Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Environmental Horticulture Advisor at the Assistant rank serving Marin, Napa, and Sonoma Counties.

The Environmental Horticulture Advisor is responsible for educational and applied research programs covering a wide array of disciplines for Marin, Napa, and Sonoma Counties. Challenges faced in all three counties include maintaining water quality and supply, efficiently disposing of and recycling green waste, and reducing pesticide use in the face of an increasingly urbanized population of plant diseases and pests that impact the ecosystems and economies of the three-county area.

UCCE Advisors are responsible for conducting applied research and extending knowledge. Research activities are applied and mission-oriented, focused on addressing challenges in our communities. Extension activities are the educational methods that Advisors use to share research results directly with clientele and communities, increasing knowledge and understanding of science-based research that promotes the adoption of practices and technologies to solve local problems. Extension activities may include individual farm consultations, presentations, or organizing educational workshops, short courses, and field demonstrations. Information may also be disseminated through various channels, such as radio, webinars, fact sheets, policy briefs, news blogs, social media, and other outlets. Publications are expected in various formats, including newsletters, articles for the popular press, curricula, conference proceedings, and peer-reviewed journals.

Successful research and extension programs result in new information that improves knowledge or understanding, and eventual adoption of new skills or practices, changed attitudes or policies, and improved environmental, economic, or social conditions. UCCE Advisors are evaluated through an academic advancement system based on four criteria: 1) extending knowledge, 2) applied research and creative activity, 3) professional competence and activity, and 4) university and public service.

Location Headquarters:

This position will be headquartered in the UCCE office in Marin County, located at 1682 Novato Boulevard, Suite 150-B, Novato, CA 94947

Position Details

The Environmental Horticulture Advisor conducts collaborative extension education and applied research programs in Marin, Napa, and Sonoma Counties, in collaboration with other University/UCANR academics, staff, and local stakeholders. Research and education topics for this position cover a wide array of disciplines categorized under the heading of environmental horticulture, such as arboriculture, integrated pest management (including plant pathology, entomology, and invasive weeds), horticulture, soils, green waste recycling, irrigation, and residential defensible space for fire. Solutions are focused on community-oriented goals, including efforts to protect California’s natural resources, build more resilient communities and landscapes, and develop a more qualified landscaping workforce in the Bay Area.

The Advisor supports a broad array of commercial tree care and landscape design and maintenance clientele to address local landscape and environmental needs and threats. They also collaborate and partner with professional organizations, local agency and government personnel, conservation groups, and other non-governmental organizations with information via consultation, technology transfer, communication, and liaison activities This position also assumes academic oversight for the UC Marin and Napa Master Gardener Programs, with an aim toward expanded understanding of science-based environmental horticulture practices for area property owners and managers. By collaborating with local stakeholders and UC ANR staff, the Environmental Horticulture Advisor provides information to support workable solutions for key environmental issues faced by governments, businesses, and residents in Marin, Napa, and Sonoma counties.

Counties of Responsibility.

This position will serve Marin, Napa, and Sonoma Counties.

Reporting Relationship:

In this appointment, you will report directly to the UC Cooperative Extension Area Director for Marin, Napa, and Sonoma Counties, with input from the Director of the Master Gardener Statewide Program. 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 all three counties served. Upon hire, the supervisor will outline specific expectations for maintaining office hours and fieldwork in the geographic area covered by this position.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Education:
A minimum of a master’s degree in horticulture, plant pathology, entomology, or a related field is required at the time of appointment.
Key Qualifications
• Experience in conducting applied, impact-oriented research and education in topics related to environmental horticulture.
• Capacity or potential to accomplish team-based research and education programs consistent with the values of UCANR.
• Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series as per UC Academic Personnel Manuals [https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/academic-personnel-policy/appointment-and-promotion/index.html]. Applications need to document relevant. research, extension, teaching experience, and scholarly achievements.
• 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.
• We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. at the time of hire.
• This is not a remote position.

Additional Skills Required
• An interest in and desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension.
• Technical Competence and Impact: The candidate should understand key concepts to optimize engagement and development of agricultural or horticultural science research and extension programs and be able to design and implement a program that leads to positive changes and impact within the community and beyond.
• Collaboration, Teamwork, and Flexibility: The candidate should demonstrate the ability to collaborate as a team member with key external stakeholders, county-based staff, and other colleagues within UC ANR.
• Lifelong Learning: Advisors are expected to continually evolve and grow throughout their careers, adapting to changes in the horticultural industry, their clientele, and organizational structure.
• 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
[https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH]

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
[https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination]

APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
[https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf]

Desired Experience
• Experience working with stakeholders and clientele in the environmental horticulture community
• Experience working with governmental agencies, elected officials, and regional audiences, including local elected officials, horticultural organizations, agricultural organizations, and natural resources agencies
• Experience working with adult volunteers

About UC ANR

UC ANR is a division of the UC system that bridges the gap between local issues and the expertise of the University of California 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 more than 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 Marin, Napa, and Sonoma Counties

Marin, Napa, and Sonoma Counties are located in Northern California, just north of the San Francisco Bay Area. Geographically, the region offers a rich and varied landscape of coastal areas, rolling hills, fertile valleys, and forested mountains. These counties are known for their world-class vineyards, productive agricultural lands, and diverse ecosystems, including oak woodlands, redwood forests, and coastal wetlands. A strong network of landscape care professionals, organizations, and public agencies is active throughout the region, providing excellent opportunities for collaboration on a wide range of plant and landscape priorities. These include forest health, pest and disease management, weather extremes, defensible space, post-wildfire recovery, and more. This collaborative work underscores the vital role of environmental stewardship and horticulture in supporting the health, resilience, and well-being of local communities across the region.

Learn more about

• UC ANR [https://ucanr.edu/] and UC ANR Mission Statement [https://ucanr.edu/site/division-agriculture-and-natural-resources/about-us]
• UC ANR administers Statewide Programs and Institutes [https://ucanr.edu/site/statewide-programs-research-and-extension-center-operations/programs] 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 [https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-anr-program-areas-and-program-teams] help unify, communicate, and advocate for our work.
• UC ANR uses Public Value Statements [https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-anr-planning-and-accountability/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 UC ANR’s Civil Rights Compliance Policy [https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-anr-human-resources/office-civil-rights]
• UC ANR is committed to supporting inclusive excellence and is guided by UC ANR Principles of Community [https://ucanr.edu/site/division-agriculture-and-natural-resources/principles-community] We strive to create an environment where all individuals, regardless of background, feel valued and respected and have equal opportunities for growth and success.

Salary & Benefits

Salary:

The salary range for this Cooperative Extension Advisor position is Assistant Rank, Step I ($85,600) to Step VI ($108,600). 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) [https://ucanrpolicy.ellucid.com/pman/manuals/binder/48?]

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/apply] and choose “applicants” (refer to position #25-14)

Closing Date#:

To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by January 31, 2026– (open until filled)

Questions?
Contact Tatiana Avoce via email: tavoce@ucanr.edu

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.