Environmental Horticulture Advisor (25-14)

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Environmental Horticulture Advisor, at the Assistant rank. The Environmental Horticulture Advisor is responsible for educational and applied research programs covering a wide array of disciplines for Marin, Napa and Sonoma counties. Common challenges faced in all three counties include the maintenance of water quality and supply, efficient disposal and recycling of green waste, reduction of pesticide use in the face of the expansion of an increasingly urbanized population of plant diseases and pests that have had considerable impacts on the ecosystems and economies of both counties.

UCCE Advisors are responsible for applied research and extension of knowledge. Research activities are applied, needs-based, mission-oriented, and focused on addressing our communities' challenges. Extension activities are the educational practices Advisors use to share research results directly with clientele and communities to increase their knowledge and understanding of science-based research results to support and promote the adoption of practices and technologies to solve problems. Extension methods may include individual consultations, community partnerships, presentations, organization of educational workshops, youth events, and short courses. 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, curricula, 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 Marin County, located at 1682 Novato Boulevard, Suite 150-B, Novato, CA 94947

Position Details

The Environmental Horticulture Advisor conducts collaborative extension education and applied research programs in Marin, Napa and Sonoma Counties, with other University/UCANR academics, staff and /or local stakeholders. Research and education topics for this position cover a wide array of disciplines categorized under the heading of environmental horticulture, such as: arboriculture, integrated pest management (including plant pathology, entomology and invasive weeds), horticulture, soils, green waste recycling, irrigation and residential defensible space for fire. Solutions are focused on community-oriented goals, including work done to protect California's natural resources, build more resilient communities and landscapes and build a more qualified landscaping workforce in the Bay Area.

The advisor supports a broad array of commercial firms and professional organizations local agencies and government personnel, and conservation groups and other non-governmental organizations with information via consultation, technology transfer, communication and liaison activities This position also assumes administrative and advisor responsibilities for the UC Marin and Napa Master Gardener programs, with an aim toward expanded understanding of science-based environmental horticulture practice for area property owners and managers. By working with local stakeholders and UCANR staff, the Environmental Horticulture Advisor provides information in support of workable solutions to key environmental issues faced by Marin, Napa and Sonoma County governments, businesses and residents.

Counties of Responsibility: This position will be headquartered in Marin County and will serve Marin, Napa and Sonoma Counties.

Reporting Relationship: The advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Area Director for Marin, Napa and Sonoma Counties. 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 other counties with 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 respective directors and supervisors.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications

Education: A minimum of a master's degree is required in horticulture, plant pathology, entomology or a related field is required at the time of appointment.

Key Qualifications

* Experience in conducting applied, impact-oriented research in topics related to environmental horticulture.

* Capacity or potential to accomplish team-based research and education programs consistent with the values of UCANR

* 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 a valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University Vehicle. Ability to drive on remote highways including evenings and weekends, and at times in inclement weather conditions.

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 a desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension

* Technical Competence and Impact: The candidate should understand key concepts to optimize engagement and development and be able to design and implement a program that leads to positive changes 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 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.

Desired Experience

* Experience working with stakeholders in the environmental horticulture community.

* Experience working with governmental agencies, elected officials, regional audiences including local elected officials, horticultural organizations, agricultural organizations, and natural resources agencies.

* Experience working with adult volunteers involved with Master Gardeners program.

About UC ANR

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 Marin, Napa and Sonoma Counties

Marin, Napa, and Sonoma Counties are located in Northern California, just north of the San Francisco Bay Area. Geographically, the region offers a rich and varied landscape of coastal areas, rolling hills, fertile valleys, and forested mountains. These counties are known for their world-class vineyards, productive agricultural lands, and diverse ecosystems, including redwood forests and coastal wetlands. A strong network of organizations, public agencies, and landscape care professionals is active throughout the region, providing excellent opportunities for collaboration on a wide range of plant and landscape priorities. These include forest health, pest and disease management, weather extremes, defensible space, post-wildfire recovery, and more. This collaborative work underscores the vital role of environmental stewardship and horticulture in supporting the health, resilience, and well-being of local communities across the region.

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 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.

* 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

Salary & Benefits

Salary: The salary range for this Cooperative Extension Advisor position is Assistant Rank, Step I ($82,900) to Step VI ($105,200). 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 #25-14). 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 June 22, 2025 - (Open until filled)

Questions?

Contact Mikyla Perez at mikperez@ucanr.edu

Applicants may wish to explore the UC Davis Services for International Students and Scholars web page at https://siss.ucdavis.edu and the UC ANR Green Card Sponsorship Guidelines & FAQ's for reference.

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.

• 3-6 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.