Viticulture and Enology Research Center Director

Viticulture and Enology Research Center Director
(Administrator II)

Compensation and Benefits

The Anticipated Hiring Salary is $120,000 - $130,000 per year and is competitive and negotiable depending on the strength of qualifications. This is a CSU Management Personnel Plan (MPP) position.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here .

Job Summary

The successful candidate will be expected to provide leadership for the Viticulture and Enology Research Center (VERC) including, but not limited to:

• Promoting and facilitating cutting-edge research, including collaborative and interdisciplinary research in areas related to the viticulture and enology industry.
• Strategic planning of resource allocation and development of vision statement to improve research capabilities of VERC, increasing internal and external research opportunities for faculty, staff, and students within VERC, and the Department of Viticulture and Enology (VE).
• Work with UAL management and the Ag Foundation Board to maintain vineyard resources that serve as aspects of the program (research, teaching, commercial operation)
• Developing effective liaisons with the viticulture and enology industry in direct collaboration with the center and VE department’s Industry Advisory Board to further develop partnerships and collaborative research.
• Work closely with V&E Department chair on shared responsibilities (Industry Advisory Board, Administrative Council, and others)
• Resource management and planning in collaboration with VE Department Chair in regard to the V&E Library
• Transferring knowledge through outreach (e.g., collaborative research; seminars; workshops; websites; and publications) and, where applicable, through technology transfer (e.g., collaborative research; contract work; and commercialization of intellectual property.
• Providing interdisciplinary research training for related faculty and staff.
• Managing the center’s research plan effectively and efficiently, ensuring adherence to accepted standards of research and ethical behavior.
• Oversight of equipment, maintenance, and service contracts, working with Facilities Management on renovation and construction projects as well as upgrades to existing infrastructure

The successful candidate will be expected to provide administrative leadership for the VERC including, but not limited to:

• Provide overall leadership and strategic planning for direction, coordination, and oversight of operations, establish and implement policies and procedures for the center in compliance with the mission of JCAST and the California Agricultural and Technology Institute (CATI).
• Work closely with the Ag One Foundation and JCAST Development office to establish fundraising campaigns (Associates Campaign, Building Campaign, Crowdfunding Campaigns, etc.)
• Supervising and evaluating center personnel, financial management, safety, and general operations.
• Financial oversight of CATI budget allocation as well as all program income and research funds preparation of required reports, position descriptions, IRP, reclassifications, and hiring requests.
• Implementation and adherence to university and Jordan College policies and procedures.
• Plan and attend professional meetings, industry events, and other networking opportunities to secure industry support for research and outreach programs.
• Managing laboratory and field research space needs for the center in cooperation with the VE Department Chair and the University Agricultural Laboratory Director.
• Integrating operations and activities with other College research centers, CATI, ARI, and academic programs.
• Establishing partnerships with related regional, state, and Federal agencies/organizations.
• Represent center with external audiences and developing relationships with related industries, organizations, and agencies.
• Other responsibilities as determined in consultation with the Jordan College Dean.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of:
  • Principles of institutional planning and budget processes.
  • Principles and practices of effective leadership, motivation and performance evaluation.
  • Best practices, trends, tools and technology in the development of new methods and procedures.
• Skill/Ability to:
  • Demonstrated ability to plan, budget, and manage a research center, including ability to analyze and interpret financial data and make strategic business decisions.
  • Facilitate research, including collaborative and interdisciplinary research in areas related to the viticulture and enology industry.
  • Manage the center’s research plan effectively and efficiently, ensuring adherence to accepted standards of research and ethical behavior.
  • Review and evaluate program methods and systems to identify opportunities for improvement and implement changes to standard operating procedures.
  • Ability to provide effective leadership, facilitate group participation, consensus building and foster an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued.
  • Ability to foster employee development through coaching, counseling, training and providing challenging work assignments.
  • Assess safety and training needs and conduct training to promote employee safety.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, and conduct presentations and trainings.
  • Perform research, analyze and interpret data, and prepare and present reports with reliable conclusions and recommendations.
  • Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.

Education and Experience

• Master’s Degree with experience from an accredited institution; disciplines may include, but are not limited to botany, biochemistry, plant physiology, chemistry, horticulture, viticulture, enology, microbiology, food science.
• A clearly established record of research directly related to the viticulture and enology industries.
• 4 years of experience in research directly related to the viticulture and enology industries.
  • Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
    • PhD degree: disciplines may include, but are not limited to botany, biochemistry, plant physiology, chemistry, horticulture, viticulture, enology, microbiology, food science.

Department Summary

It is the goal of the Department of Viticulture and Enology to be a world-class center of excellence that effectively meets the educational and research needs of students and the broader grape and wine community. The Department provides a diverse group of undergraduate and graduate students with a practical hands-on education through its degree, certificate, and solution-focused research programs. The Department currently serves approximately 110 students through its MS in Viticulture and Enology, BS in Enology, BS in Viticulture, and Minor programs. These academic programs are supported by a strong faculty and staff with a commitment to education, research, and industry outreach and service.

The Department’s strong research program is supported by the Viticulture and Enology Research Center (VERC), the Jordan College Graduate Lab, the Jordan Agricultural Research Center, the Olam Sensory Laboratory, the University Agricultural Laboratory (UAL), the Viticulture and Enology Library. VERC provides research laboratory space, major instrumentation, outreach event support, endowed student research assistantships, and industry-supported research chairs. The UAL includes a 120-acre vineyard, raisin processing plant, and the nation’s first commercial winery located within a college campus. The Viticulture and Enology Library, a collection of the Fresno State Library, is dedicated to resources related to viticulture and enology. A library assistant, funded by the Viticulture and Enology Alumni Association, helps students, faculty, and members of the industry access and use these resources. Since 1946, Fresno State’s viticulture and enology programs and our students have benefitted from close connections and collaboration with the grape and wine industry and our strong, involved, and successful alumni throughout California and the world.



Deadline & Application Instructions

Applications received by October 8, 2023 will be given full consideration by the search committee.

• Applications received after that date will be forwarded at the request of the Hiring Manager and/or search committee.

Please click “Apply Now” to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.



Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy , it is strongly recommended that all employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications. Questions may be sent to hr@csufresno.edu .

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.

Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.

Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)

Advertised: 08 Sep 2023 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: