Production Horticulture Area Advisor

Applied Research and Extension

Serving Ventura

and Santa Barbara Counties, California

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers a unique recruitment opportunity for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Production Horticulture Area Advisor.

UC ANR administers a statewide network of researchers and educators dedicated to the development and application of science-based solutions to address local agricultural, environmental and health issues. Over 150 UCCE advisors conduct research, outreach and education from locally based Cooperative Extension offices serving all 58 counties from 70+ locations throughout the state. 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 UC system.

Location Headquarters:  UCCE Ventura County

Purpose. The Production Horticulture Area Advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied research program in the area of floriculture, nursery and protected (controlled environment) agriculture with the goal of improving production and economic viability of these industries in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

This position offers the opportunity to address a myriad of issues related to production horticulture in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Nursery stock and cut flowers are top agricultural commodities in this area. Critical issues facing the greenhouse and nursery industry include:

• Pest and disease management
• Invasive species management
• Water quality and water use efficiency
• Soil and fertility management
• Energy efficiency and carbon neutrality
• Adoption of computer-controlled technology
• Agriculture/urban interface issues

This is an exciting opportunity to develop and deliver relevant program content to have meaningful impacts in local communities and throughout California.

Opportunities abound for extension and research partnerships with a variety of stakeholders and partners.  The Advisor will develop research and education programs addressing needs of industry commodity groups in cooperation with local and statewide CE advisors and specialists, as well as workgroups, program teams, and the statewide IPM program and the Master Gardener program. The advisor joins a team of highly motivated UCCE colleagues who are passionate about their work and are dedicated to making a difference within the communities and throughout California.  The potential for collaborative projects within the UC ANR system is nearly limitless.

The advisor will work closely with other Advisors in Ventura, Santa Barbara and surrounding counties and will assume the academic direction of the Master Gardener program in Ventura County (20% time).

External to UC ANR, the Advisor will network with AES faculty, state and federal agencies, such as the California Department Food and Agriculture, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, Cal EPA, EPA, and USDA. The Advisor will also network with commodity groups, farm bureaus and agricultural commissioners in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

Support: UCCE Ventura County will provide administrative support, office space, laboratory space, phone line, internet access, and a vehicle.  UCCE Santa Barbara will provide additional program support. The Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center provides space for field and greenhouse research activities.

Counties of Responsibility.  This position will be headquartered at UCCE Ventura and also serves Santa Barbara County. This is not a remote position.

Reporting Relationship: The CE Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension County Director of Ventura County, with programmatic input from the County Director of Santa Barbara County and the Master Gardener Statewide Director.

Required Qualifications

Education: A minimum of a Master’s degree in an agricultural discipline such as environmental/ ornamental horticulture, plant science, pest management, urban agriculture or related field is required at the time of appointment. 

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license required to fulfill job duties- Employees driving County or University vehicles must possess valid California Driver’s License and participate in the DMV pull notice program.
• The ability to work with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes and ethnicities is essential.
• The CE Advisor 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.

    Skills Required 

To be successful, the CE Advisor requires skills in the following area:

Technical Competence and Impact

Knowledge of ornamental plants and floricultural crops.  The position requires knowledge and experience in plant science and computer-controlled management technologies used to optimize plant growing systems, plant quality, high-intensity production systems, and production efficiency in controlled environments (greenhouses, hoop houses, hydroponics, etc.).

Communication

Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, and interpersonal and information technology communication skills.  Public speaking to stakeholders is a routine part of this position.  Spanish language skills are a plus.

Demonstrated ability to share complex information in a manner tailored to the audience.

Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team member with colleagues, industry and other stakeholders.  Able to adapt as circumstances warranted. 

Aware and willing to actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Lifelong Learning

Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional improvement. Ability to shift program focus as times and organizational needs 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

Desired Experience

• Passion and desire to pursue a career in Cooperative Extension
• Experience in education and outreach
• Experience working with the landscape industry, irrigation, water conservation, recycled water, turf, drought-tolerant landscape plants, and composting
• Experience in building partnerships and with multidisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan projects, manage teams and implement an applied research and outreach program, including setting measurable goals and objectives
• Spanish language skills are a plus

About University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources

The University of California, 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.

Connections working at University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources