Cooperative Extension Viticulture Advisor – Northern San Joaquin Valley (AP# 21-35)

JOE; Stockton (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Agriculture and Natural Resources is hiring a Cooperative Extension Viticulture Advisor for the Northern San Joaquin Valley. The role will implement a robust extension education and applied research program addressing pest and water management in wine grape production across San Joaquin, Stanislaus and southern Sacramento Counties.

The successful candidate will conduct research, publish findings, and deliver practical outreach to growers, industry partners, and communities, with a focus on

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in viticulture, horticulture, crop science, soil science, pest management, or closely related field.
• Experience in applied agricultural research and extension is required.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for engagement with growers and staff.

Responsibilities

• Support viticultural practices, pest and water management for wine grape production.
• Develop and deliver extension education and applied research programs.
• Travel to county offices and vineyards to support growers and stakeholders.

Skills

Applied agricultural research

Extension education

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in viticulture or related field

Job description

Cooperative Extension Viticulture Advisor – Northern San Joaquin Valley (AP# 21-35)

Cooperative Extension Viticulture Advisor – Northern San Joaquin Valley (AP# 21-35)

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

Application Window

Next review date: Tuesday, Sep 22, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Tuesday, Dec 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 Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension Viticulture Advisor serving San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and southern Sacramento Counties. The Advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied research program to address high-priority issues in wine grape production, including pest and water management.

UCCE Advisors are responsible for applied research and extending 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 help 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, including newsletters, popular press articles, curricula, conference proceedings, and peer-reviewed publications. Successful research and extension programs result in new information that improves knowledge and understanding, and leads to the adoption of new skills, practices, and attitudes, and to changes in policies and 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.

Position Details
The advisor will support both experienced and entry-level grape growers on viticultural practices, pest and water management, and new technologies aimed at improving industry competitiveness and wine grape quality. Producers face mounting pressures from increased regulatory and environmental compliance requirements, as well as from cost competitiveness in an increasingly global marketplace. Secondary responsibilities include supporting other berry crop producers, like blueberries and cranberries; however, the program’s major emphasis will be on wine grape production.

This is an exciting opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the viticulture communities of the northern San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The advisor will work closely with growers, industry, and crop consultants. Opportunities abound for research and extension partnerships that link consumers and resource professionals across multiple sectors to relevant, science-based information that promotes effective problem-solving. The advisor will also join a team of highly motivated UCCE colleagues who are passionate about their work and dedicated to making a difference in communities across California.

Counties of Responsibility. This position will be headquartered in San Joaquin County with regional responsibilities in southern Sacramento County (the Lodi Appellation) and Stanislaus County.

Reporting Relationship: The CE Advisor directly reports to the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) County Director for San Joaquin County, with input from the other UCCE County Directors in the coverage area. 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 conducting fieldwork in the geographic area covered by this position will be outlined by the respective directors upon hire.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications

Education

A minimum of a master’s degree in viticulture, horticulture, crop science, soil science, pest management, or a closely related field is required at the time of appointment.

Key Qualifications

• A demonstrated ability in applied agricultural research and extension is required.
• General knowledge of crop production, including soil, water, fertility, and pest management are required.
• Interest in and a desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension
• Technical Competence and Impact: Demonstrated ability to effectively plan, manage teams, and implement a research program, including setting measurable goals and objectives.
• Communication: Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal, and information technology communication skills.
• Collaboration, Teamwork, and Flexibility: The candidate should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with key external stakeholders and county-based staff, as well as with colleagues within UC ANR.
• The ability to work with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes and ethnicities is essential.
• Lifelong Learning: There is an expectation that advisors evolve and grow throughout their careers and respond to changes in the industry, clientele, and the organization.

Desired Experience

• Experience with vineyards or orchard crops
• Experience in successful Cooperative Extension programming or community development

Additional Requirements

• This is not a remote position.
• 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.
• 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 and must maintain such authorization through the duration of the position. Internal UC ANR applicants with questions may contact Katie Kilbane at mailto:[e-mail].
• The advisor must possess or obtain within one year of hire a Qualified Pesticide Applicator Certificate (QAC) prior to applying pesticides or supervising the application of any pesticide.
• Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series and provide evidence of success in meeting the required academic advancement criteria as per https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/academic-personnel-policy/appointment-and-promotion/index.html. Applicants need to document relevant research, extension, teaching experience, and appropriate scholarly achievements.
• A background check will be required for the successful candidate. Employment within UC ANR is contingent upon securing written acknowledgment to comply with California law.
• 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.
• https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH
• https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
• https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf

About UC ANR

UC ANR is a division of the University of California (UC) system that bridges the gap between local issues and the UC system’s expertise 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