Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Advisor

UCANR; Hanford (CA); On-site; USD 89,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

UC ANR invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Advisor for Workforce Development serving Tulare, Fresno, and Kings counties. The Advisor will develop and deliver a program to provide youth meaningful personal development opportunities and prepare them for workforce opportunities.

The role emphasizes applied research and extension, outreach across counties, partnerships with workforce boards, educators, and industry stakeholders, and leadership of county 4-H

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a field related to youth/adult education is required at appointment.
• Experience in conducting applied research, program evaluation, and education programs with youth is required.
• Ability to create partnerships with workforce investment boards, economic development groups, industry stakeholders and school districts across the region is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver an extension education and applied research program addressing workforce readiness and career pathway development.
• Provide academic oversight of the 4-H community club program and leadership to county staff, educators, volunteers, and community members.
• Collaborate with Workforce Investment Boards, Economic Development Corporations, industry stakeholders, and school districts to strengthen program impact.
• Travel across Tulare, Fresno, and Kings Counties to support program delivery and implementation.

Skills

Applied research

Program evaluation

Partnership development

Leadership

Communication skills

Cultural sensitivity

Travel readiness

Spanish language (desirable)

Education

Master’s degree in youth/adult education or related area

Job description

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Advisor for Workforce Development serving Tulare, Fresno, and Kings counties. The Advisor will develop and deliver a program that will provide all youth meaningful personal development opportunities and prepare them for workforce and career opportunities.

UCCE Advisors are responsible for applied research and extension of knowledge. Research activities are applied, needs-based, mission-oriented, and focused on addressing our communities' challenges. Extension activities are the educational practices Advisors use to share research results directly with clientele and communities. Increased knowledge and understanding of science-based research helps to support and promote the adoption of practices and technologies that solve problems. Extension methods may include individual consultations, presentations, organization of educational workshops and short courses, field demonstrations, and farm 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, curriculums, 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

UCCE Kings County, 680 N. Campus Drive, Ste. A or UCCE Tulare County, 4437-B S. Laspina St., Tulare, CA 93274 if available.

The Advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied research program to address issues related to workforce readiness and career pathway development. Using a positive youth development framework for workforce and career pathway development, this position will create opportunities for youth to participate in agricultural technology, agricultural engineering; STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Math); animal science; veterinary science; agronomy; and entrepreneurship or business development, with an emphasis on career awareness, skill development, and learning by doing. The advisor will provide academic oversight of the 4-H community club program and educational leadership to county based 4-H staff, educators, volunteers, and community members, supporting program quality, coordination, and community engagement.

This position is positively situated to integrate ANR’s research and extension education efforts across communities to improve youth workforce readiness across the region. This is an opportunity to develop and deliver relevant program content that leads to meaningful impacts in local communities throughout California, including:

• Identification and implementation of program strategies and community-based approaches that strengthen workforce development opportunities for youth
• Development and evaluation of youth development programs that support workforce readiness and career pathway advancement
• Applying and assessing the 4-H Thriving Model of Positive Youth Development within workforce and career pathway programming in California

There are excellent opportunities for the new advisor to establish extension and research partnerships with a variety of stakeholders and collaborators. The workforce development emphasis creates meaningful opportunities to partner with Workforce Investment Boards, Economic Development Corporation groups, industry stakeholders, and school districts across the region, strengthening alignment, visibility, and long-term program impact. The advisor joins a team of highly motivated UCCE colleagues who are passionate about their work and are dedicated to making a difference within the communities and throughout California. The potential for collaborative projects within the UC ANR system is nearly limitless.

Counties of Responsibility

This position will be headquartered in the UCCE Kings office, CA and have activity in Tulare, Fresno and Kings Counties. The position will also provide support to the statewide network of 4-H Youth Development community educators in Youth Leadership, Community Engagement and Development.

Reporting Relationship

The CE Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Area County Director of UCCE Tulare and Kings Counties, and programmatically under the 4-H Statewide Director. This is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite at the headquarters location and travel to and be present in other counties with programmatic responsibilities. Specific expectations for maintaining office hours and fieldwork in the geographic area covered by this position will be outlined upon hire by the respective directors and supervisors.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications

Education

A minimum of a master’s degree in an area related to youth and/or adult education (Psychology, Out-of-School-Time Programming, emphasizing Youth Learning theory, Workforce Development, Career Pathway Development, Agricultural Science, Curriculum and Instruction, Social Work, Environmental Systems, Public Administration or related areas) is required at the time of appointment.

Key Qualifications

• Experience in conducting applied research, program evaluation, and education programs with youth is required.
• Ability to create partnerships with workforce investment boards, economic development groups, industry stakeholders and school districts across the region is required.
• Strong leadership skills and experience in program and personnel management are required.
• Interest in and a desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension.
• Technical Competence and Impact: The candidate should have a deep understanding of workforce readiness and career development and be able to design and implement a program that leads to positive changes and impact within the community and beyond.
• Substantial experience and sensitivity to cultural differences relative to working with youth and adults.
• The ability to work with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes and ethnicities is essential.
• Communication: Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal and information technology communication skills. Spanish language proficiency is desired.
• Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility: The candidate should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively as a team member with key external stakeholders and county-based staff, as well as with other colleagues within UC ANR.
• Lifelong Learning: There is an expectation that advisors evolve and grow across their career and respond to changes in the industry, clientele, and organizational change.

Desired Experience

• Experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds is desired.
• Ability to effectively engage with partner organizations to develop strong community relationships to support 4-H YD programs.
• Ability to communicate well with regional audiences including local elected officials, K-12 school representatives, agricultural organizations, and natural resources agencies.
• Experience working with adult volunteers involved with youth programs.
• Ability to secure and manage extramural funding.

Additional Skills Required

• Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series and evidence for success in meeting required academic advancement criteria as per UC Academic Personnel Manuals. Applications need to document relevant research, extension, teaching experience, and appropriate scholarly achievements.
• Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed; proof of liability, and property damage insurance on the vehicle used is required. Must possess or obtain a valid California Driver’s License to drive a County or University Vehicle.
• Ability to drive on remote highways including evenings and weekends, and at times in inclement weather conditions.
• A background investigation will be required for the successful candidate, including fingerprinting and a criminal history clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This position is subject to the requirements and compliance of the California’s Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA). Employment within UC ANR is contingent upon securing written acknowledgement to comply with California law.
• Revised Statement: This position is open to individuals who are currently authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for new employment-based petitions; limited support may be available for eligible visa transfers when legally permissible. Internal UC ANR applicants with questions may contact Katie Kilbane at [e-mail].
• This is not a remote position.
• 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 prior 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.

Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment

Anti-Discrimination Policy

Affirmative Action

About UC ANR

UC ANR is a division of the University of California (UC) system that bridges the gap between local issues and the expertise of the UC system by providing research-based information, educational programs, and technical expertise to the public in areas such as agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, and youth development. UC ANR is part of a nationwide Cooperative Extension network, which began in the early 20th century to connect research from land-grant universities with the everyday needs of people in communities across the United States. Today, we collaborate with farmers, ranchers, diverse communities, youth and adult educators, and policymakers to address local and statewide issues related to food systems, water, climate change, and sustainable agriculture through a statewide network of campus-based researchers, county-based Advisors, and community educators. Our mission is to cultivate thriving communities, sustainable agriculture, resilient ecosystems, and economic prosperity in California and globally through equitable generation and sharing of collaborative, science-based solutions. Over 180 UCCE Advisors conduct applied research and extension education from county-based UCCE offices serving all 58 counties from 70+ locations. By working and living among those we serve, UC ANR expands the University of California’s reach to engage all people and communities in California, ensuring equal access to the resources UC has to offer. Our vision is that UC ANR will be valued in every California community for meaningful engagement and making a positive difference in people’s lives.

About Tulare, Fresno and Kings Counties

Tulare, Fresno and Kings Counties are in the south-central portion of California’s San Joaquin Valley and have a growing combined population of over 1.5 million people. The fifth largest city in California is Fresno, the county seat of Fresno County, with approximately 550,000 people. The city of Visalia is the county seat of Tulare County, and it has a population of 127,000 and Hanford as the county seat of Kings County with a population 57,000.This area is the gateway to the Sierra Nevada mountain range with peaks of more than 14,000 feet in its Eastern half, comprised primarily of public lands within the Sequoia National Park, National Forest, and the Mineral King, Golden Trout and Domeland Wilderness areas. In addition, Yosemite National Park is in close proximity to Fresno. Meanwhile, the extensively cultivated and very fertile valley floor in the Western half has allowed these areas to become the top producer of agricultural commodities in the United States.

Learn more about

• UC ANR
• UC ANR Mission Statement
• UC ANR administers Statewide Programs and Institutes that focus research and extension on solving priority problems that engage ANR academics and UC faculty in integrated teams
• UC ANR Strategic Initiatives help unify, communicate, and advocate for the work we do.
• UC ANR uses seven Public Value Statements to communicate how our work makes a difference to the public.
• UC ANR academics are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR’s commitment to UCANR’s Civil Rights Compliance Policy.
• UC ANR is committed to supporting inclusive excellence and is guided by UC ANR's Principles of Community. We strive to create an environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, feel valued and respected and have equal opportunities for growth and success.

Salary & Benefits

Salary

The salary range for this Cooperative Extension Advisor position is Assistant Rank, Step I ($89,100) to Step VI ($113,000). Step placement in the advisor series is based on applicable experience and professional qualifications. For information regarding Cooperative Extension Advisor salary scales, please refer to the University of California Salary scale.

If the successful candidate is currently a UCCE Advisor, the candidate will be offered the position without change to the candidate’s current rank, step, salary and/or appointment terms; and if applicable, is eligible to retain indefinite status.

This position is eligible for indefinite status, subject to terms noted in Section 315 of the ANR Policy and Procedure Manual. If the successful candidate is currently a UCCE Specialist with indefinite status, the candidate will be offered the position commensurate with applicable experience and professional qualifications with eligibility to retain such indefinite status.

Benefits

The University of California offers comprehensive benefits, including two days per month paid vacation, one day per month paid sick leave, and paid holidays. This position is eligible for sabbatical leave privileges per the terms of University policy. ANR is part of UC’s Family-Friendly Policies. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website Benefits.

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

3 required; 2 optional (5 total)

About UC Agriculture and Natural Resources

The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. 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 categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.