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Cooperative Extension Fruit Postharvest Area Advisor - Serving Fresno, Madera, Tulare, Kings, and Kern Counties (AP 24-23)
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
Details
Posted: 05-Jun-25
Location: Parlier, California
Type: Full-time
Internal Number: 6278297
Cooperative Extension Fruit Postharvest Area Advisor - Serving Fresno, Madera, Tulare, Kings, and Kern Counties (AP 24-23)
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
Application Window
Open date: June 3, 2025
Next review date: Tuesday, Jul 15, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Wednesday, Oct 15, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
Position Overview:
The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension Fruit Postharvest Area Advisor serving Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, and Tulare Counties, at the Assistant rank. The advisor will develop an innovative multi-county applied research and extension education program to support the fruit industry in the San Joaquin Valley.
The Central Valley supplies the US and the world with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, contributing significantly to the state's economy and international trade. Fruits such as grapes, stone fruits, citrus, berries, and nuts, as well as vegetables like tomatoes and garlic, are among the commodities in the area this position will serve. While advanced agricultural practices have significantly increased the productivity of these and other crops, ensuring the quality, safety, and longevity of harvested crops remains a critical challenge. Postharvest losses due to spoilage, damage, and deterioration not only have significant economic implications but contribute to food insecurity and environmental degradation. The Advisor will establish a postharvest research and extension program in the Central Valley to address and improve the postharvest practices for fruit and vegetable crops. The role involves conducting research, developing innovative strategies, and implementing best practices to optimize postharvest processes, minimize losses, and maintain the quality and safety of fruits from harvest to consumption. The Advisor will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to improve efficiency, sustainability, and profitability in the agricultural supply chain.
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 that support and promote the adoption of practices and technologies to solve problems. Extension methods may include individual consultations, presentations, organization of educational workshops and short courses, field demonstrations, farm calls, and site visits. 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, 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. There is an expectation that advisors evolve and grow across their careers and respond to changes in the industry, clientele, and organizational change.
Location Headquarters:
The position will be headquartered at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center located at 9240 S. Riverbend Avenue in Parlier, California.
Position Details:
The Advisor will develop a multidisciplinary applied research and extension program to address critical postharvest issues facing orchard and vegetable crops in the five-county area served.
Research will be focused on improving the postharvest practices of various commodities as needed and addressing emerging challenges affecting the postharvest supply chain. Topics appropriate for research include:
Publication of research results and knowledge is expected to include various UC ANR series, technical sheets, and peer-reviewed journals.
The Advisor will conduct outreach to provide science-based information about postharvest issues, disseminating information through workshops, field meetings, webinars, newsletters, industry media outlets, phone calls, and online and social media tools, as appropriate to the target audiences.
This position will play a vital role in collaborating with the agricultural industry to optimize postharvest processes, enhance product quality, and minimize losses through the supply chain. By leveraging their expertise in plant science, physiology, and technology, the Advisor will work closely with industry stakeholders, including growers, processors, distributors, shippers, and retailers, to address key challenges and capitalize on opportunities for improvement. The Postharvest Advisor is also expected to develop strong connections with staff at state agencies, such as the CA Dept of Food and Agriculture, county agencies such as County Agricultural Commissioners, research groups outside of UC (USDA, CSUs), and commodity boards. They will work closely with other campus and county-based academics, and partner with UC's internationally-known Postharvest Center.
Counties of Responsibility:
This position has programmatic responsibilities in Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, and Tulare Counties.
Reporting Relationship:
The CE Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the Director of the UC ANR Kearney Research & Extension Center with input from the UCCE County Directors in the coverage area. It is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite at the headquarters location in Parlier, CA, and travel to and be present in all five counties served. 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:
Education: A minimum of a master's degree in horticulture, pomology, crop physiology, plant biology, or a related field is required at the time of appointment.
Key Qualifications
Additional Skills Required
Desired Experience
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 the UC Kearney Research and Extension Center (KARE)
KARE is a world-class research operation in the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley. The Center has 170,000 square feet of facilities that include offices, laboratories, greenhouses, a postharvest lab, drying equipment, cold storage, and a conference facility. KARE is strategically located near the agricultural industry hub of the Central Valley in Fresno County, one of the five counties in the area served by this Advisor.
Learn more about
'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 you are interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose 'applicants' (refer to position 24-23). 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 July 15, 2025.
(Open until filled)
Questions?
Contact Kahla Wallace; kahwallace@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.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Statement of Research and Extension - Statement of Research and Extension
Please submit a 2-page Statement of Research and Extension Interests including how your current and/or past research and extension experience could contribute to, or be applicable to, the needs of the local community. Provide examples of potential goals and outcomes from your research and extension activities.
References - Please provide 3 references: names, titles and contact information.
College Level Transcripts - College Level Transcripts
Electronic transcripts or legible scanned copies (PDF) of original transcripts will be accepted. Transcripts must identify course work completed, grades earned, degrees conferred and confer dates. Please DO NOT send transcripts that are password protected.
- 3-5 required (contact information only)
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.
Job location
Parlier, CA
To apply, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/JPF00328
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About University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) consists of a network of scientists and educators working in partnership across the California. We are committed to developing and supporting 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.
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