Climate Smart Agriculture & Integrated Pest Management Program Coordinator Central Coast & Stat[...]

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 87,616 - 105,482; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health insurance

Paid vacation and sick leave

Retirement plans

Job summary

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources seeks an Academic Coordinator II to lead Climate Smart Agriculture and Integrated Pest Management programs. This on-site role, based in Santa Clara County, CA, involves education, outreach, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will possess a master’s degree and experience in grant writing. Benefits include a salary range of $87,616 to $105,482 annually, comprehensive health insurance, and paid leave.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Knowledge of irrigation system design and management.
• Experience in grant writing for agricultural programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for CSA and IPM programs.
• Prepare grant reports and proposals.
• Conduct outreach and educational programs for diverse stakeholders.

Skills

Bilingual proficiency in Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) and English

Strong outreach, education and communication skills

Knowledge of CDFA quantification methodology

Education

Minimum master’s degree in agricultural, environmental or social sciences

Tools

Relevant online communication software

Job description

Climate Smart Agriculture & Integrated Pest Management Program Coordinator, Academic Coordinator II (26-13)

Central Coast & Statewide – UC ANR Academic Coordinator II

Location

Santa Clara County, CA; supports agricultural communities across California.

Responsibilities

• Coordination of Academic Programs
  • Provide leadership and organizational support for CSA and IPM programs on the Central Coast and statewide; organize and facilitate training for the CSA team related to soil health, irrigation efficiency and nutrient management.
  • Recruit growers to participate in CDFA climate smart agriculture incentive programs and coordinate one‑on‑one technical assistance, including on‑farm assessments, diagnostics, reports and recommendations.
  • Lead training and provide technical guidance to CDFA Climate Smart Agriculture block grant recipients (BGRs), including advising on proposals and supporting the implementation of Health Soils Program (HSP) and State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) technical assistance.
  • Prepare and coordinate grant reports, proposals and budgets to sustain and expand program funding in collaboration with the Associate Director.
  • Supervise Climate Smart Agriculture Project Policy Analysts and Grizzly Corps Fellows; develop workplans, approve timesheets and expense reports, provide training, mentoring and performance evaluations.
  • Develop and implement training curriculum and extension programs to educate CSA staff and growers; conduct program needs assessments and lead training efforts across the Climate Smart Agriculture Program.
  • Maintain documentation of outreach activities including agendas, minutes, reports and other program records.
  • Prepare written materials such as grant proposals, reports, impact statements, brochures, newsletters and presentations.
• Technical Competence & Impact
  • Assess client needs and develop program goals aligned with UC ANR’s Strategic Vision.
  • Design and implement outreach programs that lead to positive changes and impacts in the state.
  • Prepare science‑based educational materials (fact sheets, tip sheets, presentations, videos, etc.) on CSA and IPM topics.
  • Maintain and promote UC ANR’s credibility by providing science‑based knowledge.
  • Deliver programs and train staff to implement technical CSA practices; enforce documentation, monitoring and evaluation standards.
  • Collect, manage and enter program data into required databases on a quarterly basis; maintain data quality and completeness.
  • Lead design and implementation of program evaluation frameworks; conduct qualitative and quantitative data analysis to assess effectiveness.
  • Prepare impact reports and synthesize program data for the Associate Director.
  • Identify research and extension needs for small farms in California; collaborate on long‑range planning and outreach strategies.
• Communication
  • Conduct and report regular needs assessments.
  • Disseminate science‑based information using responsive extension methods tailored to audiences.
  • Use online communication methods and associated software to support research and instruction.
  • Develop, design and implement curriculum and materials, including fact sheets and training resources for HSP and SWEEP practices.
  • Lead development of specialized curriculum on soil health and irrigation management; train CSA team and coordinate translation into Chinese.
  • Publish written materials such as reports, scientific papers, blogs, newsletters, press releases and social media updates.
• Collaboration, Teamwork & Flexibility
  • Develop collaborative teams with UC ANR academics, campus specialists, advisors and faculty.
  • Facilitate public policy discussions and bridge divergent interests.
  • Interact with Program Teams, UC SAREP, advisors and specialists to develop program goals.
  • Participate in leadership during committees and task forces.
  • Build relationships with diverse populations and support inclusive excellence.
• Professional Competence and Activity
  • Continuously increase knowledge of CSA and IPM through professional development and peer‑learning.
  • Participate in professional organizations and collaborate with federal, state and county agencies.
  • Maintain a program of continuous self‑improvement through training, seminars, workshops and professional society meetings.

Qualifications

• Education – Minimum master’s degree in agricultural, environmental or social sciences, or related field.
• Additional Requirements
  • Meet UC appointment criteria and demonstrate academic advancement criteria per UC Personnel Manual.
  • Knowledge of CDFA quantification methodology for greenhouse gas savings and irrigation system design, management and maintenance.
  • Bilingual proficiency in Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) and English for technical assistance and training.
  • Successful grant writing experience in CDFA Climate Smart Agriculture Program; ability to secure extramural funds.
  • Strong outreach, education and communication skills for diverse audiences.
  • Ability to work with diverse stakeholders and adapt to changing situations.
  • Literacy in online communications and relevant software.
  • Background investigation and compliance with California child abuse reporting act; must possess valid California driver’s license and have liability insurance for travel.
  • Job must be on‑site; travel within region and state required.
• Desired Experience
  • Extension experience in client engagement and outreach.
  • Passion for Cooperative Extension.
  • Experience building partnerships and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Ability to plan, manage resources and implement outreach programs with measurable goals.

Benefits

• Salary – Academic Coordinator II series, step 1 $87,616 to step 5 $105,482 annually; step placement based on experience.
• Other Benefits – Comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans, two days per month paid vacation, one day per month paid sick leave, paid holidays.
• Limited‑term appointment; merit cycle every two years; annual performance evaluation; position may be extended based on need, performance, and funding.

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae (most recently updated)
• Cover Letter
• College level transcripts (electronic or scanned PDF)
• References – three contacts with name, title and contact information

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity 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 status under state or federal law.