Cooperative Extension Area Citrus Advisor - Serving Tulare, Fresno, and Madera Counties (AP 25-26)

Cooperative Extension Area Citrus Advisor - Serving Tulare, Fresno, and Madera Counties (AP 25-26)

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

Application Window

Open date : October 13, 2025

Next review date : Sunday, Nov 23, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date : Sunday, Feb 1, 2026 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Area Advisor at the Assistant rank. The Advisor will develop an innovative multi-county applied research and extension education program supporting the large citrus industry in Tulare, Fresno, and Madera Counties.

The Advisor will develop problem-solving and educational programs for high-priority production issues related to climate and drought resilience in citrus, including warmer temperatures, decreased water availability, and decreased water quality. Research and extension solutions may include rootstock and cultivar selection, irrigation and soil management, and emerging innovative farming practices. Additionally, the incumbent will work on horticultural solutions to production challenges, integrating research and expertise from colleagues in agricultural engineering, irrigation, plant pathology, and entomology to address concerns such as limited and increasingly expensive inputs (labor, water, nutrients, etc.), the threat of huanglongbing disease (HLB), and other emerging pests and diseases. One of the most pressing concerns for citrus growers in the region is the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), which is reshaping how water is allocated and used. The advisor will help growers navigate the evolving water landscape while protecting crop productivity and quality.

UCCE Advisors are responsible for applied research and extension of knowledge. Research activities are applied, needs-based, and mission-oriented, focusing on addressing the challenges in our communities. Extension activities are the educational practices that Advisors use to share research results directly with clientele and communities to increase their knowledge and understanding of science-based research that supports and promotes the adoption of practices and technologies to solve problems. Extension methods may include individual consultations, presentations, organizing educational workshops and short courses, field demonstrations, farm visits, 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, such as newsletters, articles for the popular press, curricula, conference proceedings, and peer-reviewed publications. Successful research and extension programs result in new information that improves knowledge or understanding and adoption of new skills, practices, changed attitudes, policies, and improved 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 the Tulare County Cooperative Extension Office, located at 4437 S. Laspina Street, Tulare, California, 93274.

Position Details

Sustaining citrus production in Tulare, Fresno, and Madera Counties is critical to the area's citrus growers, many of whom are small-scale family farmers. The three-county region represents approximately 58% of California's citrus acreage, adding billions to the area's economy, including thousands of jobs. Citrus is a high-value crop with potential to sustain rural agricultural economies in the decades to come. However, citrus crops face challenges that require local, on-the-ground, research-based solutions. The Advisor will conduct applied research on topics relevant to the citrus industry, based on a clientele needs assessment and the Advisor's expertise. Examples of potential research topics include :

Cultivar and rootstock development

High-density training systems and mechanical harvesting

Improved management of water resources in the face of increased drought and implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act

Strategies to improve the HLB resilience of citrus trees through plant nutrition, irrigation management, the use of plant growth regulators, and resistant cultivars and rootstocks

Climate-smart practices, including innovations in irrigation technology and improving soil-water-plant interactions

Research objectives should emphasize the development of orchard systems that conserve resources in compliance with state air and water regulations. Research results and knowledge are expected to be published in various UC ANR series, technical sheets, commodity board reports, and peer-reviewed journals.

The Advisor will conduct outreach to provide science-based information through workshops, field meetings, webinars, newsletters, industry and media outlets, phone calls, and online and social media tools, as appropriate for the target audiences. Extension efforts will need to cover basic information for small acreage and new growers, as well as cutting-edge information for more experienced growers.

In this highly collaborative role, the Advisor will work with UC ANR Program Teams, UCCE Specialists, and others in the UC ANR network, as well as external partners such as growers, industry organizations such as California Citrus Mutual, and local farm bureaus.

Counties of Responsibility. This position has programmatic responsibilities for citrus production in Tulare, Fresno, and Madera Counties.

Reporting Relationship : In this appointment, the incumbent will report directly to the UC Cooperative Extension Area Director for Kern, Kings, and Tulare Counties, with input from the Director of the Fresno / Madera Cooperative Extension unit. It is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite at the headquarters location in Tulare, CA, and travel to and be present in all counties served. Specific expectations for maintaining office hours and fieldwork in the geographic area covered by this position will be outlined upon hire by the supervisor(s).

Qualifications and Skills Required

Education : A minimum of a master's degree in horticulture, pomology, crop physiology, agroecology, plant nutrition, or a related field is required at the time of appointment.

Key Qualifications

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 UCANR

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 or obtain a valid California Driver's License to drive a county or university vehicle.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. at the time of hire.

Additional Skills Required

Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series and provide evidence of success in meeting required academic advancement criteria as per UC Academic Personnel Manuals. Applications also need to document relevant research, extension, teaching experience, and appropriate scholarly achievements.

Interest in and 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 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 : The candidate should demonstrate the ability to collaborate as a team member with key external stakeholders, county-based staff, and other colleagues within UC ANR.

Lifelong Learning : There is an expectation that Advisors evolve and grow across their careers and respond to changes in the industry, clientele, and organizational structure.

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.

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

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

APM - 035 : Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Desired Experience . click apply for full job details