Recruit

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Area 4-H Youth Development Advisor for Leadership and Civic Engagement at the Assistant rank. The Area 4-H Youth Development Advisor is responsible for the development of the UCCE
4-H Youth Development extension and research programs in Lassen, Modoc, Plumas and Sierra Counties. The Advisor will develop and deliver a program that will provide all youth meaningful personal development opportunities. The Advisor is expected to develop an extension and applied research program framed in positive youth development, emphasizing leadership and civic engagement programs and curricula to promote program growth and expanded opportunities for youth participation.

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, community partnerships, presentations, organization of educational workshops, youth events, and short courses. 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, curricula, 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: This position will be headquartered in the UCCE office in Lassen County, 707 Nevada St., Susanville, CA 96130.

Position Details

The Advisor will develop and extend innovative 4-H development programs across the four-county area. The Advisor will cultivate both a strong community network and an academic network that supports an effective flow of information and creative work promoting positive youth development within the four-county area. The advisor
will provide academic oversight of the 4-H community club program and educational leadership to county based 4-H staff, educators, volunteers, and community members. The Advisor will provide 15% FTE to strengthen the statewide 4-H network of leadership and civic engagement programming. Specific within the four-county area, there are program development opportunities to enhance and build upon a strong traditional 4-H program. Excellent youth development opportunities exist in areas of youth-to-youth (e.g. teen-to-primary) learning models, senior youth to new volunteer training events, youth-led community events, regional camping experiences, program exchange events to better integrate local youth with their peers in other regions including youth with differing life experiences. Local communities have many willing collaborators on youth-based events and programs. The new advisor will have dedicated service organizations, local boards, and individuals with whom to build lasting networks supporting youth across the region, leveraging current community interest into more active participation in the 4-H YD program. The advisor will also promote growth of the 4-H program by providing guidance and leadership through the 4-H VMO structure across the four-county area.
The four-county area enjoys strong collaborative relationships between advisors and staff across the different county offices and existing agriculture, natural resources, and nutrition programs providing many potential extension partnerships.

The Advisor will develop applied research projects across the 4-county area as well as with statewide and multi-state collaborators. The research will guide and provide the basis for the improvement and growth of 4-H YD programs throughout the 4-county area. General areas of potential research activity include effectiveness comparison of school curriculums and experiential learning opportunities in developing leadership skills in youth; understanding youth motivation (or lack of) to participate in leadership activities and/or participate in local and civic processes; understanding long term outcomes/benefits of youth development activities and learning. Additionally, the Advisor will conduct creative activity projects that develop and/or adapt experiential learning and curricula that support leadership and civic engagement opportunities relevant to area youth. Research results will be published in such outlets as the Journal of Extension, Journal of Youth Development, and California Agriculture and shared with the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals and the American Educational Research Association.

Counties of Responsibility: This position will be headquartered in Lassen County, and will serve Lassen, Modoc, Plumas and Sierra Counties.

Reporting Relationship: The advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE)County Director for Lassen County, with input from the County Directors for Modoc and Plumas/Sierra County UCCE. It 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 required in youth/child development, human development, education, or a related field is required at the time of appointment

Key Qualifications
• Experience in conducting applied research, program evaluation, and education programs with youth is required.
• Strong leadership skills and experience in program and personnel management are required.
• 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 a valid California Driver’s License to drive a County or University Vehicle.
• Ability to drive on remote highways including evenings and weekends, and at times in inclement weather conditions.
Additional Skills Required
• Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series and evidence for success in meeting required academic advancement criteria as per UC Academic Personnel Manuals. Applications need to document relevant research, extension, and teaching experience and appropriate scholarly achievements.
• 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.
• A background investigation will be required for the successful candidate, including fingerprinting and a criminal history clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This position is subject to the requirements and compliance of the California’s Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA). Employment within UC ANR is contingent upon securing written acknowledgement to comply with California law.
Desired Experience
• Experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds is desire.
• Ability to effectively engage with partner organizations to develop strong community relationships to support 4-H YD programs.
• Ability to communicate well with regional audiences including local elected officials, K-12 school representatives, agricultural organizations, and natural resources agencies.
• Experience working with adult volunteers involved with youth programs.
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 Lassen, Modoc, Plumas and Sierra Counties
Lassen, Modoc, Plumas and Sierra Counties are located in the far northeastern corner of California. Geographically, the area sits at the intersection of the Sierra-Nevada mountains, the Cascade Range, the Great Basin, and the Modoc Plateau. The four counties are defined by small agricultural valleys that are flanked by mountains, forests, and rangelands. Dispersed recreation opportunities in the area are almost unlimited. The counties served by this position are very rural with small widely dispersed communities supported by agriculture and natural resource-based economies. Youth development opportunities outside of 4-H are relatively limited, creating an excellent opportunity for significant and lasting impact across the region.
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 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 is committed to supporting inclusive excellence and is guided by UC ANR's 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.
• 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/default/files/2025-01/406198.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 following three successful reviews and subject to terms noted in UC ANR Policy and Procedure Manual, Section 315 of the ANR Policy and Procedure Manual (PPM).
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 #25-13). 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 June 12, 2025 – (Open until filled)
Questions?
Contact Katie Kilbane at klkilbane@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 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.

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.