UC Cooperative Extension Nutrient Management and Forage Systems Advisor Serving Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Merced Counties (25-37)

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 advisor will implement an innovative, multi-county extension education and applied research program focused on forage crop production issues 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 include optimized agronomic practices that maximize profitability while improving water and nutrient use efficiency, protecting water and air resources, and building climate resilience by identifying and promoting best agricultural practices. Forage crop production innovations present promising solutions for conserving soil and water resources and managing manure nutrients, which affect groundwater and air quality, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. Improved stewardship of nitrogen from manures and fertilizers in forage production is necessary to sustain California's important dairy industry and to protect soil, air, and water resources for all Californians.

UCCE Advisors are responsible for applied research and extending knowledge. Research activities are needs-based, mission-oriented, and focused on addressing community challenges. Extension activities are the educational practices advisors use to share research results directly with clientele and communities. Increased knowledge and understanding of science-based research help 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, and farm 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, including newsletters, popular press articles, curricula, conference proceedings, and peer-reviewed publications. Successful research and extension programs result in new information that improves knowledge and understanding, and leads to the adoption of new skills, practices, and attitudes, and to changes in policies and 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: UCCE Stanislaus County, 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto, CA 95358.

In the three-county region served by this advisor, forage crops account for $900 million in revenue from 570,000 harvested acres, supporting $3.8 billion in milk and cattle revenue, higher-paying year-round employment, and the economic viability of many disadvantaged communities. Milk is a top agricultural commodity in the three counties, accounting for 36% of the state's dairy production. The dairy industry relies on a wide mix of locally grown forage crops that thrive in the Central Valley, including corn, small grain cereals, alfalfa, sorghum, and Sudan grass. Given the economic importance of the dairy industry and the crops that support it, there is a pressing need to conduct research and extend knowledge on forage crop production in Merced, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin Counties.

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. Research topics for this may 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

Research programs will be developed and carried out in collaboration with UC ANR academics and appropriate statewide efforts, including UC ANR Program Teams and Workgroups, local stakeholders, and collaborating agencies and industries in Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Merced Counties. The Advisor is expected to partner with other Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Extension Stations (AES) researchers and educators to conduct research and education programs that address the issues within nutrient management and forage systems. The location of this position allows for collaboration with researchers at UC Merced and enables interaction with climate-smart agricultural educators on California Department of Food and Agriculture Projects (e.g., SWEEP, AMMP, and Healthy Soils).

Science-based research results and other educational information will be disseminated through a variety of methods responsive to the needs of clientele. These might include individual consultations, presentations at grower and industry meetings, workshops, short courses, field demonstrations, UC ANR publications, peer-reviewed journal articles, newsletters, technical reports to commodity boards/funding agencies, and an appropriate mix of contemporary and emerging electronic tools (such as online learning, web content systems and repositories, social media, impact and evaluation tools), along with specialized and public media outlets.

Key clientele will include forage crop producers, dairy farmers, crop consultants, allied industry professionals, and non-profit environmental groups.

Counties of Responsibility: This position will serve Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Merced counties.

Reporting Relationship: The UCCE Advisor directly reports to the University of California (UCCE) Director for UCCE Stanislaus County, with input from the Directors for UCCE Merced and San Joaquin counties. This is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite at the headquarters location and travel to and be present in other counties with programmatic responsibilities. Specific expectations for maintaining office hours and conducting fieldwork in the geographic area covered by this position will be outlined by the respective directors upon hire.

Required Qualifications

Education

A minimum of a master's degree in agronomy, crop science, soil science, water management, crop production, plant nutrition, or a related, relevant discipline is required at the time of appointment.

Key Qualifications

* 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.

* Technical Competence and Impact: The candidate should understand key concepts to optimize engagement and be able to design and develop a program that leads to positive changes and impacts within the community and beyond.

* 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 with key external stakeholders and county-based staff, as well as with colleagues within UC ANR.

* Lifelong Learning: There is an expectation that advisors evolve and grow throughout their careers and respond to changes in the industry, clientele, and the organization.

Desired Experience

* Experience in successful Extension programming or community development

* A deep understanding of California dairy nutrient management and forage cropping systems

* Demonstrated ability to share complex information in a manner tailored to the audience

* Spanish or other foreign language skills

Additional Requirements:

* This is not a remote position.

* 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.

* This position is open to individuals who are currently authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for new employment-based petitions; limited support may be available for eligible visa transfers when legally permissible. Internal UC ANR applicants with questions may contact Katie Kilbane at klkilbane@ucanr.edu.

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

* A background check will be required for the successful candidate. Employment within UC ANR is contingent upon securing written acknowledgment to comply with California law.

* 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.

* Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

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

* APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

UC ANR is a division of the University of California (UC) system that bridges the gap between local issues and the UC system's expertise 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, economic development, 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 at county-based UCCE offices across 70+ locations, serving all 58 counties. 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 offers. Our vision is that UC ANR will be valued in every California community for the positive difference it makes in people's lives.

About Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Merced Counties

The three counties served sit in the heart of California's Central Valley, anchored by major population centers such as Modesto, Stockton, and Merced. The region is deeply tied to agriculture, supported by fertile soil and a Mediterranean climate. Key commodities include milk, tree crops (almonds, walnuts, etc.), cattle and calves, silage, and tomatoes. Food processing, logistics, and warehousing are other important industries. Merced County is home to UC Merced, the newest campus of the University of California, known for research in sustainability, environmental engineering, climate science, and water resources. Residents of the three-county area enjoy year-round outdoor recreation, and agricultural tourism is another regional feature. Modesto, where the position is housed, is approximately 90 miles from San Francisco.

* UC ANR, UC ANR Mission Statement, and UC ANR Strategic Vision 2040

* 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 Program Areas and Program Teams help unify, communicate, and advocate for the work we do.

* UC ANR uses Public value statements and Condition changes 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 Civil Rights

* 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: The salary range for this UC Cooperative Extension Advisor position is Assistant Rank, Step I ($89,100) to Step VI ($113,000). 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 salary scale. 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 is subject to the terms noted in Section 315 of the UC ANR Policy and Procedure Manual. If the successful candidate is currently a UCCE Advisor with indefinite status, the candidate will be offered the position commensurate with applicable experience and professional qualifications with eligibility to retain such indefinite status.

Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits, including 2 days of paid vacation per month, 1 day of paid sick leave per month, and paid holidays. This position is eligible for sabbatical leave privileges per the terms of University policy. ANR is part of UC's Family-Friendly Policies. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website.

If interested in this position, please visit UC Recruit and choose "applicants" (refer to position #25-37). 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 December 8, 2026 - (open until filled).

Questions?

Contact Tatiana Avoce at tavoce@ucanr.edu

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.