Director, South Coast Research and Extension Center

University of California Ag and Natural Resources- South Coast Research and Extension Center; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California Ag and Natural Resources- South Coast Research and Extension Center (UC ANR South Coast REC) in Irvine, CA, seeks a Director to lead research, extension, and outreach across a 200-acre site. The role oversees programs, operations, budgets, and partnerships with UC faculty and external stakeholders.

The incumbent drives strategic planning, compliance, and public engagement while supervising staff and aligning activities with UC ANR’s mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, natural resources, environmental science, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years managing research, extension, or facility operations.
• Knowledge of agricultural production systems, research design, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, physical resources, and staff.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work with diverse partners.
• Ability to travel throughout California as required.
• Preferred: Master’s degree; university/extension experience; familiarity with UC policies and safety programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for applied research, demonstration, and extension activities at South Coast REC.
• Direct daily operations, budgets, contracts, and facility management for the 200-acre site.
• Represent UC ANR and South Coast REC to regional stakeholders and the public.
• Manage staff, safety, regulatory compliance, and professional development.
• Develop strategic plans and pursue funding, partnerships, and grants to sustain and expand programs.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Staff management

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, natural resources, environmental science, or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

UC ANR Job ID#88427

The Director of the South Coast Research and Extension Center (REC)provides academic, strategic, and administrative managementof the Center’s research, extension, and outreach programs. The incumbent oversees scientific research activities, facility operations, and public engagement programsconducted at the 200-acre South Coast REC located in Irvine, California.

The Director ensures that the Center’s research and extension programs align with UC ANR’s mission to advance sustainable agriculture, natural resource stewardship, and community well-being. The position manages staff, budgets, facilities, compliance programs, and partnerships, and serves as the primary UC ANR representative to local, regional, and statewide stakeholders.

This is a leadership position within UC ANR’s statewide Research and Extension Center system and requires broad decision-making authority, independent judgment, and collaboration across multiple academic, governmental, and community partners

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

The home department is the South Coast REC. While this position normally is based in Irvine, CA, this position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants living in the State of California at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University.

Pay Scale:$108,100.00/year to $156,500.00/year

Job Posting Close Date:This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 9/21/2026.

Key Responsibilities:

40% Program Leadership and Research Management:
Provides leadership and direction for applied research, demonstration, and extension activities at South Coast REC. Oversees project review, resource allocation, and coordination with UC faculty, CE advisors, and collaborators. Ensures projects address regional and statewide priorities and meet compliance standards. Integrates research results into extension and outreach programs.

25% Administrative and Operational Oversight:
Directs daily operations of the 200-acre agricultural and environmental research facility. Manages annual budgets, cost recovery, contracts, and facility maintenance. Oversees safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship. Manages scheduling and use of research and outreach spaces.

15%Outreach and Partnership Development:
Represents UC ANR and South Coast REC to regional stakeholders, commodity groups, and the public. Builds collaborative relationships with agencies, industries, and community organizations. Coordinates outreach events, workshops, and field days that communicate research findings and public benefits.

10% Personnel Management:
Supervises, trains, and evaluates professional, administrative, and field staff. Fosters a supportive, inclusive, and safety-conscious workplace. Provides staff with clear direction, goals, and professional development opportunities.

10% Strategic Planning and Evaluation:
Develops and implements strategic plans for research focus areas, land use, and infrastructure investment. Evaluates programs using UC ANR metrics. Identifies funding, partnerships, and grant opportunities to sustain and expand Center programs. Participates in statewide REC leadership initiatives.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, natural resources, environmental science, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in managing research, extension, or facility operations.

Demonstrated knowledge of agricultural production systems, research design, and regulatory compliance.
Proven ability to manage budgets, physical resources, and staff effectively.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work with diverse academic, industry, and public partners.

Demonstrated ability to lead teams, plan strategically, and manage complex operations.
Ability to travel throughout California as required.

Preferred Skills:

Master’s degree in agriculture, plant science, natural resources, or related discipline.
Experience working in a university or cooperative extension environment.
Familiarity with UC policies, environmental compliance, and safety programs.
Experience with fundraising, partnership development, or grant administration.

Special Conditions of Employment:

Must possess valid California Driver’s License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.
As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of CaliforniaPolicy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time totime. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded.Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidatewhoacceptsanofferofemploymentwillberequiredtodisclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; orhave filed an appeal of afindingofsubstantiatedmisconduct with a previous employer.