Agricultural Outreach Specialist (CES 3) Job Listing at University of California in Davis, CA (Job ID 67650)

Description

Job Description

The Agricultural Outreach Specialist position is integral to the success of the Local Farm and Food Innovation (F3Local.org) Initiative, serving as a catalyst for positive change within the agricultural landscape of the Central Valley Region. This role encompasses a diverse array of responsibilities aimed at supporting small to midsize farmers throughout the Central Valley region. The Specialist will provide hands-on technical assistance directly to farmers, particularly those operating small-scale operations. This involves identifying challenges within the agricultural supply chain, especially as it relates to the in-field/production and helping guide the development of tailored solutions to promote sustainability, profitability, and resilience in the face of climate change. The Specialist will support capacity building through training sessions and workshops, where farmers and growers can acquire new skills and knowledge to enhance their productivity and competitiveness in the market. The Agricultural Production Specialist will coordinate these educational events and initiatives to share valuable insights into the latest technologies and sustainable farming practices. The Agricultural Production Specialist will prioritize the development, design, and evaluation of educational materials, with a particular focus on training opportunities and demonstrations related to production technologies and create and deliver presentations, employing effective methods to enhance outreach and participation. 

The Specialist will spearhead program evaluation, needs assessments, and strategic planning efforts, all aimed at scaling up farm and food production training initiatives across the region and will assist their direct supervisor with research activities, data management, program evaluation, and report compilation to demonstrate program reach and impacts across the state. By collaborating closely with the Research-Industry Liaison Coordinator, the Specialist will play a pivotal role in cultivating a strong network of farmers and growers, agricultural organizations and governmental entities, fostering collaboration, inclusion and knowledge exchange. The Agricultural Outreach Specialist role offers a unique opportunity to effect tangible change within the agricultural sector, driving innovation, fostering sustainability, and empowering local farmers to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

This position is a contract appointment that is 100% fixed.

Pay Scale: $47,500.00/year to $63,900.00/year

Job Posting Close Date: 
This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 6/20/2024.

Key Responsibilities:

20%

Technical Assistance and Solutions Development: 

Work directly with farmers, providing practical support and guidance. This involves visiting farms, assessing the current practices, and identifying needs and challenges. The focus will be on small-scale operators who might lack access to the latest agricultural research or techniques. Connect farmers and growers to F3Local resources and services, and collaborate with agricultural experts, research institutions, and other stakeholders to provide the most current and useful information.

20%

Training and Event Coordination: 

Plan and coordinate educational events, such as field days, farm tours, and workshops, to showcase innovative farming practices and technologies. Develop and design educational materials, deliver and plan presentations at workshops. Develop marketing materials, including flyers, posters, and social media content, to promote upcoming events and attract participants. Evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs through surveys, feedback forms, and participant interviews.

25%

Outreach and Capacity Building:

Engage in outreach efforts to connect with underserved communities and minority-owned farms, ensuring equitable access to resources and support. Assists in developing strategic outreach plans to ensure all ethnic groups are included and have access to the support and services. Develop a curriculum and content for training sessions and workshops covering various aspects of agricultural production with a focus on innovation and sustainable farming methods. Deliver presentations at community meetings, conferences, and industry events to raise awareness about F3local and gather information about needs and challenges in the Central Valley farming industry.

15%

Collaboration and Networking:

Attend meetings and conferences with agricultural stakeholders to build relationships and foster collaboration. Seek out opportunities for partnership and collaboration with local businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and academic institutions to leverage resources and expertise. 

15%

Assist the direct supervisor with program activities and data management. Gather input from small-scale farmers and growers, manage database and Excel records, assist with tracking of activities, contacts, and expenses, organize information for program evaluation, and prepare reports, summaries, and case studies.

5%

Other duties as assigned to support the overall success and impact of the F3 Local initiative.

Requirements:

• Minimum of an Associate's degree and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Hands-on experience in agricultural practices, farm management, or in providing technical assistance to farmers.
• Demonstrated skills to communicate and work in large groups, small groups and one-on-one, give presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders, including farmers, agricultural organizations, and government entities.
• A dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the agricultural sector.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in use of Windows-based computers and Microsoft Office applications.
• Thorough knowledge of current community educational programs and trends.
• Thorough skills to conduct needs assessment and development of new presentations / courses to meet organizational needs.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in developing and implementing educational materials and training programs tailored to adult learners, particularly in the context of agricultural education.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Excellent time management skills and the ability to manage multiple project tasks.
• Knowledge of the Central Valley's agricultural landscape.
• Fluency in languages other than English spoken by the farming community in the Central Valley, such as Spanish, Punjabi or Hmong.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required.
• Travel including travel outside normal business hours may be requested. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
• Overtime and occasional weekend work as needed, usually on short notice to meet operational needs may be requested.
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
• 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. 

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) brings the power of University of California research and education to all 58 California counties. Through research and extension in agriculture, natural resources, economic growth, nutrition, and youth development, we work to improve the life of every Californian.

Collaborating to solve problems.

Connecting to serve communities.

For over 100 years, our advisors, specialists, faculty and staff have been committed to connecting Californians to their land grant university. We are highly collaborative and mission-driven to promote the health and well-being of people and places across the state. We are also trusted partners with hundreds of community organizations in addressing California's most pressing challenges.

UC ANR 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.

This position will promote, in all ways consistent with the other responsibilities of the position, accomplishment of the Affirmative Action goals established by the Division.  

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, gender expression, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. If you have questions, please email the Human Resources Department.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time.  Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

Internal Candidates: Review the job posting and click the internal applicant link to apply. Use the same credentials used to login to UCPath to access the internal UC ANR job postings in order to apply.

Employment applications must be submitted online through our careers site.  Please note, we do not accept resumes or applications by email or on paper.

External Candidates:  You must register to apply for a job or create a job search agent profile. Review the job posting and click the external applicant link to apply. Click the 'Register Here' link and follow the steps to create the account. The system will not prompt you to register until you try to apply for a job online.

Employment applications must be submitted online through our careers site.  Please note, we do not accept resumes or applications by email or on paper.