Plant Pathology Advisor (Applied Research and Extension)

Purpose.  The Plant Pathology Advisor will implement an extension education and applied problem-solving research program in plant pathology for the agricultural clientele of Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties.

 

The Advisor will provide leadership, information transfer, and technical help in the diagnosis, prevention, and alleviation of plant diseases for a wide range of primary clientele including producers, associated agribusiness individuals and agencies, and other support personnel; providing information and advice to those who need to make sound disease management decisions.

 

The Advisor will participate in other research areas dealing with microorganisms, such as fungal ecology and food borne pathogens.

 

The position will work to address native and invasive diseases affecting the agriculture and natural ecosystems in the tri-county area; addressing these issues which are substantial hurdles for economic sustainability of agriculture and natural systems. The position should do further field and laboratory research to help avoid outbreaks of foodborne illnesses caused by human microbial pathogens.

 

This is an exciting opportunity to have meaningful impacts in the communities in the target counties and throughout California.  Opportunities abound for research and extension partnerships that link consumers and resource professionals with relevant science-based information and promote effective problem solving.  You will also join a team of highly motivated UCCE colleagues who are passionate about their work and are dedicated to making a difference within the communities and working landscapes of California. The potential for collaborative projects within the UC ANR system is nearly limitless.

 

Counties of Responsibility. This position focuses on the Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties. There is opportunity and expectation to work collaboratively across counties.

 

Reporting Relationship: The Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension Santa Cruz County Director with input on program direction, coordination and evaluation from the other County Directors.

Qualifications and Skills Required   Required Qualifications

Education:  A minimum of a master's degree in plant pathology or closely related fields is required at time of appointment.

 

Additional Requirements:

• Coursework or experience in diagnosis, plant nematology and microbiology is helpful.
• Extension experience and demonstrated excellence in the areas of applied research is desired.
• Coursework and experience in Environmental programs.
• Training and experience in interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary research and collaboration is preferred.
• Familiarity with California’s agriculture and environment will be beneficial.
• Knowledge and demonstrated use of remote methods of conducting outreach and delivery are a benefit.

Skills Required

To be successful, Advisors require skills in the following:

 

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

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team member with others. Able to adapt as circumstances warrant. Promote diversity, equity and inclusion. Work with campus-based CE specialists, faculty, and CE advisors providing irrigation expertise. 

 

Lifelong Learning

Demonstrated commitment to ongoing self-improvement - both professionally and as a person.

 

Learn more about Skills and Areas of Programmatic Review at:

https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/319460.pdf

 

About UC ANR

 

The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) consists of a network of scientists and educators working in partnership across the California. We are committed to developing and supporting healthy food systems, healthy environments, healthy communities, and healthy Californians. UC ANR administers UC Cooperative Extension UCCE), which is responsible for program development and delivery in the counties throughout the state of California.

 

Learn more about

• UC ANR at https://UCANR.edu
• UC ANR in Santa Cruz County http://cesantacruz.ucanr.edu/
• Our Strategic Initiatives http://ucanr.edu/sites/StrategicInitiatives/
• Our Public Value statements at https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/2016-2020_Strategic_Plan/Goal_5__Prioritize_programs_and_services/Public_values_statement/
• Affirmative Action: Further to the above, advisors are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR’s commitment to affirmative action. Learn more of UC ANR Affirmative Action policy: http://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/Diversity/Affirmative_Action/

Salary & Benefits

Salary: The beginning salary will be in the Assistant CE Advisor Rank and commensurate with applicable experience and professional qualifications.  For information regarding CE advisor series salary scales, please refer to:  https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/353916.pdf

 

Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits including vacation, sick leave, and approximately thirteen paid holidays per year. This position is eligible for sabbatical leave privileges as per the terms of University policy and is eligible for indefinite status.  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 #21-15).

Closing Date: 

To assure full consideration, complete application packets must be received by October 18, 2021; or open until filled.

Questions?

Contact Tatiana Avoce email: tavoce @ucanr.edu

 

Applicants may wish to explore the UC Davis Services for International Students and Scholars web page at https://siss.ucdavis.edu/ as a resource.

University of California Cooperative Extension

Please note the UC Policy on COVID vaccination and working for UC:  For the safety and well-being of the entire university community, the policy will require, with few exceptions, that all students, faculty and staff be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus before they will be allowed on campus or in a facility or office." Please visit https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/2021/07/ucs-covid-19-vaccine-policy.html for more information.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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 categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.   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.