Small Farms Advisor(AP 23-17)

Weed Science Group; Fresno (CA); On-site; USD 85,600 - 108,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid vacation

Paid sick leave

Job summary

An agricultural research institution in Fresno, CA is seeking a UCCE Small Farms Advisor to support small-scale farmers. This role involves developing research and extension programs, providing technical assistance, and collaborating with various stakeholders. Ideal candidates should have a Master's degree and experience in agricultural research. The position offers competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth. This is a full-time, on-site role located in Fresno County.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in plant science or related field.
• Ability to conduct applied agricultural research.
• Proficiency in communication and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement research programs for small-scale farms.
• Provide technical assistance on sustainable crop production.
• Disseminate research findings through various platforms.

Skills

Applied agricultural research

Educational programming

Interpersonal communication

Data analysis

Education

Master's degree in relevant discipline

Job description

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

Application Window: Next review date: Tuesday, Jan 6, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Final date: Friday, Feb 6, 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) offers a recruitment opportunity for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Small Farms Advisor. The Small Farms Advisor will conduct an integrated program of extension and applied research to support economic viability and sustainable production for small‑scale farms in Fresno and Madera Counties. The small‑farm clientele includes specialty crop producers on farms of 80 acres or less, primarily under 50 acres, producing a variety of vegetables, fruits, herbs and tropical crops for niche and direct markets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an applied research program addressing needs of small‑scale, diversified, limited‑resource, beginning, and underserved growers.
• Conduct and publish applied research in partnership with county‑based and campus collaborators, including field research on private farms and at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center (KARE).
• Provide technical assistance and field consultations on sustainable crop production, economics, marketing, and compliance with regulatory programs (food safety, pesticide use, groundwater management, etc.).
• Supervise the Hmong Agricultural Assistant, provide programmatic guidance to county‑based staff in the UC ANR Small Farms Network, and collaborate with the UC Small Farms Network statewide.
• Disseminate research findings and educational information through individual consultations, presentations, workshops, short courses, field demonstrations, webinars, newsletters, policy briefs and social media, including bilingual outreach in Hmong, Spanish and other relevant languages.
• Maintain data analysis, publish applied research and communicate results to diverse audiences.
• Travel flexibly on a schedule as needed; maintain liability insurance and a valid California Driver’s License.
• Obtain and maintain a Qualified Pesticide Applicator Certificate (QAC) or License (QAL) within one year of appointment.

Required Qualifications

• A master’s degree in plant science, crop science, agronomy, plant pathology, entomology, soil science, horticulture, weed science, plant physiology, agroecology, agricultural economics or a related discipline at the time of appointment.
• Demonstrated ability in applied agricultural research and extension methods applicable to small‑farm clientele.
• Experience in conducting applied research in agriculture, horticulture or natural resources.
• Experience in program and/or personnel management.
• Ability to plan, implement and evaluate educational and outreach programming.
• Proficiency in data analysis and scholarly publication.
• Ability to travel on a flexible schedule; liability and property damage insurance required.
• Capability to obtain a QAC or QAL within one year of appointment.
• Authorized to work in the U.S. and not eligible for employer‑sponsored visa sponsorship.
• This is not a remote position.

Additional Skills Required

• Success in meeting UC Academic Personnel Manual advancement criteria and ability to document research, extension, teaching experience and scholarly achievements.
• Strong understanding of specialty crop production systems, farm management, economics and policy related to small farms.
• Excellent written, oral, interpersonal and information technology communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders, county‑based staff and other UC SAREP and UC ANR colleagues.
• Commitment to lifelong learning and career development.
• Ability to build partnerships and work with multidisciplinary teams addressing agricultural and socio‑environmental challenges.
• Strong goal‑setting, team management and oversight of multiple projects.
• Adapt research and extension efforts to key needs and challenges of grower clientele.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience engaging partner organizations and developing collaborations for small‑scale, diversified farms.
• Effective communication with local, regional and statewide audiences, including elected officials and public agencies.
• Experience working with growers, cooperators, collaborators and agency personnel directly on education, research or outreach activities.
• Capability to plan applied research or evaluation projects, manage teams and set measurable goals and objectives.
• Experience with extramural funding acquisition.
• Experience working with clientele across diverse socio‑economic classes and ethnicities.

Reporting Relationship

The Small Farms Advisor reports to the UCCE Fresno‑Madera Multi‑County Partnership (MCP) County Director and the UC SAREP Associate Director for Small Farms.

Location

Headquartered in Fresno County, 550 E. Shaw Avenue, Suite 210 B, Fresno, CA 93710. Supports small farms in Fresno and Madera Counties.

Salary & Benefits

Salary range: Assistant Rank, Step I ($85,600) to Step VI ($108,600). Step placement based on experience and qualifications.

Comprehensive benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, two days per month paid vacation, one day per month paid sick leave, paid holidays and eligibility for sabbatical leave privileges.

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae (most recently updated).
• Statement of Research and Extension (2 pages) detailing current or past research and extension experience and potential goals and outcomes.
• Three references (names, titles, contact information).
• College‑level transcripts (electronic or scanned PDF, not password protected).

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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.

Closing Date

Applications must be received by January 6, 2026 (open until filled).

How to Apply

Visit https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose “applicants” (refer to position #23‑17). For additional application instructions, see https://apptrkr.com/6741907.