Serving Marin, Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino Counties

Novato, CA

The University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE), a statewide program with local development and delivery, is seeking an academic advisor to conduct a multi-county-based extension, education and applied research program to optimize agricultural sustainability and diversification, regional food systems land use and public policy. The assignment area has a $1.3 billion annual agricultural production value, with Napa and Sonoma wine grape production accounting for $1 billion of this value currently.

Working with county and regional partners, the Area Food Systems Advisor will address critical issues with an integrated approach. Critical areas to be addressed include providing local farms with the tools needed to adapt to local marketing opportunities, building direct market infrastructures (e.g. local harvest facilities, processing hubs), and facilitating community partnerships. These areas would form the primary disciplinary focus of the North Bay Food Systems Advisor and will make significant contributions to the food system in this area thereby increasing the viability and profitability of the small and mid-scale farm sector.

This is an area position working with clientele in Marin, Mendocino, Napa, and Sonoma counties. Because of the importance of these agricultural industries to local economic sustainability and the overall viability of the industry, this Advisor position is well supported—not only by industry, but also by local growers, the community, and county governments. Proximity to the UC Davis campus and a network of colleagues affords the Advisor the ability to develop strong ties and work closely with Extension Specialists, Agriculture Experiment Station faculty, and graduate students to leverage cutting edge research in solving local problems. This includes strong working relationships with several community colleges and CSU Sonoma.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A minimum of a Master's Degree is required, though other advanced degrees are encouraged, in disciplines such as agricultural, natural resource, and community economics and development, business and marketing development, and agricultural production science. An educational background and/or work experience in agricultural production, and food processing, land use policy development, and marketing and business planning is desirable. A demonstrated ability in applied agricultural research and extension of information is desirable. Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills are required. Skills to communicate effectively in a second language are desirable.

SALARY: Beginning salary will be in the Cooperative Extension Assistant Advisor Rank and commensurate with applicable experience and professional qualifications. For information regarding Cooperative Extension Advisor salary scales, please refer to the University of California’s website: http://ucop.edu/academic-personnel/_files/1112/table28.pdf

For a full position vacancy announcement and application procedures, please visit http://ucanr.edu/jobs or contact Pam Tise at pdtise@ucanr.edu. To assure full consideration, application packets should be submitted by May 5, 2013. Each application packet must contain a UC Academic application, CV or resume, copies of transcripts and a cover letter. Please refer to AP#13-11.