Employment Information
Environmental Horticulture and Controlled Environment Agriculture Advisor (AP 25-05)
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
Application Window
Open date: July 15, 2025
Next review date: Wednesday, Aug 20, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Friday, Sep 19, 2025 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 description
Position Overview
The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension Environmental (UCCE) Horticulture and Controlled Environment Agriculture Advisor serving Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Mateo, and San Benito Counties at the Assistant rank. The Advisor will develop an innovative multi-county applied research and extension education program that supports the area's robust environmental horticulture industry.
The Environmental Horticulture (EH) Advisor will primarily focus on research and education that supports and expands nursery, greenhouse, and other controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems. Strategies could include modification of aerial and root environments, extension of growing seasons, and new technologies to support efficient cropping systems, water conservation, and integrated pest management throughout the production cycle. The position will also develop and extend research-based information on the proper selection, placement, and care of climate-resilient trees and other landscape plants that mitigate the impacts of climate change and enhance the quality of life in urban environments. The Advisor will provide academic oversight for the UC Master Gardener Volunteer Programs in Monterey & Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties.
UCCE Advisors are responsible for applied research and extension of knowledge. Research activities are applied, needs-based, and mission-oriented, focusing on addressing the challenges in our communities. Extension activities are the educational practices that Advisors use to share research results directly with clientele and communities to increase their knowledge and understanding of science-based research that supports and promotes the adoption of practices and technologies to solve problems. Extension methods may include individual consultations, presentations, organizing educational workshops and short courses, field demonstrations, farm visits, 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, curricula, 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: The position will be headquartered at the Santa Cruz County Cooperative Extension Office, located at 500 Westridge Drive, Watsonville, California.
Position Details
Environmental horticulture production, including nursery crops (potted foliage and flowering plants, bulbs, transplants, flower seed, and bedding plants) and floral crops (cut flowers and greens) is valued at over $500 million in the Monterey Bay area. A significant component of this production occurs in hoop houses, greenhouses, and other protected environments. The Advisor will develop a multidisciplinary applied research and extension program to help growers improve CEA systems to use less water, manage pests more effectively, use inputs such as fertilizer more efficiently, and integrate technology that may help reduce the need for labor and assist with other constraints in the EH industry.
Research will focus on EH and CEA systems that lead to practical solutions for area clientele. Topics appropriate for research include: Crop productivity and sustainability Technologies/automation that assist with production needs and labor constraints Minimizing pesticide and fertilizer use and impacts on human and environmental health Systems and technologies to improve the quality and delivery of recycled water, reducing problems such as plugging of nozzles, high substrate salt levels, and plant damage Identifying drought, heat, pest, and fire-resistant landscape plants suitable for residential, public, and commercial environments that cool urban heat islands and bridge disparities in low-wealth, low-tree canopy communities Strategies that enhance habitat and pollinator populations, ecosystem diversity, abatement of air and water pollutants, carbon sequestration, erosion control, and other critical ecosystem services in urban landscapes
Publication of research results and knowledge is expected to include various UC ANR series, technical sheets, and peer-reviewed journals.
The Advisor will conduct outreach to provide science-based information through workshops, field meetings, webinars, newsletters, industry and media outlets, phone calls, and online and social media tools, as appropriate for the target audiences.
This position will support the goals of the statewide UC Master Gardener program by providing academic oversight for the existing UC Master Gardener Volunteer program in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, as well as an emerging program in San Benito County. Providing accurate information on home and community landscapes is an essential role of this Advisor.
In this highly collaborative role, the Advisor will work with UC ANR Program Teams, UCCE Specialists, and others in the UC ANR network, as well as external partners such as growers, grower-shippers, commodity boards, USDA agencies, local farm bureaus, and nonprofit organizations.
Counties of Responsibility. This position has programmatic responsibilities in Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Mateo, and San Benito Counties.
Reporting Relationship: The Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the UC Cooperative Extension Area Director for Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties, with input from the UCCE County Director in San Mateo County. It is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite at the headquarters location in Watsonville, CA, and travel to and be present in all four counties served. Specific expectations for maintaining office hours and fieldwork in the geographic area covered by this position will be outlined upon hire by the respective supervisors.
Qualifications and Skills Required
Education: A minimum of a master's degree in environmental, urban, or ornamental horticulture or a related field is required at the time of appointment.
Key Qualifications Experience in the landscape, nursery, or urban forestry industry. Experience in conducting applied, impact-oriented research on topics relevant to this position. Capacity or potential to accomplish team-based research and education programs consistent with the values of UCANR. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed. Proof of liability and property damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Must possess or obtain a valid California Driver's License to drive a county or university vehicle.
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. Interest in and desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension. Technical Competence and Impact: The candidate should understand key concepts to optimize engagement and development and be able to design and implement a program that leads to positive changes and impact within the community and beyond. 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 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 careers and respond to changes in the industry, clientele, and organizational structure. 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 click apply for full job details
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
Application Window
Open date: July 15, 2025
Next review date: Wednesday, Aug 20, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Friday, Sep 19, 2025 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 description
Position Overview
The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension Environmental (UCCE) Horticulture and Controlled Environment Agriculture Advisor serving Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Mateo, and San Benito Counties at the Assistant rank. The Advisor will develop an innovative multi-county applied research and extension education program that supports the area's robust environmental horticulture industry.
The Environmental Horticulture (EH) Advisor will primarily focus on research and education that supports and expands nursery, greenhouse, and other controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems. Strategies could include modification of aerial and root environments, extension of growing seasons, and new technologies to support efficient cropping systems, water conservation, and integrated pest management throughout the production cycle. The position will also develop and extend research-based information on the proper selection, placement, and care of climate-resilient trees and other landscape plants that mitigate the impacts of climate change and enhance the quality of life in urban environments. The Advisor will provide academic oversight for the UC Master Gardener Volunteer Programs in Monterey & Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties.
UCCE Advisors are responsible for applied research and extension of knowledge. Research activities are applied, needs-based, and mission-oriented, focusing on addressing the challenges in our communities. Extension activities are the educational practices that Advisors use to share research results directly with clientele and communities to increase their knowledge and understanding of science-based research that supports and promotes the adoption of practices and technologies to solve problems. Extension methods may include individual consultations, presentations, organizing educational workshops and short courses, field demonstrations, farm visits, 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, curricula, 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: The position will be headquartered at the Santa Cruz County Cooperative Extension Office, located at 500 Westridge Drive, Watsonville, California.
Position Details
Environmental horticulture production, including nursery crops (potted foliage and flowering plants, bulbs, transplants, flower seed, and bedding plants) and floral crops (cut flowers and greens) is valued at over $500 million in the Monterey Bay area. A significant component of this production occurs in hoop houses, greenhouses, and other protected environments. The Advisor will develop a multidisciplinary applied research and extension program to help growers improve CEA systems to use less water, manage pests more effectively, use inputs such as fertilizer more efficiently, and integrate technology that may help reduce the need for labor and assist with other constraints in the EH industry.
Research will focus on EH and CEA systems that lead to practical solutions for area clientele. Topics appropriate for research include: Crop productivity and sustainability Technologies/automation that assist with production needs and labor constraints Minimizing pesticide and fertilizer use and impacts on human and environmental health Systems and technologies to improve the quality and delivery of recycled water, reducing problems such as plugging of nozzles, high substrate salt levels, and plant damage Identifying drought, heat, pest, and fire-resistant landscape plants suitable for residential, public, and commercial environments that cool urban heat islands and bridge disparities in low-wealth, low-tree canopy communities Strategies that enhance habitat and pollinator populations, ecosystem diversity, abatement of air and water pollutants, carbon sequestration, erosion control, and other critical ecosystem services in urban landscapes
Publication of research results and knowledge is expected to include various UC ANR series, technical sheets, and peer-reviewed journals.
The Advisor will conduct outreach to provide science-based information through workshops, field meetings, webinars, newsletters, industry and media outlets, phone calls, and online and social media tools, as appropriate for the target audiences.
This position will support the goals of the statewide UC Master Gardener program by providing academic oversight for the existing UC Master Gardener Volunteer program in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, as well as an emerging program in San Benito County. Providing accurate information on home and community landscapes is an essential role of this Advisor.
In this highly collaborative role, the Advisor will work with UC ANR Program Teams, UCCE Specialists, and others in the UC ANR network, as well as external partners such as growers, grower-shippers, commodity boards, USDA agencies, local farm bureaus, and nonprofit organizations.
Counties of Responsibility. This position has programmatic responsibilities in Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Mateo, and San Benito Counties.
Reporting Relationship: The Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the UC Cooperative Extension Area Director for Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties, with input from the UCCE County Director in San Mateo County. It is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite at the headquarters location in Watsonville, CA, and travel to and be present in all four counties served. Specific expectations for maintaining office hours and fieldwork in the geographic area covered by this position will be outlined upon hire by the respective supervisors.
Qualifications and Skills Required
Education: A minimum of a master's degree in environmental, urban, or ornamental horticulture or a related field is required at the time of appointment.
Key Qualifications Experience in the landscape, nursery, or urban forestry industry. Experience in conducting applied, impact-oriented research on topics relevant to this position. Capacity or potential to accomplish team-based research and education programs consistent with the values of UCANR. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed. Proof of liability and property damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Must possess or obtain a valid California Driver's License to drive a county or university vehicle.
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. Interest in and desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension. Technical Competence and Impact: The candidate should understand key concepts to optimize engagement and development and be able to design and implement a program that leads to positive changes and impact within the community and beyond. 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 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 careers and respond to changes in the industry, clientele, and organizational structure. 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 click apply for full job details
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