UC Cooperative Extension Orchard Systems Advisor (Cherries, Walnuts, Olives, Apples) AP# 25-21

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.

Position Details

The advisor will address UC ANR's value statements and condition changes by promoting the economic prosperity of California while protecting our 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. The likelihood of producing significant impacts is high as this position is visible and ranked as critical by the walnut and cherry industries.

San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties have a mixture of part-time small acreage and full-time medium acreage growers. There are many critical research needs for these commodities. Research opportunities include rootstock, variety, irrigation, fertilization and pruning of walnuts and cherries; development of selective and integrated new approaches for managing endemic and invasive pests and diseases; improving cherry quality through improved growing and handling, and testing of new technologies to improve orchard efficiency and mechanization, such as higher density short stature orchard systems and mechanical or assisted harvesting innovations for cherries and apples. Extension efforts will cover very basic information for new, small acreage growers as well as cutting-edge information for more experienced, sophisticated growers. Extension methods will be varied and sensitive to the mixed learning styles and information resourcing preferences of a multi-generational diverse audience. California pest control advisors (PCA) and certified crop advisors (CCA) seek continuing education to continue to advise farmers on best practices while developing nutrient management plans on roughly 475,000 fruit and nut acres in San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties.

Since the Northern San Joaquin Valley leads the nation in sweet cherry production, the advisor will serve as the liaison to the California Cherry Marketing and Research Boards, with the opportunity to develop statewide expertise in sweet cherry production, providing a resource to other advisors and out of state scientists, creating opportunities for out of state and international cooperation. In addition, this position is strongly supported by the California Walnut Board.

This position will play a key role in statewide leadership for the commodities it covers, working closely with UC Specialists and Faculty through commodity workgroups, program teams, and initiative groups. The proximity of San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties to the campuses of UC Davis, UC Merced, and UC Berkeley will provide numerous opportunities for collaborative research and extension activities with ANR and AES scientists and advisors in these counties. This position will also work closely with USDA-ARS, CDFA, and NRCS scientists.

Counties of Responsibility: This position will be headquartered in San Joaquin County and will serve San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties.

Reporting Relationship: The Orchard Crops Advisor will serve under the administrative guidance of the County Director for San Joaquin County, with input from the Stanislaus County Director. It is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite at the headquarters location and travel to and be present in Stanislaus County to cover programmatic responsibilities. Specific expectations for maintaining office hours and fieldwork in the geographic area covered by this position will be outlined upon hire by the County Director.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications

Education: A minimum of a master's degree in pomology, production horticulture, pest management or a closely related field is required at the time of appointment.

Key Qualifications:

* Experience in conducting applied research in agriculture, horticulture or natural resources.

* Experience delivering educational and outreach programming.

* Experience in program and/or personnel management.

* The CE Advisor must possess or obtain a Qualified Pesticide Applicator Certificate (QAC) or License (QAL) prior to applying or supervising the application of any pesticide.

* 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.

* We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. at the time of hire.

* This is not a remote position.

Additional Skills Required

* Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series and evidence for success in meeting required academic advancement criteria as per UC Academic Personnel Manuals. Applications need to document relevant research, extension, and teaching experience, and appropriate scholarly achievements.

* Interest in and desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension.

* Technical Competence and Impact: The candidate should understand key concepts related to horticultural production practices, small farm economics and other related topics suitable for the area.

* Communication: Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal and information technology communication skills.

* Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility: The candidate should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively as a team member with key external stakeholders and county-based staff, as well as with other colleagues within UC ANR.

* Lifelong Learning: There is an expectation that advisors evolve and grow across their career and respond to changes in the industry, clientele, and organizational change.

* 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

Desired Experience

* Ability to effectively engage with partner organizations to develop strong relationships associated with problems and issues facing the orchard crop Industries.

* Ability to communicate well with regional audiences including local elected officials, agricultural organizations, and natural resources agencies.

* Experience working with grower cooperators, collaborators and agency personnel.

* Demonstrated ability to effectively plan applied research or evaluation projects, manage teams and set measurable goals and objectives.

* The ability to work with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes and ethnicities.

About UCANR

UC ANR is a division of the University of California (UC) 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.

About San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties

San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties make up the Northern San Joaquin Valley, an area rich in agricultural history that saw the development of irrigation districts bringing water from the Sierra Nevada to valley growers over 100 years ago. San Joaquin County has an area of just under 1500 square miles and a population of over 800,000 residents, mostly concentrated in the county seat of Stockton. Stanislaus County is comprised of just over 1500 square miles, and a population of over 500,000 residents, centered in the county seat of Modesto. Despite their growing metropolitan areas, agriculture continues to be the economic driver in both counties, which are two of the top ten counties in the U.S. in terms of their farm production. The Northern San Joaquin Valley leads the state in walnut and cherry production, with 1,836 growers of cherries and walnuts on diversified, mostly family-owned farms that produced $508 million in crop value in 2023. San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties are home to roughly 110,540 acres of walnuts (30% of CA's production), 25,000 acres of sweet cherries (50% of CA's production), and 6,362 acres oil olives (2022 data). Stanislaus County boasts California's largest multi-million-dollar tree fruit nursery industry.

Learn more about

* UC ANR and UC ANR Mission Statement.

* 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 is committed to supporting inclusive excellence and is guided by UC ANR's Principles of Community. We strive to create an environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, feel valued and respected and have equal opportunities for growth and success.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: The salary range for this Cooperative Extension Advisor position is Assistant Rank, Step I ($85,600) to Step VI ($108,600). Step placement in the advisor series is based on applicable experience and professional qualifications. For information regarding Cooperative Extension Advisor salary scales, please refer to the University of California website: https://ucanr.edu/sites/default/files/2025-01/406198.pdf

If the successful candidate is currently a UCCE Advisor, the candidate will be offered the position without change to the candidate's current rank, step, salary and/or appointment terms; and if applicable, is eligible to retain indefinite status.

This position is eligible for indefinite status following three successful reviews and subject to terms noted in UC ANR Policy and Procedure Manual, Section 315 of the ANR Policy and Procedure Manual (PPM).

Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, 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 the University policy. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website at: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

How to Apply

If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose "applicants" (refer to position #25-21). 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 January 3, 2026 (open until filled).

Questions?

Contact Mikyla Perez at mikperez@ucanr.edu

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 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 status under state or federal law.

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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The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. 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.