UC Cooperative Extension Vertebrate Pest Management Area Advisor: Tree, Field, and Vegetable Crops Serving California's San Joaquin Valley (26-15)

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Area Integrated Pest Management Advisor: Vertebrate Pest Management of Tree, Field, and Vegetable Crops, serving California's San Joaquin Valley at the Assistant rank. The advisor will develop an innovative, multi-county applied research and extension education program that supports integrated management of rodent and other vertebrate pests in the eight-county area, including agricultural crops and post-harvest structures. The advisor will directly serve clientele in Fresno, Kern, Kings, and Tulare Counties, and collaborate with advisors in additional San Joaquin Valley Counties.

The Area Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Advisor will focus on research and education to effectively manage vertebrate pests in agricultural areas, with a special emphasis on rodents, including rats, mice, voles, squirrels, and gophers, that cause damage in production and post-production agriculture. For example, rats cause significant damage to almonds, with estimated crop, equipment, and post-harvest losses totaling $109-$311 million annually. The Area IPM Advisor will develop IPM strategies to manage these pests, working closely with growers, Pest Control Advisors, California Department of Food and Agriculture, USDA Wildlife Services, Farm Bureau, and commodity groups. The advisor will directly serve clientele in four core counties (Fresno, Kern, Kings, and Tulare) and provide extension and outreach in additional San Joaquin Valley counties through invited extension talks and other collaborations with advisors in those counties.

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 and 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: The position will be headquartered at West Side Research and Extension Center, 17353 W. Oakland Ave, Five Points, CA 93624.

Position Details

California's Central Valley is the state's agricultural hub, home to vast orchards of almonds, pistachios, and walnuts; vineyards for table and wine grapes; tomatoes and leafy greens; rice, citrus, melons, dairies, and more. This concentration of high-value crops, food-handling facilities, and on-farm infrastructure (barns, feed and equipment yards, packinghouses, storage, and processing sites) creates abundant food and habitat for commensal rodents. Roof rats (Rattus rattus) have expanded into rural and peri-urban areas and are increasingly reported in orchards and farmsteads. Norway rats (R. norvegicus) persist in towns and facilities with aging infrastructure, and mice, including house mice (Mus musculus) and native Peromyscus deer mice (hantavirus vectors), remain common in orchards and around structures. Although rats cause substantial problems, ground squirrels, gophers, and voles also pose long-term issues. At the same time, tools long relied upon for control face increasing constraints. Rodenticide use is governed by U.S. EPA registration and labeling and further restricted by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) through state-specific mitigation measures, classification as restricted materials, and county permitting. Recent California actions limiting certain uses of certain anticoagulants, along with label-mandated protections for people, pets, and wildlife, underscore the need for rigorous, evidence-based best practices.

This advisor's research will focus on developing and evaluating IPM programs to address high-priority vertebrate pests in agricultural crops, with emphasis on rats, mice, squirrels, gophers, and other vertebrate pests. Topics appropriate for research include:

* Best practices for using existing chemical tactics

* Alternatives to chemical tactics, such as fertility control and the use of predators to control rodents

* Research on the economic damage caused by vertebrate pests

* Tools for organic growers to manage vertebrate pests

Success will be measured by increased use of IPM practices that improve the management of agricultural vertebrate pests, address pests of public health significance in post-harvest environments, reduce unnecessary or unsafe pesticide use, and reduce pesticide exposure to natural ecosystems. Research results and knowledge are expected to be published in various UC ANR series and technical sheets, such as UC IPM's Pest Management Guidelines, trade journals, and peer-reviewed journals such as One Health, Pest Management Science, and Journal of Integrated Pest Management.

The advisor will conduct extension activities, including coordinating with local public agencies, pest management professional groups, the UC IPM Program, and campus-based faculty and Cooperative Extension Specialists to develop, implement, and participate in train-the-trainer programs and hands-on workshops for agricultural pest management. The advisor will coordinate or participate in projects that demonstrate IPM practices to local audiences.

Counties of Responsibility: The advisor will directly serve clientele in Fresno, Kern, Kings, and Tulare Counties, and provide extension and outreach in all eight San Joaquin Valley counties, in collaboration with local advisors. Additional counties in the San Joaquin Valley include Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus counties.

Reporting Relationship: In this appointment, you will report directly to the UC IPM Program Director and to the West Side Research and Extension Center Director, with input from the UCCE directors in the other counties served. It is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work on-site at the headquarters in Five Points, CA, and to travel to and be present in San Joaquin Valley counties. Specific expectations for maintaining office hours and conducting fieldwork in the geographic area covered by this position will be outlined by the respective supervisors upon hire.

Required Qualifications

Education

A minimum of a master's degree in vertebrate management, pest management, applied vertebrate ecology, or a closely related field is required at the time of appointment.

Key Qualifications

* The ability to address sensitive human-wildlife conflict situations both orally and in writing, as well as public policy conflict resolution and the human dimensions of wildlife management

* Experience in vertebrate pest management involving rodent or other animals that cause human-wildlife conflicts

* Experience in conducting applied, impact-oriented research on topics relevant to this position.

* Capacity or potential to accomplish team-based research and education programs consistent with the values of UC ANR

* The UCCE Advisor must possess or obtain a Qualified Pesticide Applicator Certificate (QAC) or License (QAL) with discipline-appropriate categories prior to applying or supervising the application of any pesticide.

* 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 development and be able to design and implement a program that drives positive change and impact within the community and beyond.

* Communication: Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal, and information technology communication skills.

* 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

* Knowledge of animal behavior, vertebrate pest management in agricultural settings, and toxicology

* Experience in building partnerships and multidisciplinary teams

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

* Experience seeking and securing extramural funding

* Skills to communicate effectively in a second language are desirable

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 must 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 outlined in 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.

o UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

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

o APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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, economic development, 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 the San Joaquin Valley

This eight-county region spans the heart of California's agricultural corridor and is home to millions of residents. Its largest cities include Fresno, Bakersfield, Stockton, Modesto, and Visalia. The Central Valley supports a globally significant specialty-crop economy of almonds, pistachios, grapes, citrus, tomatoes, dairy, rice, and more, which is anchored by extensive food processing, storage, and distribution along the I-5 and SR-99 corridors.

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 UCANR's Civil Rights Compliance Policy.

* 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 UC 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 #26-15). 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 5, 2026 - (open until filled).

Questions?

Contact Tatiana Avoce at tavoce@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.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Please submit a page of 3-5 references with contact information (include phone # and email address)

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.