Cooperative Extension Forestry and Natural Resources Advisor Serving Shasta, Trinity, and Siskiyou Counties, California

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Forestry and Natural Resources Advisor at the Assistant rank. The successful candidate will implement an extension education and applied problem-solving research program in sustainable forest management on both private and public lands for Shasta, Trinity, and Siskiyou Counties. The advisor will conduct a locally based extension, education, and applied research program to address high priority issues with focus on conifer forest resource management and sustainable natural resources.

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, presentations, organization of educational workshops and short courses, field demonstrations, farm calls, 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, such as newsletters, articles for the popular press, curriculums, 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: UCCE Shasta County Office, 1851 Hartnell Ave., Redding, CA 96002

Position Details

The Forestry and Natural Resources Advisor will address important issues that include forest stewardship, forest production economics, water quality, wildland fire, invasive species, pest management and air quality. The advisor will work with foresters, landowners, government and non-government agencies (NGOs), and other key stakeholders on forest production issues. The advisor will also work with appropriate agencies, NGOs, forestry professionals and landowners to reduce risks of wildfire and manage post-wildfire revegetation; focus on making healthier communities by providing access to the research and education of the University to support the sustainability of natural environments; and work to improve the understanding of forest ecology and management of Californians to foster the sustainable use of forests.

The advisor will develop and implement applied research programs to provide science-based information addressing complex issues. The advisor will provide essential leadership to address critical issues facing forestry and natural resources in Shasta, Trinity and Siskiyou Counties. The focus of the applied research program will be based on a needs assessment and may include partnerships with a variety of campus and county-based colleagues. The advisor will develop and conduct applied research and demonstration projects that address issues such as the evaluation of alternatives to the role of fire by other management practices, the role of fire and ability of other treatments to duplicate the effects of fire, potential uses of forest biomass as it relates to the development of an economically and environmentally sustainable industry, relationships between sustainable forest management and opportunities to improve water quality and quantity, the effects of forest management on wildlife and plant populations, and management strategy and harvest scheduling benefits to ecological conditions and economics.

The advisor is expected to implement a range of extension activities to address local needs. This information can be disseminated through workshops, seminars, field days, short courses, newsletters, and lay publications, in coordination with local public agencies. Applied research and creative activity are expected to be aligned with the position description and determined by clientele needs, and include collaboration on projects, securing grant funding from public agencies, private foundations, and commodity groups, and publications in relevant topical journals.

Key clientele includes local Fire Safe Councils, the Northern California Prescribed Fire Council, the California Fire Science Consortium, Registered Professional Foresters, timber companies, private forest landowners and concerned citizens.

Counties of Responsibility: This position will serve Shasta, Trinity and Siskiyou Counties.

Reporting Relationship: The Cooperative Extension advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension Shasta and Trinity County Director with input from the County Director in Siskiyou County. This 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 in forestry ecology, resource management or other closely related fields with a sound understanding of applied forest management is required at time of appointment.

Key Qualifications:

* A California license as a Registered Professional Forester is required. (The Advisor would have a grace period of 5 years after hire to achieve this certification).

* Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability and property damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle.

* Extension experience and demonstrated excellence in the areas of applied research is desired.

* Coursework and experience in forestry, fire ecology, and natural resource management.

* Training and experience in interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary research and collaboration is preferred.

* Familiarity with California's natural resources will be beneficial.

* Knowledge and demonstrated use of remote methods of conducting outreach and delivery are a benefit.

Additional Skills Required

* 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.

Learn more about Skills and Areas of Programmatic Review

(including Professional Competence, University and Public Service, and Affirmative Action and DEI) at: https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/319460.pdf

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 Shasta, Trinity and Siskiyou Counties

Shasta, Trinity and Siskiyou Counties are located in northern CA. Redding is the largest city with a population of about 90,000 and is home to Shasta College and Simpson University. Shasta County is geographically diverse with elevations ranging from about 400 feet to over 10,000. This area is in the heart of timber production. Shasta and Siskiyou Counties have a mix of public and private lands while about 75% of Trinity County is in public ownership. This area has numerous recreational opportunities that include skiing, hiking and mountain bike riding.

Learn more about

* UC ANR and UC ANR Mission Statemen

* 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 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 academics are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR's commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and will honor your experiences, perspectives, and unique identity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ+ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

* 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/anrstaff/files/358478.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, subject to terms noted in UC ANR Policy and Procedure Manual, Section 315.

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 #22-48). An in-person finalist interview may be required as part of the search process.

Closing Date:

To assure full consideration, complete application packets must be received by April 14, 2025 (open until filled).

Questions?

Contact Katie Kilbane, email: klkilbane@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

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/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.

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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.