Position Overview
The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Subtropical Crops Advisor at the Assistant rank. The successful candidate will conduct an integrated program of applied research and extension to support economically viable, sustainable production of avocados, citrus, and other subtropical crops among a diverse clientele, including underserved and limited-resource farmers growing unique specialty crops for niche markets on farms of various sizes in San Diego and Riverside counties.
UCCE Advisors are responsible for applied research and extending knowledge. Research activities are needs-based, mission-oriented, and focused on addressing community challenges. Extension activities are the educational practices advisors use to share research results directly with clientele and communities. Increased knowledge and understanding of science-based research help to support and promote the adoption of practices and technologies that solve problems. Extension methods may include individual consultations, presentations, organization of educational workshops and short courses, field demonstrations, and farm 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, including newsletters, popular press articles, curricula, conference proceedings, and peer-reviewed publications. Successful research and extension programs result in new information that improves knowledge and understanding, and leads to the adoption of new skills, practices, and attitudes, and to changes in policies and 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 San Diego County, 9335 Hazard Way, Suite 201, San Diego, CA 92123.
Position Details
The Subtropical Crops Advisor will address critical research and extension needs of the subtropical fruit growers and stakeholders in San Diego and Riverside Counties, with special emphasis on avocado and citrus producers as the primary clientele. This position also serves many producers of minor subtropical crops and other deciduous fruits and nut crops, including but not limited to mangoes, cherimoya, olives, apples, grapes, guavas, figs, pomegranates, persimmons, and dates. The main purpose of the position is to provide research-based solutions that improve the productivity and efficiency of commercial tree crop operations, maximize return on invested capital, and enhance economic viability.
The advisor will address emerging production and management issues in subtropical crops. Orchard production is interdisciplinary, and general horticulture overlaps with plant pathology, entomology, and other related fields. The advisor will work with other local UCCE Advisors to address local needs, along with UCCE Specialists, campus faculty, and private industry representatives. The applied research program will be based upon a regional needs assessment and may include partnerships with a variety of campus and county-based colleagues and partner organizations. Field research activities may be conducted on private farms, at University of California research facilities including the South Coast Research and Extension Center, and the University of California Riverside.
The incumbent will network and interact with external stakeholders, including Agricultural Commissioners in both counties, California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), San Diego and Riverside County Farm Bureaus, California Avocado Commission, California Avocado Society, Citrus Research Board, California Rare Fruit Growers (CRFG), local tribes, regulatory agencies, UC Master Gardeners, pest control advisors (PCAs), crop consultants, packing houses, and others involved with subtropical crop production and marketing. The advisor will develop an outreach program to disseminate knowledge and information to subtropical crop growers and stakeholders using resources such as client lists, established newsletters, websites, and social media. The advisor will also collaborate and interact with local growers, industry representatives, and organizations to plan and deliver information at field days, workshops, and other events.
Counties of Responsibility: This position will be headquartered in the UCCE San Diego office in California and will also have activity in Riverside County.
Reporting Relationship: The UCCE Advisor reports directly to the University of California (UCCE) Area Director for UCCE San Diego, with input from the Area Director for Riverside 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 both assigned counties. Specific expectations for maintaining office hours and conducting fieldwork in the geographic area covered by this position will be outlined by the respective directors upon hire.
Qualifications and Skills Required
Required Qualifications
Education
A minimum of a master's degree in plant science, crop science, agronomy, plant pathology, entomology, soil science, horticulture, weed science, plant physiology, agroecology, or a related discipline in the agricultural sciences is required at the time of appointment.
Key Qualifications
* Demonstrated ability in applied agricultural research and extension techniques applicable to the clientele, crops, and production systems for the position
* Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate educational programs and publish applied research
* Ability to build partnerships and work with multidisciplinary teams to address crop production challenges as well as social, economic, and environmental challenges for small-scale farms
* Ability to adapt extension and research efforts to key needs and challenges (e.g., regulatory requirements, economic viability, pest and disease pressures, production efficiency, and water management) of avocado, citrus, and other subtropical crops, with a focus on providing practical, science-based solutions.
* Technical Competence and Impact: The candidate should have a solid understanding of some key concepts related to subtropical crop production.
* 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 with key external stakeholders and county-based staff, as well as with colleagues within UC ANR.
* Lifelong Learning: There is an expectation that advisors evolve and grow throughout their careers and respond to changes in the industry, clientele, and the organization.
* The incumbent must possess or obtain (within one year) a Qualified Pesticide Applicator Certificate (QAC) or License (QAL) prior to applying or supervising the application of any pesticide.
Desired Experience
* Experience working with permanent crops in a production system; experience working with avocados and/or citrus is highly desirable.
* Proficiency in another language, such as Spanish, is highly desirable
* Experience conducting field research in agriculture and planning and implementation of research and/or extension activities
* Experience conducting education, research, technical assistance, fieldwork, or other activities with growers
* Experience in people management, such as supervising staff, students, or volunteers, and working with various administrative units
* Experience in managing grant-funded projects and/or securing extramural funding
* An understanding of how public policy impacts agricultural management and producer decision-making
Additional Requirements:
* This is not a remote position.
* 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 or obtain a valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University Vehicle.
* This position is open to individuals who are currently authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for new employment-based petitions; limited support may be available for eligible visa transfers when legally permissible. Internal UC ANR applicants with questions may contact Katie Kilbane at klkilbane@ucanr.edu.
* Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series and provide evidence of success in meeting the required academic advancement criteria as per UC Academic Personnel Manuals. Applicants need to document relevant research, extension, teaching experience, and appropriate scholarly achievements.
* A background check will be required for the successful candidate. Employment within UC ANR is contingent upon securing written acknowledgment to comply with California law.
* 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.
* Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
* UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students, and Third Parties
* APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
About UC ANR
UC ANR is a division of the University of California (UC) system that bridges the gap between local issues and the UC system's expertise 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, economic development, 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 at county-based UCCE offices across 70+ locations, serving all 58 counties. 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 offers. Our vision is that UC ANR will be valued in every California community for the positive difference it makes in people's lives.
About San Diego and Riverside Counties
San Diego and Riverside Counties support two of California's most vibrant and diverse agricultural industries, with agricultural production valued at approximately $1.67 billion in San Diego County and $1.77 billion in Riverside County in 2024. Avocados and citrus, the primary commodities this position supports, are among the most economically significant perennial crops in both counties.
The two counties' agricultural landscapes differ significantly in geography, farm size, production systems, and climate. Riverside County includes large-scale agricultural operations concentrated in the Coachella and Palo Verde Valleys, as well as smaller diversified farms, citrus orchards, and avocado groves in western portions of the county. San Diego County has many small farms and highly diversified agricultural operations, with production concentrated in nursery and ornamental crops, avocados, citrus, vegetables, and other specialty crops. The county is recognized for its agricultural diversity, producing more than 200 agricultural commodities, while Riverside County's 2024 agricultural report identifies more than 70 commodities, including 55 valued at over $1 million annually. Both counties support subtropical fruit production adapted to Southern California's diverse microclimates. Agricultural producers throughout the region face significant challenges related to water availability and cost, competition for agricultural land from urban development, rising labor and production costs, climate variability, and increasing pest and disease pressures.
Learn More About
* UC ANR, UC ANR Mission Statement, and UC ANR Strategic Vision 2040
* 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 Program Areas and Program Teams help unify, communicate, and advocate for the work we do.
* UC ANR uses Public Value Statements and Condition Changes 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 Civil Rights
* UC ANR is committed to supporting inclusive excellence and is guided by 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.
Salary & Benefits
Salary: The salary range for this UC Cooperative Extension Advisor position is Assistant Rank, Step I ($89,100) to Step VI ($113,000). Step placement in the advisor series is based on applicable experience and professional qualifications. For information regarding UC Cooperative Extension Advisor salary scales, please refer to the University of California salary scale. 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 is subject to the terms noted in Section 315 of the UC ANR Policy and Procedure Manual. If the successful candidate is currently a UCCE Specialist with indefinite status, the candidate will be offered the position commensurate with applicable experience and professional qualifications with eligibility to retain such indefinite status.
Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits, including 2 days of paid vacation per month, 1 day of paid sick leave per month, and paid holidays. This position is eligible for sabbatical leave privileges per the terms of University policy. ANR is part of UC's Family-Friendly Policies. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website.
How to Apply
If interested in this position, please visit UC Recruit and choose "applicants" (refer to position #24-17). 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 January 3, 2027 - (open until filled).
Questions?
Contact Katie Kilbane at klkilbane@ucanr.edu
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.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
$1.67 - $1.77 / yr
paid holidays, sick time
Nov 06, 2026