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Area Orchard Systems Advisor (Almond, Pistachio, Peaches, Apricots) AP 24 -26
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
Details
Posted: 13-Jan-26
Location: Modesto, California
Type: Full-time
Internal Number: 6846868
Area Orchard Systems Advisor (Almond, Pistachio, Peaches, Apricots) AP 24 -26
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
Application Window
Open date: October 30, 2025
Most recent review date: Saturday, Jan 3, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.
Final date: Tuesday, Feb 3, 2026 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 Area Orchard Systems Advisor, serving Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties. The successful candidate will implement an innovative multi-county extension education and applied research program that will focus on almonds and pistachios in Stanislaus County and peaches and apricots in Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties. Disciplinary focus will be on orchard production systems, nutrient management, pest management, water efficiency, and soil fertility and health.
UCCE Advisors are responsible for applied research and the extension of knowledge. Research activities are applied, 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, 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.
Location Headquarters: This position will be headquartered in the UCCE Office in Stanislaus County, located at 3800 Cornucopia Way, #A, Modesto, CA 95358.
Position Details
The Area Orchard Systems Advisor will support the ANR Public Values of 'Promoting economic prosperity in California' through increases in agriculture efficiency and profitability; 'Protecting California's natural resources' by improving land management, soil quality, agricultural sustainability, water quality, and water use efficiency; and 'Building climate-resilient communities and ecosystems' by increasing resilience to extreme weather and climate change by improving water resiliency with on-farm practices such as groundwater recharge and recycling water and biomass.
The advisor will develop an applied research program to address critical issues facing orchard crops. These include irrigation and fertigation efficiency, rootstock and variety evaluation, cropping efficiency, overcoming salt and soil chemistry challenges, soil health and cover cropping, invasive disease epidemics and use of plant growth regulators to help overcome issues related to climate change. Priorities may include fruit harvest mechanization to address labor shortages, canopy size and structure to facilitate harvest efficiency, and fertilization strategies to optimize fruit size, yield, and quality.
There is strong support from the local industry that will allow the new advisor to address high-profile policy issues (e.g. Flood Managed Aquifer Recharge and Climate Smart Ag) such as fertilizer and irrigation management concerns that are facing additional regulation in coming years but are key to advancing profitability. There are numerous publication opportunities across these crops and disciplines, including trade journal publications, commodity board technical reports, and scientific journals.
The advisor will be expected to collaborate in knowledge creation and extension with key clientele including farmers and allied industry. California pest control advisors (PCA) and certified crop advisors (CCA) seek continuing education to continue to advise farmers on best practices and develop nutrient management plans on roughly 475,000 fruit and nut acres in Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties. The position is responsible for creating and implementing an innovative extension program using traditional and modern tools to support the development of new practices and evaluation of existing practices for increasing production efficiencies while being protective of natural resources. The advisor will provide needs-based education that is responsive to the preferences of clientele.
Programs will be developed and carried out in collaboration with other ANR academics as well as related government and private industries in Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties. The position requires interaction with farmers, landowners, commodity boards, pest control advisors, federal and state agency managers and partners, and other client groups and managers from the public and/or private sector. The advisor is expected to work collaboratively with Cooperative Extension Specialists, AES researchers and Cooperative Extension Advisors through various workgroups. UCCE Stanislaus County has the resources to maximize the productivity of this advisor for statewide as well as local benefit, including an established team of both an integrated pest management advisor and an irrigation advisor, both working exclusively in orchard systems, that will serve as the foundation of local collaboration in research and extension. The Orchard Systems Advisor will bring valuable orchard/horticulture knowledge to the local team, allowing for a holistic approach to research and extension programs aimed at tackling multi-faceted issues.
Counties of Responsibility. This position will be headquartered in Stanislaus County and will serve Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties.
Reporting Relationship: The advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Stanislaus County Director with input from the San Joaquin County Director. 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 other counties with 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 respective directors and supervisors.
Qualifications and Skills Required
Required Qualifications
Education: A minimum of a master's degree related to pomology, horticulture, plant science, or a related field is required at the time of appointment.
Key Qualifications
Additional Skills Required
Desired Experience
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 Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties
At the center of California's San Joaquin Valley, Stanislaus County is comprised of just over 1500 square miles, and a population of over half a million residents, centered in the county seat of Modesto. It has a rich agricultural history, as does neighboring San Joaquin County, just to the north. San Joaquin County has an area of just under 1500 square miles and a population of over 800,000 residents, most concentrated in the county seat of Stockton. Despite their growing metro areas, agriculture continues to be a key sector in both counties, which are two of the top ten counties in the U.S. in terms of their farm production. Almonds are a cornerstone of the agricultural economy that sustains rural and urban livelihoods in the Northern San Joaquin Valley. Stanislaus County is currently third in almond production in the state, with over 200,000 acres. With support from UCCE, almond production has largely remained a local, family industry with a large population of part-time and small-acreage family farmers (less than 40 acres). Stanislaus County boasts California's largest multi-million-dollar tree fruit nursery industry.
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 ($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).
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 #24-26). 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
January 3, 2026 - (Open until filled)
Questions?
Contact Mikyla Perez; email: mikperez@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/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.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
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 - 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.
- 3-6 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
Modesto, CA
To apply, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/JPF00342
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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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