Location Headquarters:  UCCE Stanislaus County, Modesto, CA

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers a unique recruitment opportunity for an Assistant-Associate Specialist for Integrated Pest Management.  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 Cooperative Extension offices serve 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
• 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.

Purpose:

The Assistant-Associate Specialist for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) will assist in multiple applied insect pest management research efforts in San Joaquin Valley. The position will be headquartered at UCCE Stanislaus County, Modesto and be responsible for conducting IPM research and extension activities in three northern San Joaquin Valley counties. The candidate will also be involved in national and statewide projects for collaborative project activities.

The position will provide independent input to the research - designing and conducting applied entomology/pest management research in tree fruit and tree nut crops. The specific activities include creating protocols and involving insect and plant samplings, conducting the lab, semi-field, and field studies, designing studies to understand the biology and phenology of insect pests following specific study protocols. The Specialist will work primarily on projects focusing on major pests of tree fruit and nut crop systems. The targeted insect pests include Pacific flatheaded borer – a reemergent pest of walnuts, stink bug complex in almonds and peaches including the invasive brown marmorated stick bug (BMSB), and spotted wing drosophila (SWD) in cherries, and other important pests. The overall goals of these projects are to understand the biology and behavior of the pests, and perform IPM-friendly approaches such as exploring biological control options, attract-and-kill, border sprays, and/or testing other conventional and organic insecticides. The Specialist will utilize expertise in research data collection, summarization, and statistical analysis. In addition, the Specialist will be actively involved in assisting the supervisor/PI in organizing extension and field meetings, conference calls, and other professional activities. The position will perform a leading role in pest management research activities of the IPM lab and lead technicians and seasonal student assistants.

Reporting Relationship: The Specialist is administratively responsible to the Area Cooperative Extension IPM Advisor at UCCE Stanislaus.  

Qualifications and Skills Required 

Required Qualifications

Education: A master's degree or other advanced degrees in disciplines such as Entomology, Pest Management, Horticultural Science or a closely related field is required by the appointment start date.

Additional Requirements

• The evidence of publishing scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals;
• Interest in impactful research-cum -extension projects and experience in field 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 valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle;
• This is not a remote position. The candidate must be available to work onsite.
• Must obtain a Qualified Pesticide Applicator Certificate (QAC) or License prior to applying or supervising the application of any pesticide.

Desired Qualifications:

• Additional background or experiences in insect rearing and lab- and field-based pest management research in tree or other cropping systems.
• Some level of experience in working with invasive and other important insect pests of recent concerns in tree systems.
• Experience in handling organic and conventional pesticides for research use is desirable
• Experience in project report writing in desirable.
• Public speaking, and extension experiences are preferred, but not required.
• The ability to build partnerships and to work with multidisciplinary teams is desirable.

Skills Required:   To be successful, Assistant-Associate Specialists’ require skills in the following:

Technical Competence and Impact

• Specialists are expected to use their professional expertise to make scientific and scholarly contributions to the research enterprise of the University and to achieve recognition in the professional and scientific community. This will include presenting research results at professional meetings and publishing manuscripts of research results in peer-reviewed journals.

Communication

• Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal and public speaking communication skills.
• Skills to communicate and extend technical information to diverse audiences are required.
• Participation in professional societies and conferences and the ability to give presentations at seminars and continuing education functions.

Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team member with others.
• Able to adapt as circumstances warranted. Promote diversity, equity and inclusion.

Lifelong Learning

Demonstrated commitment to ongoing self-improvement - both professionally and as a person.

About UC ANR

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
• UCCE Stanislaus at http://cestanislaus.ucanr.edu
• Our Strategic Initiatives http://ucanr.edu/sites/StrategicInitiatives/
• Our Public Value statements at  https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/2016-2020_Strategic_Plan/Goal_5__Prioritize_programs_and_services/Public_values_statement/
• DEI: Further to the above, Specialists 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, all UC ANR 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 will be in the Assistant Specialist Rank, from Step 1- $56,600 to Step 3 -$63,000 annually, or up to the Associate Specialist Rank, Step 1 -$67,400.  Rank/step placement in this series is based on experience.   For information regarding the Specialist series salary scales, please refer to https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2022-23/july-2022-salary-scales/t24-b.pdf.  This is a represented position.

The Assistant-Associate Specialist position is a non-career track position.  The position is a one-year term appointment with a merit cycle every two years.  The performance in the position will be evaluated annually.  The position can be extended based on the continued need for the position, performance and availability of funding.

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 holidays. 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 #23-08)

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by June 26, 2023 (open until filled)

Questions?

Contact Alma Jackson; email: ajackson@ucanr.edu

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) for the duration of the appointment period.

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. 

About UC 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 UC Agriculture and Natural Resources