Entomology Advisor (Applied Research and Extension) 22-18

: Los Angeles County, Ventura County

Date Posted: June 22, 2022
Closing Date: August 5, 2022

Job Description: Download

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), a statewide program with local development and delivery, is seeking the following UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Advisor.

Location Headquarters:  UCCE Ventura County, CA

Purpose. The Entomology Advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied research program focusing on environmentally sustainable arthropod (insect and mite) pest management in agricultural and natural ecosystems in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties.

This position offers the opportunity to address a myriad of issues related to pests, including arthropod identification and monitoring, pest biology and phenology, crop loss assessment, pesticide resistance monitoring and prevention, application technology, and evaluation of integrated pest management methods with emphasis on biological and cultural controls.

Key to the success of this position will be research and extension that stimulate adoption of new practices to reduce economic damage from pests while promoting pollinators and beneficial arthropods and minimizing impacts on the environment, farmworkers and consumers. This is an exciting opportunity to develop and deliver relevant program content to have meaningful impacts in local communities and throughout California.

Opportunities abound for extension and research partnerships with a variety of stakeholders, including growers, pest control advisors (PCAs), the Pesticide Applicators Professional Association, natural resource/land stewards, USDA, CDFA, DPR, the Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner, and the general public. The advisor joins a team of highly motivated UCCE colleagues who are passionate about their work and are dedicated to making a difference within their 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 Ventura County Office and will also have programmatic responsibilities in Los Angeles County.

Reporting Relationship: The CE Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Ventura County Director with input from the UCCE Los Angeles County Director.

Education: A minimum of a Master’s degree in entomology, pest management, plant science, agronomy, or related field is required at the time of appointment. 

• Valid driver’s license.
• Expectation to be available to work onsite on any day.
• Technical competency in applied entomology research.
• Experience with extension program development and delivery.
• Ability to work with a diverse clientele
• The CE Advisor must possess or obtain a Qualified Pesticide Applicator Certificate (QAC) or License (QAL) prior to applying or supervising the application of any pesticide.

• Several years of practical field experience in arthropod pest management
• Experience with biological control of arthropods
• 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
• Successful grant-writing experience

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

Technical Competence and Impact

The candidate should have a broad understanding of integrated pest management principles, including knowledge of crop production, cultural and biological controls, and pesticide use. Quantitative skills and knowledge of, and experience using, statistical analysis and experimental design are required.

There is an expectation that Advisors evolve and grow during their career and respond to changes in the industry and clientele. 

Communication

Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, and interpersonal and information technology communication skills.  Public speaking is a routine part of this position.  Spanish language proficiency is desired.

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 and academic colleagues.  Able to adapt as circumstances warrant. 

Aware of and willing to actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Lifelong Learning

Demonstrated commitment to ongoing self-improvement - both professionally and as a person. Ability to shift program focus as organizational needs change.

Learn more about Skills and Areas of Programmatic Review (including areas of program evaluation and skill areas) at: https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/319460.pdf

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

Salary: The beginning salary will be in the Cooperative Extension Assistant Advisor Rank and commensurate with 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 approximately thirteen paid holidays per year.  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 #22-18)

Closing Date:  To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by

August 5, 2022 – (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/ as a resource.

University of California Cooperative Extension

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy .  All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline.   New University of California employees should refer to Appendix F, Section II.C. of the policy for applicable deadlines.  (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.