Forestry and Natural Resources Advisor (Applied Research and Extension) 22-48
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
County Locations: Shasta County, Siskiyou County, Trinity County
Closing Date: October 1, 202
Job Description: https://ucanr.edu/publicFiles/jobs/2604.pdf
Position Overview
The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers a unique recruitment opportunity for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Forestry and Natural Resources Advisor. UC ANR operates a statewide network of researchers and educators dedicated to the development and application of knowledge to address local agricultural, environmental and health issues. Over 150 UC ANR UCCE advisors conduct research, outreach and education from locally based CE offices serving all 58 counties from 70+ locations throughout the state. Our mission is to bring the University of California directly to Californians through research, extension and education programs that support:
• Sustainable, safe, and nutritious food production and delivery
• Economic success in a global economy
• A sustainable, healthy, and productive environment
• Science literacy and youth development
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 Shasta County, Redding, California
Purpose: The Forestry and Natural Resources Advisor will implement an extension education and applied problem-solving research program in sustainable forest management on both private and public lands for Shasta, Trinity, and Siskiyou Counties. The advisor will conduct a locally-based extension, education, and applied research program to address high priority issues with focus on conifer forest resource management and sustainable natural resources.
Important issues to be addressed include forest stewardship, forest production economics, water quality, wildland fire, invasive species, pest management and air quality issues. The advisor will work with landowners, government and non-government agencies to reduce risks of wildfire and manage post-wildfire revegetation; focus on making healthier communities by providing access to the research and education of the University to support the sustainability of natural environments; and work to improve the understanding of forest ecology and management of Californians to foster the sustainable use of forests.
The candidate will develop and implement applied research programs to provide science-based information addressing complex issues. The advisor will provide essential leadership to address critical issues facing forestry and natural resources in Shasta, Trinity and Siskiyou Counties. The focus of the applied research program will be based on a needs assessment and may include partnerships with a variety of campus and county-based colleagues. The advisor will develop and conduct applied research and demonstration projects that address issues such as the evaluation of alternatives to the role of fire by other management practices, the role of fire and ability of other treatments to duplicate the effects of fire, potential uses of forest biomass as it relates to the development of an economically and environmentally sustainable industry, relationships between sustainable forest management and opportunities to improve water quality and quantity, the effects of forest management on wildlife and plant populations, and management strategy and harvest scheduling benefits to ecological conditions and economics.
The academic is expected to implement a range of extension activities to address local needs. This information can be disseminated through workshops, seminars, field days, short courses, newsletters, and lay publications, in coordination with local public agencies. Applied research and creative activity are expected to be aligned with the position description and determined by clientele needs, and include collaboration on projects, securing grant funding from public agencies, private foundations, and commodity groups, and publications in relevant topical journals. The advisor further is expected to show professional competence such as presenting at local or regional meetings of professionals, service providers, or other industry partners, and University and public service.
Key clientele includes local Fire Safe Councils, the Northern California Prescribed Fire Council, the California Fire Science Consortium, Registered Professional Foresters, timber companies, private forest landowners and concerned citizens.
This is an exciting opportunity to have meaningful impacts in the communities in the target counties and throughout California. There are numerous opportunities for research and extension partnerships that link consumers and resource professionals with relevant science-based information and promote effective problem solving. The candidate will join a team of highly motivated UCCE colleagues who are passionate about their work and are dedicated to making a difference within the communities and working landscapes of California. The potential for collaborative projects within the UC ANR system is nearly limitless.
Counties of Responsibility: This position will be headquartered in the UCCE Shasta County office, Redding, California.
Reporting Relationship: The Cooperative Extension advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension Shasta and Trinity County Director with input from the County Director in Siskiyou County.
Qualifications and Skills Required
Required Qualifications
Education: A minimum of a Master's degree is in forestry ecology, resource management or other closely related fields with a sound understanding of applied forest management is required at time of appointment.
Additional Requirements:
• A California license as a Registered Professional Forester is required. (The Advisor would have a grace period of 5 years after hire to achieve this certification).
• 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.
• Extension experience and demonstrated excellence in the areas of applied research is desired.
• Coursework and experience in forestry, fire ecology, and natural resource management.
• Training and experience in interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary research and collaboration is preferred.
• Familiarity with California's natural resources will be beneficial
• Knowledge and demonstrated use of remote methods of conducting outreach and delivery are a benefit.
• This is not a remote position. The candidate must be available to work onsite.
Skills Required
To be successful, Advisors require skills in the following:
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 leads to positive changes and impact within the community and beyond.
Communication
Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal and information technology communication skills.
Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team member with others. Able to adapt as circumstances warrant. Promote diversity, equity and inclusion.
Lifelong Learning
Demonstrated commitment to ongoing self-improvement. Ability to shift program focus as priorities 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
Salary & Benefits
Salary: The salary range for this Cooperative Extension Advisor position is Assistant Rank, Step I ($74,500) to Step VI ($98,400). 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 #22-48).Closing Date:
To assure full consideration, complete application packets must be received by October 1, 2023 (open until filled).
Questions? Contact Tatiana Avoce, email: mailto: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/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.