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Assistant Specialist
UCCE Tulare County
50% Variable Time - Represented
Position Overview
The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for an Assistant Specialist in Tulare County supporting the Orchard Systems Program.

Location Headquarters: UCCE Tulare County, Tulare, California
Purpose:
The Assistant Specialist (.50 FTE variable) will support academics by assisting with field research trials, data collection and analysis, and extension of research results. This position will support program activities on participating farms in the southern San Joaquin Valley and at the Lindcove Research and Extension Center in Exeter, CA where there are ongoing multi-disciplinary research projects and laboratory facilities.

Responsibilities:

The Assistant Specialist will:
• Assist with setup and management of field trials designed to address pest management and cultural studies focused on nut, olive, and prune programing.
• Collect, report, enter, and analyze data from field trials, laboratory analyses, surveys and existing datasets.
• Assist other orchard systems program staff with data collection on projects related to tree canopy management, crop physiology, pest and disease management, and irrigation management.
• Participate in required and voluntary safety, equipment use and maintenance, risk management, and other appropriate training sessions.
• Support CE Orchard Systems Advisor in developing and implementing UC ANR Cooperative Extension Applied Research and Extension programs based on clientele needs, and in alignment with the UC ANR Strategic Vision.
• Travel to farms to assist with farm calls, and attend extension meetings, UC ANR workgroup meetings, and conferences.
• Prepare written sections of journal articles, grant proposals, and grant reports.
• Prepare presentation materials for, participate in, and/or present at extension activities and professional meetings.
• Prepare data for presentation, prepare abstracts, and contribute to peer-reviewed journal articles.

Reporting Relationship: The Assistant Specialist is administratively and programmatically responsible to the Farm Advisor in Tulare County.
Required Qualifications and Skills

Required Qualifications:
Education: A master’s degree or other advanced degrees in disciplines in Plant Sciences and/or related fields is required by the appointment start date.
Additional Qualifications:
• This is not a remote position. The candidate must be available to work onsite. In accordance with UC ANR Flexible Work Guidelines flexible work agreements are available upon approval by supervisors and periodic re-evaluation.
• 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.
• Specialty or professional research experience.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing needs.
Desired Qualifications:
• Experience with statistical software packages including SAS and R-studio.
• Experience with Python programming language.
• Experience working with orchard systems.
Skills Required: To be successful, the Assistant Specialist requires skills in the following areas:

Technical Competence and Impact

• Represent UC ANR locally in a professional manner.

Communication
• Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal and information technology communication skills.
• Skills to communicate and extend technical information to diverse audiences are required.
• Ability to give presentations at seminars and continuing education functions in an understandable manner.

Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team member with others.
• Able to adapt as circumstances warranted.
• Promote diversity, equity and inclusion.

Lifelong Learning
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing self-improvement - both professionally and as a person.

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 250 UC ANR academics conduct research, extension, and education serving all 58 counties from 70+ locations, including county-based UCCE offices, 13 statewide programs and institutes, and 9 research and extension centers. 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.
Learn more about
• UC ANR and UC ANR Mission Statement.
• 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.

SALARY: The salary will be in the Assistant Specialist Rank, Step 1- $29.36/hour. For information regarding the Specialist series salary scales, please refer to: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2024-25/july-2024-scales/t24-b-n.pdf The stated salary is based on a non-exempt represented position @ 50% time.

The Assistant Specialist position is a one-year limited term with an initial appointment at 50% (variable up to 100%). The merit cycle is every two years. The performance in the position will be evaluated annually. The position will be extended based on the continued need for the position, performance and availability of funding.

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 holidays. 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 #24-12)

Closing Date: To ensure full consideration, application packets must be received by December 5, 2024 (open until filled)
Questions?
Contact Tatiana Avoce; email: tavoce@ucanr.edu

Applicants may wish to explore the UC Davis Services for International Students and Scholars web page at https://siss.ucdavis.edu and the UC ANR Green Card Sponsorship Guidelines & FAQ's for reference.
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.

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.