Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers a unique recruitment opportunity for a Pesticide Safety Education Program Coordinator (Academic Coordinator II).  UC ANR operates a statewide network of researchers, educators and support staff dedicated to the development and application of knowledge to address local agricultural, environmental and (community)health issues. Research, outreach and education from locally based CE offices serves 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: UC ANR, Davis CA

Purpose: The Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) Coordinator is responsible for coordinating, developing, and delivering educational programs in pesticide safety for users of pesticides in California. This position provides objective information about pesticide safety and promotes sound decision making to reduce pesticide risks to human health and the environment in the context of integrated pest management.

This position serves as the Pesticide Safety Education Coordinator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/U.S. Department of Agriculture (EPA/USDA) pesticide safety program, interacting with federal, state, and county personnel to ensure safe, legal, and effective pesticide use. The Coordinator assists California pesticide users, especially licensed professional applicators of restricted use and general use pesticide products and private applicators (growers), with their educational needs related to pesticide pre-license and re- certification. In addition, the Coordinator supports train-the-trainer needs of individuals who must train field workers and pesticide handlers, and supports UC IPM Urban and Community outreach to urban audiences’ consumers.

This is an exciting opportunity to have meaningful impacts in the communities throughout California.

The Academic Coordinator joins a team of highly motivated UC ANR colleagues who are passionate about their work and are dedicated to making a difference within their communities and throughout California. The potential for collaborative projects within the UC ANR system is nearly limitless.

Reporting Relationship: The Academic Coordinator II serves under the administrative and programmatic guidance of the Director, UC Statewide IPM Program.

About UC ANR and UC IPM

 The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) consists of a network of scientists and educators working in partnership across the California. We are committed to developing and supporting 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 IPM http://ipm.ucanr.edu/
• UC IPM Strategic Plan https://www2ipm.ucanr.edu/strategicplan/
• 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, academics 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, academics 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 Academic Coordinator II (AC II) series is Step 1 $74,896 to Step 15 $145,892.

Step placement in the ACII series is based on applicable experience and professional qualifications.  For information regarding the Academic Coordinator II salary scale, please refer to the University of California website: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2022-23/july-2022-salary-scales/t36-ii.pdf

This position is not eligible for indefinite status. The academic coordinator position is a two-year renewable term appointment. Performance in this position is evaluated annually with merit actions being evaluated every two years. Upon completion of a successful review, you may be reappointed for another definite term. Our intention with this definite term appointment is to reappoint based on positive performance reviews, the continuing need for the position, and funding availability.

This salary and benefits for this position are funded by UC ANR at 100% in year 1, 75% in year 2, and 50% thereafter. The Academic Coordinator, with support from the UC IPM Director, will be expected to obtain external funding to maintain the 100% appointment. Note that in the past, the necessary funding for this position was readily obtained from grants from state and federal agencies and program income.

Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits including two days per month paid vacation, one day per month paid sick leave, and approximately thirteen paid holidays per year. ANR is part of UC’s Family-Friendly Policies. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/

How to Apply

If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose “applicants” (refer to position #21-61)

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by March 6, 2023.

Questions?

Contact Tatiana Avoce; email: tavoce@ucanr.edu

Applicants may wish to explore the UC Davis Services for International Students and Scholars web page at https://siss.ucdavis.edu/ as a resource.

University of California Cooperative Extension

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy.  All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline.   New University of California employees should refer to Appendix F, Section II.C. of the policy for applicable deadlines.  (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. 

Qualifications and Skills 

Required Qualifications

Education: A minimum of a Master's degree in an appropriate field related to pest management is required at the time of appointment, plus a strong background in a pesticide safety and education.

Additional Requirements

• In-depth knowledge of state and federal pesticide regulations, pesticides, and pesticide application methods.
• Ability to communicate and extend technical information to audiences with widely varying levels of literacy and language limitations, using audience-appropriate
• Ability to work with people with disparate views and values, to motivate people, and adapt to changing
• Literacy in online communications and with software to support extension education
• Ability to secure extramural funds to support the
• Ability to travel within state and out-of-state and at times outside of normal business
• Position is headquartered in Davis, Hybrid, but not full telecommuting, agreements are possible.
• A California Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) must be obtained within six months of hire.

Desired Experience

• Possess a Pesticide Applicator or Pest Control Adviser license
• Oral and written Spanish language proficiency
• Knowledge of California pesticide regulations
• Previous Extension experience in clientele engagement and outreach activities
• Passion and desire to pursue a career in Cooperative Extension
• Experience in building partnerships and with multidisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan, manage teams and implement an outreach program, including setting measurable goals and objectives

Skills Required

To be successful, Academic Coordinators require skills in the following:

Technical Competence and Impact

 The candidate should have and be able to demonstrate a deep understanding of pesticide safety and regulations in order to design and implement a program that leads to positive changes and impact within the state. There is an expectation that academic coordinators 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 and other audiences 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 industry and other stakeholders. Able to adapt as circumstances warranted.

Possess awareness of and willingness to actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Lifelong Learning

Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional self-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

Leadership and Administrative Elements

The Academic Coordinator leads the pesticide safety education program and manages the program’s staff. This position is a member of the UC Statewide IPM Program leadership team. As a leader, you will be expected to excel in the areas of:

Leadership & Vision (includes Inspiring Innovation, Leading Change, and Professionalism)

Administrative Policy (Accountability and Governance)

Budget and Funding (Resource Management and Financial Budget)

Human Resources (includes Diversity, Health and Safety, and Principles of Community)

Advocacy and Communication (includes Client Service; Collaboration and Communication)

About University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) consists of a network of scientists and educators working in partnership across the California. We are committed to developing and supporting 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.

Connections working at University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources