grower organizations, industry partners, and technology developers to create and validate evidence-based approaches for technology adoption in complex agricultural systems. The specialist will focus on agricultural innovations across a range of emerging, multidisciplinary technologies, including but not limited to:

• Agricultural robotics and smart machinery -including autonomous tractors, robotics harvesters, and precision weeding machinery.
• Precision agriculture - encompassing IoT-enabled sensor networks, AI-drive decision support systems, and remote sensing technology for applications ranging from automated irrigation and fertilization schedules to harvest timing and yield estimation.
• Biological inputs and sustainable alternatives - evaluating bio-based pesticides, soil microbiome bio-inputs, and other bio-based inputs.
• Novel energy and production systems - such as agrivoltaics, trellising systems to support technology, closed-loop hydroponic systems, and waste-to-energy solutions.

This position will serve as a bridge between the technology industry and farmer communities' needs and priorities, scientific research, and practical solutions, ensuring that agriculture technology and innovations are validated, cost-effective, and deployable.

UCCE Specialists conduct research and educational programs aimed at appropriate clientele groups in California's communities. UCCE Specialists have programs of primarily mission-oriented research or creative work that support the university's efforts in extending knowledge, including outreach and community engagement. Mission-oriented research describes the complete research continuum that extends from basic research to applications of research results. Within the UCCE mission and mandate, this applied research focuses on developing practical and cost-effective solutions to address problems and challenges that communities are facing. UCCE Specialists publish the results of applied research in a combination of research publication types, whether peer-reviewed journals or other local venues, based on the targeted audiences.

The extension and outreach programs disseminate knowledge and information to clientele groups for their use in improving their abilities to understand and address problems and opportunities facing them. The extension educational program serves the University's public service mission. Educational program activities include but are not limited to collaborations with UCCE Advisors, other UCCE Specialists, campus faculty, program teams, workgroups, or clientele groups; developing and presenting educational materials; communicating to clientele through broadcast, print, or electronic media; participating in meetings with clientele; developing and presenting in-service training courses; organizing or participating in workshops, field tours, symposia or conferences. Much of this work will be conducted in partnership with UC ANR's locally based UCCE Advisors, Research and Extension Center teams, and UC ANR Office of Innovation teams. The UCCE Specialist - Advisor and faculty partnership creates an applied research network that benefits both the University and the public at large. This position does not include formal classroom instruction at the University.

Location Headquarters. The position will be physically located at the UC Kearney Research and Extension Center (KREC) in Parlier, CA, with additional space at West Side Research and Extension Center (WSREC) in Five Points, California. This position will be administratively housed at the Office of Innovation (OIN) of the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR).

Position Details

Major duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing methods for assessing the technical, environmental, economic, and social impacts of emerging agricultural technologies.
• Providing technical expertise and training to UC ANR academics to support planning, development, and implementation of effective approaches to collect and analyze data that results in practical applications for growers.
• Conducting applied research, including field trials on technology validation and other feasibility analysis (e.g, techno-economic analyses or life-cycle assessment), in collaboration with UC ANR academics and industry.
• Conduct needs assessments on technology and innovation to identify technological gaps in California agriculture to be addressed through specific research and extension programs.
• Design evaluation frameworks for agricultural technology solutions, such as:
  • Performance and accuracy metrics for agricultural robotics that consider the machinery's impact on the agronomic, environmental, labor, and community aspects of farming.
  • Effectiveness, environmental and worker safety assessments for biological pesticides and other non-chemical, bio-based inputs.
  • Cost-benefit analysis and impact assessment of innovations and technologies on yield quantity and quality.
  • Data integration and interoperability strategies for sensor networks, software, unmanned aerial & smart machinery, and precision agriculture platforms.
  • Feasibility analysis and demonstration of protected agriculture systems such as agrivoltaics and hydroponic farming systems to showcase emerging energy-water-agriculture solutions.
• Organize demonstration events, workshops, and field days to showcase validated technologies and educate farmers, advisors, and industry partners.

• Develop innovation hubs that provide technical advice on the development of policies, strategies, protocols, and guidelines for successful scaling up and introduction of emerging technologies.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals, UC ANR publications, and industry trade outlets.
• Secure competitive funding from federal/state agencies, commodity boards, and industry partners to support research and extension efforts.

Counties of Responsibility: This state-wide position will support industry and communities directly, as well as UC ANR academics throughout the state who serve farmers, growers, and ranchers across California, as well as allied agencies and organizations. This is an exciting opportunity to impact diverse communities throughout the state.

Reporting Relationship: The position will be located at the Kearney and West Side Research and Extension Centers in Parlier, CA, and Five Points, CA, and will report to the UC ANR Vice Provost for Academic Personnel. This is a statewide position, requiring collaboration with UC ANR personnel and external partners throughout California.

It is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite at the Kearney and West Side RECS.
Qualifications and Skills Required

Education: A minimum of a Ph.D. (or international equivalent) related to agriculture science, economics, agribusiness, social sciences, biological and agricultural engineering, agricultural innovation systems, or related fields is required at the time of appointment. Applicants who have not yet earned a Ph.D. must be within 12 months of completing their degree to be considered for the position.

Key Qualifications

• Relevant and extensive multidisciplinary experience in agricultural technology assessment, innovation evaluation, and applied research technologies.
• Experience in conducting horizon scanning and technology assessment, including field trials, validation protocols, demonstration, and outreach activities.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills are required.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals and applied research outlets.
• Strong experience in fundraising and resource mobilization, including competitive grant funding from government agencies, commodity boards, and industry partners
• Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed. Proof of liability, and property damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Must possess a valid California Driver's License to drive a university vehicle.

Desired Experience

• Experience with integrated research and educational projects and extension to diverse audiences.
• Experience in building partnerships and working with the technology industry and farm communities.

Expertise in AI-driven decision support tools, IoT-based precision agriculture, smart agricultural machinery, and digital farm management systems is highly desirable.

Skills Required

To be successful, Cooperative Extension Specialist positions require skills in the following:

Technical competence

• Conduct and report needs assessments to identify priority issues or problems relevant to the clientele groups being served.
• Develop and implement effective UC ANR Cooperative Extension applied research and educational programs to address the identified priority needs of the clientele that are consistent with ANR's Strategic Vision and ANR Initiatives.
• Conduct applied research designed to monitor changes and solve statewide and locally relevant problems related to agricultural technology and innovation evaluation in California.

Communication

• Disseminate appropriate, science-based information to inform clientele, using extension methods that are responsive to clientele needs and appropriate for the audience and situation.
• Maintain and promote UC ANR Cooperative Extension's credibility by providing science-based knowledge.
• Evaluate programs and report accomplishments, results, and potential or actual impacts to scientific and lay audiences through a variety of outreach methods and materials, e.g., peer-reviewed publications, internet, workshops, field days and newsletters.

Collaboration & Teamwork

• Build collaborative working relationships with CE Advisors, CE Specialists, Academic Coordinators, and program staff across UC ANR, via participation in program teams and work groups.
• Collaborate with agricultural technology industry stakeholders, commodity boards, and allied nonprofits and agencies.
• Connect UC ANR's Office of Innovation and its program team with campuses developing agricultural technologies, including UC Merced, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, UC Berkeley, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, CSU Agricultural Research Institute campuses, California Community Colleges, and others.

Lifelong Learning

• Participate in professional organizations and collaborate with industry, state government, and agencies related to agricultural technology innovation and their evaluation.
• Demonstrate commitment to ongoing growth - both professionally and as a person.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: The beginning salary will be in the Assistant Cooperative Extension Specialist Rank Step 1- $87,700 to Step 6 - $114,800 annually. Rank/step placement in this series is based on applicable experience and professional qualifications. For information regarding the Cooperative Extension Specialist series salary scales, please refer to
https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2024-25/july-2024-scales/t29.pdf

This position is eligible for indefinite status, subject to terms noted in Section 315 of the ANR Policy and Procedure Manual (PPM). If the successful candidate is currently a UCCE specialist with indefinite status, the candidate will be offered the position commensurate with applicable experience and professional qualifications with eligibility to retain such indefinite status.

The Cooperative Extension Specialist position is a two-year renewable term appointment. Performance in this position is evaluated annually with merit actions being evaluated every two years. Upon completion of a successful review, you may be reappointed for another definite term. Our intention with this definite term appointment is to be reappointed based on positive performance reviews and the continuing need for the position.

Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits including two days per month paid vacation, one day per month paid sick leave, and paid holidays. This position is eligible for sabbatical leave privileges as per the terms of University policy. ANR is part of UC's Family-Friendly Policies. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/
About UC ANR

UC ANR is a division of the University of California system that bridges the gap between local issues and the expertise of the UC system by providing research-based information, educational programs, and technical expertise to the public in areas such as agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, and youth development. UC ANR is part of a nationwide Cooperative Extension network, which began in the early 20th century to connect research from land-grant universities with the everyday needs of people in communities across the United States. Today, we collaborate with farmers, ranchers, diverse communities, youth and adult educators, and policymakers to address local and statewide issues related to food systems, water, climate change, and sustainable agriculture through a statewide network of campus-based researchers, county-based Advisors, and community educators. Our mission is to cultivate thriving communities, sustainable agriculture, resilient ecosystems, and economic prosperity in California and globally through equitable generation and sharing of collaborative, science-based solutions. Over 180 UCCE Advisors conduct applied research and extension education from county-based UCCE offices serving all 58 counties from 70+ locations. By working and living among those we serve, UC ANR expands the University of California's reach to engage all people and communities in California, ensuring equal access to the resources UC has to offer. Our vision is that UC ANR will be valued in every California community for meaningful engagement and making a positive difference in people's lives.

Learn more about

• UC ANR and UC ANR Mission Statement
• UC ANR Research and Extension Centers
• Kearney Research and Extension Center
• Westside Research and Extension Center
• The UC ANR Office of Innovation "The Vine"
• UC ANR administers Statewide Programs and Institutes that focus research and extension on solving priority problems that engage ANR academics and UC faculty in integrated teams
• UC ANR Strategic Initiatives help unify, communicate, and advocate for the work we do.
• UC ANR UC ANR uses seven Public Value statements to communicate how our work makes a difference to the public.
• UC ANR academics are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR's commitment to UC ANR's Affirmative Action policy
• UC ANR academics are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR's commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and will honor your experiences, perspectives, and unique identity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ+ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
• As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties

APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
How to Apply

If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose "applicants" (refer to position #25-10. An in-person finalist interview may be required as part of the search process.

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by May 1, 2025 (open until filled).
Questions?

Contact Tatiana Avoce; email: tavoce@ucanr.edu

Applicants may wish to explore the UC Davis Services for International Students and Scholars web page at https://siss.ucdavis.edu/ as a resource.

University of California Cooperative Extension

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.









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