Job

Area CE Advisor – Viticulture
2801 Second Street

The Cooperative Extension (CE) advisor for viticulture will conduct a locally based extension, education and applied research program to address vine growth and development, table grape production, irrigation/water management, vine nutrition, rootstock evaluation, vineyard management systems, automation and mechanization, crop/fruit development, integrated pest and disease management in table grape vineyards including soil pests, post-harvest handling, cultural practices and their impact on fruit quality and yield, and best practices to minimize the environmental effects of production and cultural practices. Key stakeholders include the California Table Grape Commission, commercial farms (both large and small), pest control advisers, allied industries, public agencies, and consumers. The primary geographic area of responsibility for the position is Tulare and Kings Counties but the CE advisor will also be expected to collaborate with CE advisors in neighboring counties to address complex issues through a team approach.

This is not an academic career-track appointment and is not eligible for indefinite status. This position is co-funded by the California Table Grape Commission for a period of five years with intent for co-funded renewal. The CE advisor will initially be appointed to a term of up to two years with an academic review taking place prior to the end of this initial term. If the review reflects that the incumbent’s performance is of high quality, as evaluated by UC ANR procedures, the CE advisor will be offered a second definite term appointment of two years, subject to renewal based on the availability of funding and satisfactory performance of the academic.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
A minimum of an earned master’s degree or higher is required prior to the appointment start date, preferably in plant science, viticulture, pomology or horticulture though consideration will be given to degrees in closely related disciplines such as water/soil science, plant pathology, entomology and others. Education, training, or experience in viticulture is highly preferred, and relevant experience in other permanent cropping systems will be considered. Demonstrated ability in applied agricultural research and extension is preferred. The ability to build partnerships and to work with multidisciplinary teams to address production and complex challenges is required. Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills are required. The CE advisor must possess or obtain a Qualified Pesticide Applicator Certificate (QAC) or License prior to applying or supervising the application of any pesticide.

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, ANR website: http://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/263860.pdf

HOW TO APPLY:
To be considered, applicants must electronically submit the following four components of the Application Packet to ANRacademicsearch@ucanr.edu:

  1. Cover Letter
  2. ANR Academic Application Form— from the ANR website at: http://ucanr.edu/academicapplication
  3. Please include a list of potential references. If you are selected for an interview, the search committee will contact the references you listed on the UC ANR application form (a minimum of four and a maximum of six names, current addresses, phone numbers and email addresses). Please do not send letters of reference.
  4. CV or Resume
  5. College Level Transcripts: Electronic transcripts or legible scanned copies (PDF) of original transcripts will be accepted. Transcripts must identify course work completed, grades earned, degrees conferred and confer dates.

CLOSING DATE:
10/20/2017