The University of California division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Outdoor Recreation Advisor, in the Assistant Rank, serving Plumas, Sierra and Nevada Counties. The advisor will work at the local level and regionally with other community groups to leverage their assets associated with outdoor recreation opportunities. Outdoor recreation is an important local economic activity. These counties are known for their unique combination of high-elevation forests, alpine lakes, volcanic geology, and remote scenic valleys that create a distinct Sierra Mountain experience, focused on hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, OHV riding, and skiing to cycling, birding, and water-based recreation on lakes and rivers.

UCCE Advisors are responsible for applied research and the extension of knowledge. Research activities are needs-based, mission-oriented, and focused on addressing our communities' challenges. Extension activities are educational practices advisors use to share research results directly with their clientele and communities. Increased knowledge and understanding of science-based research helps to support and promote the adoption of practices and technologies that solve problems. Extension methods may include individual consultations, presentations, organization of educational workshops and short courses, field demonstrations and site visits. Information may also be disseminated via webinars, fact sheets, policy briefs, news blogs and social media. Publications are expected in various formats, such as newsletters, articles for the popular press, curriculums, 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 for Plumas-Sierra Counties, located at 208 Fairground Road, Quincy, CA 95971

Position Details

The advisor will address UC ANR’s value statements and condition changes by promoting the economic prosperity of California while protecting our natural resources and providing sustainable opportunities to foster outdoor recreation and tourism in the local communities. The advisor is expected to conduct an innovative research and outreach program focused on outdoor recreation and the economic benefits to the local communities in the area. Many opportunities exist to collaborate with local groups involved in environmental stewardship, workforce and economic development, local natural resource planning efforts, youth development, recreational facilities enhancement, increased utilization of outdoor recreational opportunities and other topics.

Major duties and responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement a collaborative research, education, and outreach program to build and strengthen the outdoor recreation and tourism economy in Plumas, Sierra and Nevada Counties.
• Provide research, data analysis, and technical guidance to create, validate, and report on economic and community indicators of local tourism and outdoor recreation activities.
• Support strategic planning to implement sustainable recreation and tourism development projects by working with multiple community partners, local colleges, funding agencies and organizations and community groups, including outdoor recreation user groups and advocacy groups in the local areas.
• Work with tribal partners, Latino communities, and other underrepresented communities as partners in planning and implementation for sustainable recreation and tourism.
• Support research, extension and outreach efforts through grants, gifts and other funding opportunities.
• Extend knowledge on outdoor recreation through different modalities and approaches, which may include extension publications, newsletters, web pages, blogs, policy briefs, UCCE Advisor meetings, on-site visits to partner locations, and clientele workshops.
• Collaborate with UCCE Advisors and Specialists, UC ANR statewide programs, institutes, and program teams to support local plans for enhancing the region’s outdoor recreation and tourism industries.
• Publish in relevant UCANR outlets, county-based publications, and external peer-reviewed journals appropriate for the field of outdoor recreation.

Counties of Responsibility: This position will serve Plumas, Sierra and Nevada Counties.

Reporting Relationship: The Outdoor Recreation Advisor will serve under the administrative guidance of the UCCE Area Director for Plumas, Sierra and Nevada Counties. 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 Nevada County to cover 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 Area Director.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications

Education: A minimum of a master’s degree in outdoor recreation, tourism, economic development, or a closely related field is required at the time of appointment.

Key Qualifications:

• Experience in conducting applied research in outdoor recreation, tourism, economic development, or a related field.
• Experience delivering educational and outreach programming.
• Experience in program and/or personnel management.
• 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.
• 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.
• This is not a remote position.

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 [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 appropriate scholarly achievements.
• Interest in and desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension.
• Technical Competence and Impact: The candidate should understand key concepts related to outdoor recreation, tourism, economic development and other related topics suitable for the area.
• 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.
• 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

• Ability to effectively engage with partner organizations to develop strong relationships associated with problems and issues facing the outdoor recreation industry.
• Ability to communicate well with regional audiences including local elected officials, outdoor recreation organizations, local business owners and government agencies.
• Experience working with recreation and tourism cooperators, collaborators and agency personnel.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan applied research or evaluate projects, manage teams and set measurable goals and objectives.
• The ability to work with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes, ethnicities, backgrounds and diverse political views.

About UCANR

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 Plumas, Sierra and Nevada Counties

Plumas, Sierra, and Nevada counties offer extensive year-round outdoor recreation that draws residents and visitors seeking uncrowded natural landscapes, historic mountain towns, and diverse activities—from hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, OHV riding, and skiing to cycling, birding, and water-based recreation on lakes and rivers. These counties are known for their unique combination of high-elevation forests, alpine lakes, volcanic geology, and remote scenic valleys that create a distinct Sierra Mountain experience. The Plumas and Sierra region is known as the "Lost Sierra", due the remoteness compared to more congested tourist areas with uncrowded recreation opportunities. The region hosts recreation events including Tour de Manure bike ride, the Downieville Classic mountain bike race, fishing derbies, endurance trail runs, and more. Recreation is a major economic driver across the region, supporting local businesses, lodging, restaurants, retail, and seasonal jobs; generating significant visitor spending; and supporting rural economies that rely heavily on tourism, outdoor access, and community-hosted events.

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 UC ANR Policy and Procedure Manual (PPM), Section 315 [https://ucanrpolicy.ellucid.com/pman/documents/view/122/active?]

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 #25-19). 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 February 5, 2026 (open until filled)

Questions?

Contact Tatiana Avoce at 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.