Small Farms Advisor(AP# 23-17)

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers a unique recruitment opportunity for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Small Farms Advisor. The Small Farms Advisor will conduct an integrated program of extension and applied research to support economic viability and sustainable production for small-scale farms in Fresno and Madera Counties. This position will support a clientele of specialty crop producers on small-scale and diversified farms, including limited-resource and beginning farmers growing unique crops for direct and niche markets including farmers markets, specialty wholesale markets, aggregation hubs, and roadside stands. Crops include a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and herbs as well as tropical and subtropical crops grown on small acreages, such as Asian specialty vegetables and herbs, strawberries, caneberries, emerging crops such as moringa, and small-acreage fruits such as jujube and guava. These crops are often grown in diversified production systems, include both conventional and organic production, and are sold at culturally specific niche markets and/or contribute to food security for diverse urban and rural communities. While there is no defined limit for acreage, most farms covered by this position are 80 acres or less, with the majority under 50 acres, and target their produce towards alternative markets.

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, curricula, 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. 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: The position will be headquartered in Fresno County, 550 E. Shaw Avenue, Suite 210 B, Fresno, CA 93710.

Position Details

The Small Farms Advisor will address critical issues related to sustainable crop production, economics and marketing, and compliance with regulatory programs and requirements including food safety, labor, pesticide use, nitrogen fertilizer use, and groundwater management. Support for small-scale growers will include field consultations, problem solving, and technical assistance in addition to applied research. This position is part of the UC ANR Small Farms Network and includes ongoing collaboration with statewide efforts providing technical assistance for small farms with access to resources, regulatory compliance, on-farm production, marketing and business support, and climate smart agriculture. The Small Farms Advisor will also provide expertise in nutrient management, irrigation, and integrated pest management, including through collaborations developed with other UCCE advisors and specialists, UC faculty, and private industry representatives. An existing team of several staff providing education, technical assistance, and applied research support is available to support the goals of this position through current externally funded projects.

The advisor will develop and implement an applied research program to provide science-based solutions for small-scale, diversified, limited-resource, beginning, and underserved growers, address current and emerging issues in production, economics, and policy, and promote local and regional problem solving. The applied research program will be based upon a needs assessment and will initially include the ongoing projects for which funding and staff support are already secured. Research collaborations may include partnerships with a variety of campus and county-based colleagues as well as partner organizations. Field research activities may be conducted on private farms and at the nearby Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center (KARE). Applied research, extension, technical assistance, and policy communication include extensive collaboration with growers, community-based nonprofit organizations, and public agencies. Small-scale and underserved farmers in Fresno and Madera Counties often have limited resources, and their economic viability can be affected by regulatory requirements with a lack of fit between smaller or diversified farms and regulatory and incentive programs set up for larger farming operations. Research that addresses policy solutions to these challenges is encouraged.

Extension education activities include the dissemination of science-based research results and educational information using a variety of methods, including individual consultations, presentations at grower, agency, and industry meetings, workshops, short courses, tailgate meetings, and field demonstrations. Dissemination methods further include radio outreach, collaborations with external partners, publications and newsletters in UC ANR and peer-reviewed journals, public comments and policy papers, technical reports to public agencies, and use of contemporary and emerging electronic tools (such as online learning, web content systems and repositories, and social media), along with specialized and public media outlets. Bilingual outreach in Hmong, Spanish, and other relevant languages is a key component of this position, with language support provided by bilingual staff. The Small Farms Advisor will supervise the Hmong Agricultural Assistant in Fresno County and will supervise and/or provide programmatic guidance to county-based staff in the UC ANR Small Farms Network conducting outreach, education, technical assistance, and research activities.

UC ANR Small Farms Network. This is an exciting opportunity to join 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. There is excellent potential for collaborative projects within the UC ANR system. The Small Farms CE Advisor will be a key member of the UC ANR Small Farms Network (SFN), a statewide team of small farms advisors and extension staff under the UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (UC SAREP) statewide program and will work closely with the SFN to collaborate on joint efforts and accomplish statewide goals. The Advisor will collaborate with SFN statewide efforts including technical assistance for regulatory compliance, access to resources, integrated pest management, and other statewide programming for small farms and will work with SFN county-based staff and statewide coordinators to enhance resources available to small farms clientele.

Counties of Responsibility. This position will be headquartered in the UCCE Fresno County office located in Fresno, California and will support small farms clientele in Fresno and Madera Counties.

Reporting Relationship: The Small Farms Advisor reports to the UCCE Fresno-Madera Multi-County Partnership (MCP) County Director and the UC SAREP Associate Director for Small Farms.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications

Education: A minimum of a master's degree in plant science, crop science, agronomy, plant pathology, entomology, soil science, horticulture, weed science, plant physiology, agroecology, or a related discipline in the agricultural sciences, or in agricultural economics, is required at the time of appointment.

Key Qualifications

* Demonstrated ability in applied agricultural research and extension methods applicable to the clientele, crops, and production systems for the position.

* Experience in conducting applied research in agriculture, horticulture or natural resources.

* Experience in program and/or personnel management.

* Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate educational and outreach programing.

* Ability to conduct data analysis and publish applied research.

* 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 or obtain a valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle.

* The CE Advisor must possess or obtain within one year a Qualified Pesticide Applicator Certificate (QAC) or License (QAL) prior to applying or supervising the application of any pesticide.

* We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. at the time of hire.

* This is not a remote position.

Additional Skills Required

* Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series and demonstrate success in meeting required academic advancement criteria as per the UC Academic Personnel Manuals. They also need to document relevant research, extension, teaching experience, and appropriate scholarly achievements.

* Interest in and a desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension.

* Technical Competence and Impact: The candidate should have a strong understanding of key concepts related to specialty crop production systems, farm management practices, economics, and policy related to small farms and be able to design and implement a program that leads to positive changes and impact within the community and beyond.

* Communication: Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal and information technology communication skills. Demonstrated ability to share complex information tailored to different audiences across a range of demographic groups, technical backgrounds, and literacy levels.

* Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility: The candidate should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively as a team member with key external stakeholders and county-based staff, as well as with other colleagues within UC SAREP, the UC Small Farms Network, and UC ANR.

* Lifelong Learning: There is an expectation that advisors evolve and grow across their career and respond to changes in the industry, clientele, and organizational change.

* Ability to build partnerships and to work with multidisciplinary teams to address crop production challenges as well as social, economic, and environmental challenges for small-scale farms.

* Ability to effectively set goals, manage teams, and oversee activities across multiple projects.

* Ability to adapt research and extension efforts in response to key needs and challenges of grower clientele.

* Demonstrated ability to share complex information tailored to different audiences across a range of demographic groups, technical backgrounds, and literacy levels.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

"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

Desired Qualifications

* Demonstrated ability to effectively engage with partner organizations and develop strong collaborations to address challenges and issues relevant to small-scale and diversified farms.

* Ability to communicate well with local, regional, and statewide audiences including elected officials, agricultural organizations, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies.

* Experience working with grower cooperators, collaborators and agency personnel and/or experience working directly with growers relevant to conducting education, research, technical assistance, outreach, or other activities with small-scale farmers.

* Demonstrated ability to effectively plan applied research or evaluation projects, manage teams and set measurable goals and objectives.

* Experience in program and/or personnel management.

* Experience working with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes and ethnicities.

* Ability to evaluate crop production and management problems.

* Experience securing extramural funding.

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 Fresno and Madera Counties

Fresno and Madera Counties sit at the center of California's Central Valley, one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. Fresno County encompasses about 1.88 million acres of farmland and in 2023 posted a record $8.59 billion in gross agricultural value, making it the top-producing county in the nation. Grapes, almonds, and pistachios led production, with major contributions from processing tomatoes, cotton, and cherries. Within this landscape of major California commodities, small-scale farms produce both mainstream and niche crops for a diversity of direct-to-consumer and specialty wholesale markets. Specialty Asian vegetables, mainly from small-scale diversified farms, were cultivated on 1,270 acres in Fresno County in 2023 with a value of over $19 million. Madera County, covering roughly 2,100 square miles, reported an agricultural value of about $2.0 billion in the most recent census, with almonds, grapes, pistachios, and milk each contributing more than $200 million annually. Together, Fresno and Madera represent the backbone of California agriculture, producing a diverse mix of permanent crops, row crops, and livestock that supply local, regional, national, and international markets. Despite pressures from water availability, input costs, and shifting markets, both counties continue to set the pace for U.S. agriculture, blending large-scale operations with multi-generational family farms. Their landscapes highlight the intersection of agricultural production with natural resources, with tourism and rangeland operations in foothill communities and nearby recreational opportunities in the Sierra Nevada mountains including Yosemite and Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks

Learn more about

* UC ANR and UC ANR Mission Statement.

* UC ANR administers Statewide Programs and Institutes that focus research and extension on solving priority problems that engage ANR academics and UC faculty in integrated teams.

* UC ANR Strategic Initiatives help unify, communicate, and advocate for the work we do.

* UC ANR UC ANR uses seven Public Value statements to communicate how our work makes a difference to the public.

* UC ANR is committed to supporting inclusive excellence and is guided by UC ANR's Principles of Community. We strive to create an environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, feel valued and respected and have equal opportunities for growth and success.

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 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 #23-17)

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by January 6, 2026 (open until filled)

Questions?

Contact Mikyla Perez at 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 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.

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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.