Cooperative Extension Area Water and Soil Resources Advisor Serving Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, and Marin Counties (AP# 22-42)

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Area Water and Soil Resources Advisor serving Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, and Marin Counties. The advisor will serve as an expert on irrigation water management and soil, focusing on strategies to meet agricultural and managed ecosystem water requirements while stewarding soil quality. They will develop an applied research and extension education program that promotes innovative on-farm water use, ensures sustainable groundwater use, and promotes climate-smart water and soil management practices.

Cooperative Extension Advisors are responsible for applied research and extending knowledge. Research activities are needs-based, mission-oriented, and focused on addressing community challenges. Extension activities are the educational practices advisors use to share research results directly with clientele and communities. Increased knowledge and understanding of science-based research help 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, and farm 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, including newsletters, popular press articles, curricula, conference proceedings, and peer-reviewed publications. Successful research and extension programs result in new information that improves knowledge and understanding, and leads to the adoption of new skills, practices, and attitudes, and to changes in policies related to 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: UCCE Sonoma County, 133 Aviation Blvd., Suite 109, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 or UCCE Napa County, 1710 Soscol Avenue, Napa, CA 94559.

Position Details

The advisor will assist agricultural producers and resource managers throughout the four-county area as they navigate changing water availability, climate conditions, regulatory requirements, and agricultural production practices. They will help producers evaluate and adopt innovative approaches to water and soil management that support both near-term productivity and long-term agricultural viability. Given that wine grapes are an important commodity in the area, the incumbent can expect to work extensively with wine grape growers, while also addressing the water and soil management needs of the region's diverse agricultural sectors.

Applied research is an important part of the advisor's role. The incumbent will develop a research program to improve understanding and use of technology, such as monitoring plant water stress and soil moisture, optimizing irrigation scheduling, and mitigating the effects of damaging heatwaves. This may include research on cost-effective aerial remote sensing tools that capture plant, soil, and atmospheric data to enable growers to quantify the annual differences in water use due to increasingly variable weather conditions, increase water storage and holding capacity, and modify management practices for improved soil health.

Agriculture across the region is undergoing significant transition as producers respond to changing water availability, increasingly variable climate conditions, evolving regulatory requirements, changing market conditions, and the need to maintain agricultural viability amid rising production costs. These changes are creating new challenges for producers making decisions about crop selection, irrigation systems, soil management, water sourcing, and long-term farm and ranch viability. The advisor will provide science-based, applied research and technical assistance to help producers evaluate and adapt to these changing conditions, supporting informed decision-making and the continued viability and resilience of agriculture across the region.

The position will help growers modify water-use practices to comply with regulations associated with agricultural water use, such as the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program (ILRP) and the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).

The advisor will also develop an outreach program to encourage adoption of sustainable practices that improve irrigation management in irrigated agriculture, explore agricultural groundwater recharge opportunities, and increase soil water storage. The incumbent will work with growers and industry organizations in each county to disseminate information, while also working with campus faculty, UCCE Specialists, and UCCE advisors across disciplines including water resources, viticulture, plant sciences, and natural resources. There are numerous opportunities for extension and research partnerships with a variety of stakeholders, including Regional Water Quality Boards, Groundwater Sustainability Agencies required by SGMA, Resource Conservation Districts, the North Coast Soil Hub, local Farm Bureaus, tribal nations, and agencies and nonprofits focused on water and soil issues.

Counties of Responsibility: This position will be headquartered in the UCCE Sonoma County office in Santa Rosa, California, or the UCCE Napa County office in Napa, CA, and will have activity in Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, and Marin Counties.

Reporting Relationship: The CE Advisor directly reports to the University of California (UCCE) Area Director for UCCE Marin, Napa, and Sonoma Counties, with input from the Mendocino Area Director. This 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 conducting fieldwork in the geographic area covered by this position will be outlined by the respective directors upon hire.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications

Education

A minimum of a master's degree in hydrologic sciences, soil science, agronomy, water resources, agricultural engineering, or another related, relevant discipline is required at the time of appointment.

Key Qualifications

* Experience or coursework in irrigation systems, groundwater systems, experimental design, statistical analysis, soil science, water quality, agricultural engineering, geographic information systems, and remote sensing

* The ability to work with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes and ethnicities

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

* Technical Competence and Impact: The candidate should understand key concepts to optimize engagement and be able to design and implement a program that drives positive change within the community and beyond.

* Communication: Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal, and information technology communication skills. Demonstrated ability to share complex information in a manner tailored to the audience.

* Collaboration, Teamwork, and Flexibility: The candidate should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with key external stakeholders and county-based staff, as well as with colleagues within UC ANR.

* Lifelong Learning: There is an expectation that advisors evolve and grow throughout their careers and respond to changes in the industry, clientele, and the organization.

Desired Experience

* Experience in education and outreach

* Experience working in multidisciplinary teams

* Demonstrated ability to effectively plan projects, manage teams, and implement an applied research and outreach program, including setting measurable goals and objectives.

Additional Requirements:

* This is not a remote position.

* Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed; proof of liability and property damage insurance on the vehicle used is required. Must possess or obtain a valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University Vehicle.

* This position is open to individuals who are currently authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for new employment-based petitions; limited support may be available for eligible visa transfers when legally permissible. Internal UC ANR applicants with questions may contact Katie Kilbane at klkilbane@ucanr.edu.

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

* 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.

* Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

* UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students, and Third Parties

* APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

About UC ANR

UC ANR is a division of the University of California (UC) system that bridges the gap between local issues and the UC system's expertise 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 at county-based UCCE offices across 70+ locations, serving all 58 counties. 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 offers. Our vision is that UC ANR will be valued in every California community for the positive difference it makes in people's lives.

About Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, and Marin Counties

This four-county area is a diverse and scenic region along California's north coast. Home to approximately 1.2 million people, its largest cities include Santa Rosa, San Rafael, Napa, and Ukiah. The incumbent will be based in either Santa Rosa or Napa, which are both approximately a one-hour drive from San Francisco. The region is internationally recognized for its agricultural productivity and tourism economy. Agriculture is both economically and culturally significant throughout the region, with wine grapes serving as the dominant crop alongside apples, pears, olives, livestock, vegetables, mushrooms, artisan cheeses, and other specialty crops. The region also features extensive forests, rangelands, watersheds, and a productive Pacific coastline that support commercial fisheries, aquaculture, natural resource conservation, and outdoor recreation. Residents and visitors enjoy an exceptional network of public lands, including Muir Woods National Monument, Point Reyes National Seashore, Sonoma Coast State Park, Mendocino Headlands State Park, Mount Tamalpais State Park, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, and numerous regional and state parks that provide access to iconic coastal landscapes, redwood forests, and diverse ecosystems.

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 uses seven public value statements to communicate how our work makes a difference to the public.

* UC ANR academics are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR's commitment to civil rights

* 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 ($89,100) to Step VI ($113,000). 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 salary scale. 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 is subject to the terms noted in Section 315 of the UC ANR Policy and Procedure Manual. If the successful candidate is currently a UCCE Specialist with indefinite status, the candidate will be offered the position commensurate with applicable experience and professional qualifications with eligibility to retain such indefinite status.

Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits, including 2 days of paid vacation per month, 1 day of paid sick leave per month, and paid holidays. This position is eligible for sabbatical leave privileges per the terms of University policy. ANR is part of UC's Family-Friendly Policies. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website.

How to Apply

If interested in this position, please visit UC Recruit and choose "applicants" (refer to position #22-42). 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 November 8, 2026 - (open until filled).

Questions?

Contact Katie Kilbane at klkilbane@ucanr.edu

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.