Job Details

University of California Davis Health System

Assistant Cooperative Extension Specialist - Orchard Production Systems, Department of Plant Sciences
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Position Number: 1363962
Location: Sacramento, CA
Position Type: Other Administrative Positions

FACULTY POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

ASSISTANT SPECIALIST IN COOPERATIVE EXTENSION IN ORCHARD PRODUCTION SYSTEMS in the Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis

The UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences is seeking applications for an assistant-level Specialist in Cooperative Extension (CE) to conduct research and outreach in orchard production systems. This specialist position, to be located at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier, CA, will focus on the tree nut and fruit production systems of California's San Joaquin Valley. The CE Specialist will conduct original applied research aimed at optimizing orchard production systems to enhance economic viability, fruit and nut safety, and environmental sustainability. The CE Specialist will develop and contribute to extension education and outreach programs that extend science-based information to growers, industry groups, regulators, and other stakeholder groups. The successful candidate will bring visibility and leadership to campus- and county-based CE academics and other researchers and educators involved in the issues affecting the orchard production systems in the state. Research and extension outreach activities will be closely integrated with UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR), including county-based CE academics and clientele as well as campus-based CE and ladder rank faculty. Advising and mentoring of graduate students is expected.

Responsibilities: This is a full time, career-track appointment that includes the expectation that the appointee will conduct mission-oriented research and engage in extension education and outreach that advances the mission of the Department of Plant Sciences and UCANR. The focus of this position will be on tree nut and fruit crops of the San Joaquin Valley; thus, applicants should have the professional background necessary to conduct original research relevant to the California's intense orchard production systems. By developing reciprocal and mutually beneficial relationships with colleagues and various stakeholders, the candidate should become a knowledgeable partner who can provide reliable information and build research-informed networks to address issues of regional and statewide importance in the state of California.

Extension Teaching: A person in this position is expected to provide leadership as a liaison between campus- based researchers, campus- and county-based CE academics, and clientele and colleague groups such as commodity boards, regulatory agencies, and grower groups. This will include providing information to clientele through print publications, web-based resources and in-person presentations, and serving as a resource for other CE academics.

Applied Research: The successful candidate will: 1) conduct and coordinate applied research to optimize orchard production systems, 2) present and publish the research results in appropriate journals and conferences, and extend research-based information to clientele groups through their outreach program. There are many potential areas of research in this diverse and high value crops sector. A few possibilities include A few possibilities include 1) use of integrated systems for enhancing water use efficiency and nutrient management in fruit and nut crop production; 2) new technology and opportunities for use of robotic machine vision and precision guided equipment for thinning, harvesting and pruning of fruit crops; 3) improving labor use efficiency and safety; and 4) the reducing orchard system contributions to water and air quality issues in the Southern San Joaquin Valley.

Professional Competence and Activity: The candidate will be expected to participate in professional society activities including presenting papers at national and international meetings; reviewing manuscripts and grant proposals in his/her area of expertise; and establishing productive working relationships with scientists and extension personnel in other states and countries. The goal would be to gain national and international recognition for scholarly contributions to the science and practices of orchard production systems, as he/she advances to the higher ranks in the UC system.

Qualifications: Ph.D. degree in plant science, pomology, horticulture, agronomy, physiology, ecology, or another closely related discipline is required. The successful candidate must have a record that documents productivity in research as evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Appointment Date: Applications will be reviewed with the expectation that the appointee will be available for service on or soon after April 1 2019.

Applications: Applications should be submitted on-line at http://recruit.ucdavis.edu/. Additional inquiries should be directed to Dr. Brad Hanson, Search Committee Chair bhanson@ucdavis.edu

Applicants should submit: curriculum vitae including publication list statement of research and extension interests and goals; a summary or abstract of the Ph.D. dissertation; copies or links to recent relevant publications; statement of contribution to diversity, and names, addresses including e-mail, and telephone numbers of at least three references. The position will remain open until filled. Application review will begin January 25, 2019.

UC Davis is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer and is dedicated to recruiting a diverse faculty community. We welcome all qualified applicants to apply, including women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.