Area Water Quality, Quantity and Climate Change Advisor (Applied Research and Extension) 22-44

: Lake County, Mendocino County

Date Posted: March 21, 2023
Closing Date: May 14, 2023

Job Description: Download

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers a unique recruitment opportunity for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Area Water Quality, Quantity and Climate Change Advisor. UC ANR operates a statewide network of researchers and educators dedicated to the development and application of knowledge to address local agricultural, environmental and health issues. Over 150 UC ANR UCCE advisors conduct research, outreach and education from locally based CE 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 Mendocino County, Ukiah, CA.

Purpose. The Area Water Quality, Quantity and Climate Change Advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied research program to address issues related to water quality, quantity, and climate change in the North Coast Regional area.

The Area Water Quality, Quantity and Climate Change position will focus on the impacts of climate change (intensifying droughts, floods, wildfire, and extreme events) on water supply and quality.  The advisor will work with agricultural and natural resource producers as well as local government water agencies and water districts. Targeted program focus include one or several of the following: 1) maintain and diversify local water supplies that reduce reliance on any one water supply (springs and well systems, recycled water, or water harvesting); 2) protect and enhance natural ecosystems that sustain fish, wildlife, and crop and animal agriculture; 3) build connections with local government water agencies, water districts, indigenous tribes and integrate water management through shared use of science, data and technology; and 4) identify and develop viable options to meet the requirements of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, and other local, state and regional policy issues.

The advisor’s extension education program will assist leaders and policymakers to understand and create long-term water resiliency plans that include water development and storage, alternative water sources (e.g. recycled and rainwater capture), water conservation and dealing with increasing effects of climate change. Extension efforts will target supporting and strengthening agencies, be they local government, water bodies, county, non-profits, community members or landowners. The candidate will disseminate research results and information through meetings, workshops, newsletters, and all forms of social media that will provide credible and practical options for landowners and organizations to address water use and quality concerns.

Opportunities for research are exciting and include both watershed level work, social and policy research, post-fire effects on water quality and quantity, modernization of water capture, storage infrastructure and conservation. Hydrological analysis of area surface water (rivers, lakes) and groundwater (springs and wells) is also needed for planning purposes. Research may include watershed-scale work at the Hopland Research and Extension Center, which has the necessary flumes and automatic data collection e.g. to assess fire treatments on upstream flow and water quality.

There are numerous opportunities for extension and research partnerships with a variety of stakeholders and partnerships, including County and City governments, specifically water agencies and planning departments, indigenous tribes, water districts, State Water Resources Control Board, Region 1 & 5 Water Quality Control Boards, Resource Conservation Districts, NRCS, CalFire, Fire Departments, Farm Bureau, and various commodity organizations.  Collaboration with other advisors’ disciplines are expected to address the complex challenges of water quality and quantity. UCCE counties have been successful in obtaining funding, and through contracts this position could directly perform research on issues important to the existing Lake County Water Agency and the current Mendocino County Water Resource Team and the proposed future Mendocino Water Agency.

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.

Counties of Responsibility.  This position will be headquartered in the UCCE Mendocino County Office and also serves Lake County.

Reporting Relationship: The CE Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Mendocino County Director with input from the UCCE County Director for Lake County. The CE advisor is programmatically responsible to the UC ANR Statewide CIWR Director.

Education: A minimum of a Master’s degree in water resources and policy, irrigation, environmental engineering, climate change, hydrology, or other closely related fields is required at the time of appointment.

• Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability and property damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Must posses valid California Driver’s License to drive a County or University vehicle.
• The ability to work with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes and ethnicities is essential.
• This is not a remote position. The candidate must be available to work onsite.

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

Technical Competence and Impact

The candidate should be able to design and implement a program that leads to positive changes and impact within the community and beyond. There is an expectation that advisors evolve and grow across their career and respond to changes in the industry and by clientele. 

Communication

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

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 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

• Passion and desire to pursue a career in Cooperative Extension.
• Experience in education and outreach.
• 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.

About UC ANR

The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) consists of a network of scientists and educators working in partnership across California.  We are committed to developing and supporting practical, science-based solutions that contribute to 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.

Learn more about

• UC ANR at https://UCANR.edu
• UC ANR in counties: https://ucanr.edu/sites/ucanr/County_Offices/
• Our Strategic Initiatives http://ucanr.edu/sites/StrategicInitiatives/
• Our Public Value statements at: https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/Divisionwide_Planning/UC_ANR_Public_Values/
• DEI: Further to the above, advisors are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion https://ucanr.edu/sites/Professional_Development/Office_-_Team_Management/Diversity_Equity_Inclusion_Belonging/
• Affirmative Action: Further to the above, advisors are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR’s commitment to affirmative action. Learn more of UC ANR Affirmative Action policy: http://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/Diversity/Affirmative_Action/
• 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 range for this Cooperative Extension Advisor position is Assistant Rank, Step I ($71,200) to Step VI ($94,000).  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/anrstaff/files/358478.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 https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/118501.pdf  

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  

If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose “applicants” (refer to position #22-44)

Closing Date:  To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by May 14, 2023  – (open until filled)

Contact Tatiana Avoce; email: [email protected]

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 condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs – With Updated Interim Amendments . All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, Religious Objection, and/or Deferral based on pregnancy or recent COVID-19 diagnosis and/or treatment) no later than the applicable deadline. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of receiving the most recent CDC-recommended COVID-19 booster or properly decline such booster no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Exhibit 2 , Section II.C. of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Attachment  for applicable deadlines. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of being Up-To-Date on seasonal influenza vaccination or properly decline such vaccination no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program Attachment . (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health 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.