UC Cooperative Extension Specialist - Agricultural Policy (AP 25-29)

UC Cooperative Extension Specialist - Agricultural Policy (AP 25-29)

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

Application Window

Open date : October 30, 2025

Next review date : Saturday, Jan 3, 2026 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

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

Final date : Friday, Apr 3, 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) Specialist at the Assistant rank.

Positioned within the UC ANR Policy Institute, this crucial new role will bridge the gap between cutting-edge agricultural research and policy development, offering a unique opportunity to drive science-based policy in California and beyond. The Specialist will pursue translational research and extension designed to enhance the effectiveness of UC ANR scholarship in applying research results to inform and shape policy decisions. Internally, the Specialist will help UC ANR researchers design projects that engage key state agricultural policy issues and translate research in a manner that informs California decision makers. Externally, the Specialist is likely to engage with a wide range of state and local stakeholders, including legislators, agency staff, and industry organizations, to support their access to and understanding of UC ANR research.

UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Specialists develop and conduct research and educational programs aimed at appropriate clientele groups in communities outside of UC campuses. UCCE Specialists have programs primarily focused on mission-oriented research or creative work that support the university's efforts to extend knowledge, including outreach and community engagement. Mission-oriented research describes the complete research continuum that extends from basic research to applications of research results. This research is generally applied in nature and has, as a goal, finding solutions for problems facing society that are related to the mission of the UCCE Specialist's discipline and the UCCE mission. UCCE Specialists publish the results of applied research in a combination of peer-reviewed publications and stakeholder-facing materials, including refereed journals, technical reports, and white papers, tailored to the needs of the audiences their programs serve.

Extension programs disseminate knowledge and information to clientele groups to help them better understand and address problems and opportunities they face. The extension educational program serves the University's public service mission. Educational program activities include but are not limited to collaborations with UCCE Advisors, other UCCE Specialists, campus faculty, program teams, workgroups, or clientele groups; developing and presenting educational materials; communicating to clientele through broadcast, print, or electronic media; participating in meetings with clientele; developing and presenting in-service training courses; organizing or participating in workshops, field tours, symposia or conferences. Much of this work is conducted in partnership with UC ANR's locally based UCCE Advisors. The UCCE Specialist-Advisor and faculty partnership creates an applied research network that benefits both the University and the public at large. This position does not include formal classroom instruction at the University.

Location Headquarters

The Specialist will be based at the UC ANR headquarters, at 2801 2nd Street in Davis, CA, with the potential to explore opportunities at the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) headquarters in Sacramento, CA.

Position Details

As described in UC ANR's Vision 2040, California faces a complex, ever-changing regulatory environment in which science-based input and community engagement are needed to inform policy decisions and implementation. Now more than ever, solutions are needed to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events and other disasters, advance more efficient agriculture production, advance sustainable land stewardship, and strengthen food systems. As these challenges increase in complexity, so too do their solutions. Local, state, and federal policies and regulations must adapt and be responsive, taking into consideration current scientific and technological advances. To this end, UC ANR has newly launched the UC ANR Policy Institute, where this position will be located administratively and organizationally.

Major duties and responsibilities for this Specialist include :

• Collaboration with the UC ANR Policy Institute and UC ANR's network of advisors, specialists, AES faculty, statewide programs, and institutes, and CDFA staff, as well as external stakeholders, to conduct applied research and disseminate research results. External partners might include state and local elected officials, legislative staff, regional planning staff, agricultural commissioners, federal, state, and local public managers, tribes, community-based nonprofit organizations, and grassroots groups.
• Design and conduct policy research focused on food and agriculture. Potential areas of research include :

o Cost analysis of agricultural regulations

o Policies related to strengthening California's food system

o Disaster and emergency management in California's agricultural sector

o Policy implications of technology and artificial intelligence in agriculture

o Water use in agriculture

o Farm labor policy

o Policies related to pest management

o Land use policy

o Climate-agriculture policy

o Energy policies related to agriculture

Geographic Area of Responsibility : This state-wide position will serve the agriculture sector across California. This is an exciting opportunity to impact diverse communities throughout the state.

Reporting Relationship : The position will be located at UC ANR headquarters in Davis, CA. UC ANR will oversee the merit and promotion process, consistent with other UC ANR CE Specialists. In this position, you will report to the Director of the UC ANR Policy Institute. It is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite at the UC ANR building in Davis, CA.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Education : A minimum of a Ph.D. (or international equivalent) in agricultural policy, public policy, public administration, economics, or a related field is required at the time of appointment. Applicants who have not yet earned a Ph.D. must be within 12 months of completing their degree to be considered for the position.

Key Qualifications

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