Job description

Plant Pathology Area Advisor
Applied Research and Extension

Serving Imperial, Riverside and San Diego Counties,
California

Position Overview
The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers a unique recruitment opportunity for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Plant Pathology Area Advisor. UC ANR administers a statewide network of researchers and educators dedicated to the development and application of science-based solutions to address local agricultural, environmental and health issues. Over 150 UCCE advisors conduct research, outreach and education from locally based Cooperative Extension 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 Imperial County, Holtville, CA.

Purpose: The Plant Pathology Area Advisor will work in areas of local plant disease concerns of commercial vegetable crops, field crops, seed crops, horticultural and tree crops in Imperial, Riverside, and San Diego Counties.
The area advisor will address critical and high priority issues including invasive species, pest management, and biosecurity. This advisor will have disciplinary perspective and geographical location to make major contributions to local plant disease management and provide critical linkages with the National Plant Diagnostic Network to contribute to efforts regarding invasive species and biosecurity. The advisor will contribute to early detection of intentionally or accidentally introduced infectious pathogens/agents and will serve as a valuable resource in the development of management strategies to mitigate economic and sociological impacts of Host
introduced agent(s).

The candidate will implement an innovative applied research and extension education program in the area of crop production and plant disease concerns of farm owners, managers, pest control advisors and other agricultural industry personnel through personal contacts, office visits, and field visits. The advisor will prepare written information in the form of county newsletters, news releases, media articles, and journal articles. In addition, the advisor will hold field meetings, give educational presentations, co-coordinate and/or participate in workshops, field days, and other events.

For the development of an applied research program, the Plant Pathology Area Advisor will conduct programmatic/research needs assessments in cooperation with producers, industry groups and University of
California personnel, and devise experiments to rate the performance of new and existing disease control

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Plant Pathology Area Advisor materials and techniques. One area of a crop pathology advisor expertise may include fungicide resistance, which has become a problem in Imperial, Riverside, and San Diego Counties and surrounding low desert agricultural production. Another area may address mounting restrictions and loss of availability of long-used fungicides, and new safer replacements need to be identified and evaluated for efficacy and crop safety in the low desert. Several whitefly, thrips, leafhopper and aphid transmitted virus diseases are appearing with increased frequency in vegetable crops seed crops and spice crops. They will require proactive attention and potential development of management practices for continued viability of the $2 billion vegetable production industry in the three counties. In cooperation with professional growers and academic colleagues, the advisor may develop new cultivation practices that improve agricultural production, while reducing pesticide use, minimize pest infestations, and maintain crop tolerance to pathogens.

There are many opportunities for extension and research partnerships with a variety of stakeholders and partners. The Advisor will develop research and education programs addressing needs of industry commodity groups in cooperation with local and statewide
CE advisors and specialists, as well as workgroups, and program teams. 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.

External to UC ANR, the Advisor may network with AES faculty, state and federal agencies (such as the USDA ARS scientists, INIFAP scientists and UABC scientists, California Department of Food and
Agriculture), community colleges, University of AZ Cooperative
Extension Agents and /Yuma Agricultural Center scientists, and county government agencies.

Melon Vine decline due to crop disease.

Counties of Responsibility. This position will be headquartered at UCCE Imperial County Office located in Holtville, CA and also serves Riverside and San Diego Counties.

Reporting Relationship: The Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of
California Cooperative Extension Imperial County Director with input on program direction, coordination, and evaluation from UCCE Riverside County Director.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications

Education: A minimum of a master's degree in plant pathology or closely related fields, such as microbiology, agricultural science, plant biology, botany, horticulture is required at time of appointment.

Additional Requirements

• The ability to identify plant diseases, ability to organize and perform work in field and laboratory, and ability to analyze plant disease control problems and determining appropriate course of action.
• Coursework or experience in diagnosis of plant disease, plant nematology and microbiology, and course work and experience in environment programs.
• Extension experience and/or demonstrated excellence in applied research in plant disease.
• Training and experience in interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary research and collaboration.

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Plant Pathology Area Advisor

• Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability and property damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Must possess 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.

Skills Required

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

Technical Competence and Impact

The candidate should have a deep understanding of plant pathology and 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 colleagues, 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

Desired Experience

• 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.

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Plant Pathology Area Advisor

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 & Benefits
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

How to Apply
If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose “applicants” (refer to position #22-33)

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Plant Pathology Area Advisor

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by May 22, 2023
– (open until filled)

Questions?
Contact Mikyla Perez; email mikperez@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 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.

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Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $71,200.00 - $94,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Holtville, CA 92250: Reliably commute or willing to relocate with an employer-provided relocation package (Required)

Work Location: In person

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