Food Business Specialist (CES 3) Fresno, CA, Job ID 79630

Food Business Specialist (CES 3) Fresno, CA, Job ID 79630

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

Job Description

The Food Business Specialist (Community Education Specialist 3) will support outreach, education, and technical assistance efforts as part of the Local Farm and Food Innovation (F3Local) Initiative's Farm-to-Market program. Serving Merced, Fresno, Madera, Kings, and Tulare Counties, the specialist will support small-scale farmers, food entrepreneurs, and innovators by developing, delivering and coordinating workshops and training programs, as well as conducting outreach in the five-country service area. This includes developing a comprehensive curriculum and educational materials focused on business development topics such as entrepreneurial skills, licensing, permitting, certification, and access to capital. The role will involve both group instruction through workshops and direct one-on-one technical assistance tailored to each entrepreneur's needs.

With a strong emphasis on community engagement, the Food Business Specialist will build trusted relationships with local business owners and collaborate with regional partners to expand support services and resource access. The position requires strong facilitation skills, curriculum design experience, and knowledge of food systems or small business development.

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

Pay Scale : $49,200.00 / year to $66,200.00 / year.

Job Posting Close Date :

This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 11 / 10 / 2025.

Key Responsibilities :

50%

Education and Training Development : Develop, design, and evaluate educational materials tailored to the needs of the target audience. Plan and deliver presentations on relevant topics to enhance the knowledge and skills of food entrepreneurs in the region. Provide personalized technical assistance to small-scale food and farming entrepreneurs and businesses including training and logistical support with licensing and permitting requirements, access to capital and existing resources, business planning, and connections to marketing support from project partners.

40%

Outreach and Community Engagement : Assist in developing and delivering effective methods to increase outreach and technical assistance to small-scale farms, food businesses and food processing enterprises for F3Local Farm to Market programs. Inform small business owners, entrepreneurs, and partner referral sources about available educational resources and engagement opportunities through marketing seminars, courses, online resources, and events. Build networks and collaborate with other technical providers in the region and deliver presentations to the community about services and programs available. Identify small food businesses and organizations working in this space to facilitate partnerships and mutual support.

10%

Data Collection and Management : Assist with Farm to Market program activities and data collection and management. Gather input from small-scale farms, food businesses and food processing enterprises, 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. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements :

• Associate's degree with coursework in food science, food service management, food safety, agricultural economics, agricultural business, business management / administration, entrepreneurship, community development, or in a related area and / or equivalent experience / training
• Thorough knowledge of community education, community engagement, teaching and / or facilitation best practices
• Demonstrated ability to engage with diverse communities
• Demonstrated skills to communicate and work in large groups, small groups and one-on-one, give presentations
• Proven track record of building strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and community groups
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to manage multiple project tasks
• Thorough and effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency in use of Windows-based computers and Microsoft Office applications

Preferred Skills :

Special Conditions of Employment :

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California https : / / apptrkr.com / get_redirect.php?id=6633885&targetURL=$49,200.00 / year to $66,200.00 / year.

Job Posting Close Date :

This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 11 / 10 / 2025.

Key Responsibilities :

50%

Education and Training Development : Develop, design, and evaluate educational materials tailored to the needs of the target audience. Plan and deliver presentations on relevant topics to enhance the knowledge and skills of food entrepreneurs in the region. Provide personalized technical assistance to small-scale food and farming entrepreneurs and businesses including training and logistical support with licensing and permitting requirements, access to capital and existing resources, business planning, and connections to marketing support from project partners.

40%

Outreach and Community Engagement : Assist in developing and delivering effective methods to increase outreach and technical assistance to small-scale farms, food businesses and food processing enterprises for F3Local Farm to Market programs. Inform small business owners, entrepreneurs, and partner referral sources about available educational resources and engagement opportunities through marketing seminars, courses, online resources, and events. Build networks and collaborate with other technical providers in the region and deliver presentations to the community about services and programs available. Identify small food businesses and organizations working in this space to facilitate partnerships and mutual support.

10%

Data Collection and Management : Assist with Farm to Market program activities and data collection and management. Gather input from small-scale farms, food businesses and food processing enterprises, 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. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements :

Associate's degree with coursework in food science, food service management, food safety, agricultural economics, agricultural business, business management / administration, entrepreneurship, community development, or in a related area and / or equivalent experience / training

Preferred Skills :

Special Conditions of Employment :

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California https : / / apptrkr.com / get_redirect.php?id=6633885&targetURL=

50%

Education and Training Development : Develop, design, and evaluate educational materials tailored to the needs of the target audience. Plan and deliver presentations on relevant topics to enhance the knowledge and skills of food entrepreneurs in the region. Provide personalized technical assistance to small-scale food and farming entrepreneurs and businesses including training and logistical support with licensing and permitting requirements, access to capital and existing resources, business planning, and connections to marketing support from project partners.

40%

Outreach and Community Engagement : Assist in developing and delivering effective methods to increase outreach and technical assistance to small-scale farms, food businesses and food processing enterprises for F3Local Farm to Market programs. Inform small business owners, entrepreneurs, and partner referral sources about available educational resources and engagement opportunities through marketing seminars, courses, online resources, and events. Build networks and collaborate with other technical providers in the region and deliver presentations to the community about services and programs available. Identify small food businesses and organizations working in this space to facilitate partnerships and mutual support.

10%

Data Collection and Management : Assist with Farm to Market program activities and data collection and management. Gather input from small-scale farms, food businesses and food processing enterprises, 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. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements :

Associate's degree with coursework in food science, food service management, food safety, agricultural economics, agricultural business, business management / administration, entrepreneurship, community development, or in a related area and / or equivalent experience / training

Preferred Skills :

Special Conditions of Employment :

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.

a. "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. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct :

To apply, please visit : https : / / careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu / psc / ucanr / EMPLOYEE / HRMS / c / HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&JobOpeningId=79630&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=17&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant

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