UC Cooperative Extension Area Agricultural Workforce Development Advisor San Joaquin Valley (AP# 26-16)

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Area Advisor for Agricultural Workforce Development at the assistant rank. The Agricultural Workforce Development Advisor will play a critical role at the intersection of education, research, technology, and on-the-ground agricultural practice. The advisor will develop an innovative applied research and extension education program that develops and evaluates strategies for connecting the agricultural workforce in the northern San Joaquin Valley with emerging technologies that strengthen the skills, safety, and resilience of the region's current and future agricultural workers. Clientele will include the agricultural industry, local community colleges, workforce boards, vocational programs, and other community stakeholders. This advisor will serve clientele in San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Merced counties.

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 San Joaquin County, 2101 E. Earhart Ave., Suite 200, Stockton, CA

Position Details

The advisor will focus on workforce development that prepares current and future agricultural sector employees to use emerging technologies such as drones, robotics, autonomous vehicles, and artificial intelligence. Collaborating closely with UC ANR's statewide network of academics, growers, industry partners, and community organizations, the advisor will identify, implement, and evaluate workforce development strategies such as training and extension materials that prepare workers to use technologies that support the region's agricultural industries while enhancing worker productivity and well-being.

A central component of the role is advancing agricultural technologies that support the economic viability of local agriculture and its workforce. Preparing the next generation of agricultural workers amid rapidly evolving technologies will be central to the applied research and extension program. As farms increasingly adopt automation, robotics, precision agriculture tools, and new chemical and biological inputs, the advisor will help to anticipate opportunities for workforce development. The advisor will collaborate with educators, engineers, regulatory agencies, and industry leaders to ensure that economic and safety considerations are integrated into guidelines for next-generation equipment and practices.

This position will conduct applied research to evaluate workforce development strategies and safety interventions. This may include assessing the effectiveness of technologies for use in a broad array of commodities produced in the San Joaquin Valley, identifying barriers to technology adoption, generating data to inform policy and best practices, conducting regional workforce needs assessments, improving worker well-being, and designing targeted reskilling programs for existing workers. The advisor will partner with local educational programs to equip the incoming workforce with modern ag-tech training and certifications, ensuring their readiness for the industry. The advisor will also contribute to statewide and national conversations on how emerging agricultural technologies impact farm economics, workforce innovation, and safety standards. By bridging science, education, and real-world application, the Area Agricultural Workforce Development Advisor will help support innovative agricultural practices and improve on-farm economics through developing the agricultural workforce of the future.

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

Reporting Relationship: The advisor directly reports to the San Joaquin County Director, with input from other area directors in the region served. This is not a remote position; the advisor must be available to work on-site at the headquarters in Stockton, CA, and to travel to and be present in the assigned counties. Specific expectations for maintaining office hours and fieldwork in the geographic area covered by this position will be outlined by the supervisor upon hire.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications

Education

At the time of appointment, a minimum of a master's degree in agricultural or environmental engineering, precision agriculture, safety engineering, mechanical design, crop, soil, or irrigation science (with an ag technology emphasis), education, curriculum design, or another closely related field is required.

Key Qualifications

* Experience with emerging technologies in agriculture

* Experience with workforce training programs for groups such as farm workers, agricultural technicians, equipment operators, food processing workers, or agribusiness professionals.

* Experience in conducting applied research and successful extension or outreach programming

* Familiarity with certification and credentialing frameworks, especially related to agriculture

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

* Technical Competence and Impact: The candidate should understand the key concepts of workforce development to design and implement a program that leads to positive change and impact 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

* Demonstrated ability to design, facilitate, and evaluate effective education or training programs.

* Experience in continuous improvement practices that use research or evaluation findings to inform program development

* Experience working with or conducting research relevant to non-traditional learners

* Experience in curriculum design, instructional systems, or workforce development programs

* Familiarity with the California workforce development ecosystem, including community college degrees and certificates, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs, workforce boards, and Career or Technical Education (CTE) systems

* A track record of effectively engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders

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.

* 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

About UC ANR

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 the San Joaquin Valley

The San Joaquin Valley is the heart of California's agricultural corridor and home to millions of residents. Its largest cities include Fresno, Bakersfield, Stockton, Modesto, and Visalia. The Central Valley supports a globally significant specialty-crop economy of almonds, pistachios, grapes, citrus, tomatoes, dairy, rice, and more, which is anchored by extensive food processing, storage, and distribution along the I-5 and SR-99 corridors. Stockton, where this position will be based, is one of the region's largest cities, with a population of approximately 325,000. It's conveniently located 45 miles south of Sacramento and 80 miles east of San Francisco.

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 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 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 & Benefits

Salary: The salary range for this 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 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.

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.

How to Apply

If interested in this position, please visit UC Recruit and choose "applicants" (refer to position #26-16). 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 November 12, 2026 - (open until filled).

Questions?

Contact Kahla Wallace at kahwallace@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.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

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.