Professor of Cooperative Extension- Agricultural Waste Management and Bioenergy Production (25-15)

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources seeks a Professor of Cooperative Extension in Agricultural Waste Management and Bioenergy Production. This role involves developing research and educational programs that bridge crop production and engineering, focusing on sustainable practices. Responsibilities include outreach, community engagement, and disseminating knowledge to improve agricultural practices. The position is based in Davis, CA, and applications are open until July 15, 2025.
Professor of Cooperative Extension- Agricultural Waste
Management and Bioenergy Production (25-15)

University of California Agriculture and Natural
Resources

Application Window

Open date: April 3, 2025

Next review date: Friday, May 16, 2025 at 11:59pm
(Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the
committee.

Final date: Tuesday, Jul 15, 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), in collaboration with the University of California, Merced,
invites applications for a Professor of Cooperative Extension at
the Assistant rank, which has the formal appointment title as
Specialist in Cooperative Extension.

The Professor of Cooperative Extension in Agricultural Waste
Management and Bioenergy will develop and implement a
collaborative, multifaceted research and extension program focused
on the interface between crop production and mechanical engineering
to develop sustainable practices and technologies. This includes
applying biodegradable mulching films, developing machinery for
mulching crop residues to limit soil erosion, improving water use
efficiency, reducing crop waste, and enhancing the conversion of
agricultural wastes to bioenergy. The role serves as a critical
link between the crop production sector and engineering to address
the technology needs of California's agricultural industry.

Professors of Cooperative Extension, also known as UCCE (UC
Cooperative Extension) Specialists, develop and conduct research
and educational programs aimed at appropriate clientele groups in
communities outside of UC campuses. UCCE Specialists have programs
primarily focused on mission-oriented research or creative work
that support the university's efforts to extend knowledge,
including outreach and community engagement. Mission-oriented
research describes the complete research continuum that extends
from basic research to applications of research results. This
research is generally applied in nature and has, as a goal, the
solution of a problem facing society that is related to the mission
of the UCCE Specialist's discipline and the UCCE mission. UCCE
Specialists will publish the results of applied research in a
combination of research publication types, whether peer-reviewed or
not, based on the relevant audiences served by the UCCE
Specialist's program.

The extension program disseminates knowledge and information to
clientele groups for their use in improving their abilities to
understand and address problems and opportunities facing them. The
extension educational program serves the University's public
service mission. Educational program activities include but are not
limited to collaborations with UCCE Advisors, other UCCE
Specialists, campus faculty, program teams, workgroups, or
clientele groups; developing and presenting educational materials;
communicating to clientele through broadcast, print, or electronic
media; participating in meetings with clientele; developing and
presenting in-service training courses; organizing or participating
in workshops, field tours, symposia or conferences. Much of this
work is conducted in partnership with UC ANR's locally based UCCE
Advisors. The UCCE Specialist - Advisor and faculty partnership
creates an applied research network that benefits both the
University and the public at large. This position does not include
formal classroom instruction at the University.

Location Headquarters. University of California Merced, Department
of Department of Mechanical Engineering, Merced, California

Position Details

Major Duties and Responsibilities Include:
• Develop and implement a collaborative research and outreach
program with the goal of enhancing and creating new technologies
that sustainably expand crop production.
• Conduct applied research related to agricultural engineering
and bioenergy production. Potential research topics include:

o Improvement in efficiency of mechanized harvesting and processing
to minimize crop loss

o Development of new technologies for the management of crop
residues

o Development or assessment of waste-to-energy conversion
technologies

o Monitoring and reporting on the adoption and success of waste
management and bioenergy practices in the region

o Assessment and development of techniques to divert agricultural
waste from landfills, such as composting.
• Evaluate and promote innovative bioenergy solutions tailored to
local agricultural needs.
• Collaborate with UC Cooperative Extension Advisors and other CE
Specialists/Professors of Cooperative Extension, UC Merced faculty,
and UC ANR statewide programs and institutes to conduct applied
research and inform extension efforts at the local, regional, and
statewide levels. Extension activities may include demonstrations,
technical workshops, and consultations.
• Utilize the UC Merced Experimental Smart Farm, a 40-acre
research facility, to showcase innovative solutions for soil
conservation and water use optimization in agriculture.
• Build partnerships with other universities, agencies, and
non-profit groups focused on agricultural engineering and
bioenergy, including the local community college network through
collaboration with Merced College's new Agriculture and Industrial
Technology Complex.
• Strengthen partnerships between UC Merced, BEAM Circular, F3
Innovate, and other organizations to position California's Central
Valley as a hub for climate-smart agriculture
innovation.
• Secure external funding through grants and partnerships to
support extension and research activities.
• Foster a community of practice among engineers, farmers, and
industry stakeholders to facilitate the adoption of innovative
technologies and practices.
• Publish in relevant ANR outlets and external scientific
journals appropriate for the field of agricultural engineering and
bioenergy production.

Counties of Responsibility: This state-wide position will serve
farmers across California, as well as allied agencies and
organizations. This is an exciting opportunity to impact diverse
communities throughout the state.

Reporting Relationship: The position will be located at the UC
Merced campus in Merced, CA, with an appointment in the Department
of Mechanical Engineering. UC ANR will oversee the merit and
promotion process, consistent with other UC ANR CE Specialists, in
consultation with the UCM Department Chair. The CE specialist will
also hold an additional 0% (uncompensated) Adjunct Professor series
appointment with the working title of Professor of Cooperative
Extension (Agricultural Waste Management and Bioenergy Production)
at UC Merced. It is not a remote position; the candidate must be
available to work onsite at the UC Merced campus.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Education: A minimum of a Ph.D. (or international equivalent) in
Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or a closely
related field is required at the time of appointment. Applicants
who have not yet earned a Ph.D. must be within 12 months of
completing their degree to be considered for the position.

Key Qualifications
• Strong experience in agricultural systems and bioenergy
production.
• A demonstrated record of research in the mechanization of
agriculture, waste management, and bioenergy production.
• Experience with agricultural machinery design, waste-to-energy
conversion processes, and a history of working with the agriculture
industry on applied research projects.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication
skills.
• Strong publication record.
• Experience in leading collaborative research teams.
• Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed,
proof of liability, and property damage insurance on the vehicle
used are required. Must possess a valid California Driver's License
to drive a university vehicle.
• Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective
University of California academic title series and evidence for
being able to meet required academic advancement criteria as per UC
Academic Personnel Manuals. Applications need to document relevant
research, extension, teaching experience, and appropriate scholarly
achievements.

Desired Experience
• Experience with integrated research and educational projects
and extension to diverse audiences.
• A track record of applying for and securing grant
funding.

Skills Required

To be successful, Professor of Cooperative Extension/UCCE
Specialist positions require skills in the following:

Technical competence
• Conduct and report needs assessments to identify priority
issues or problems relevant to the clientele groups being
served.
• Develop and implement effective UC ANR Cooperative Extension
applied research and educational programs to address the identified
priority needs of the clientele that are consistent with ANR's
Strategic Vision and ANR Initiatives.
• Conduct applied research designed to monitor changes and solve
statewide and locally relevant problems related to agricultural
waste management and bioenergy production in California.

Communication
• Disseminate appropriate, science-based information to inform
clientele, using extension methods that are responsive to clientele
needs and appropriate for the audience and situation.
• Maintain and promote UC ANR Cooperative Extension's credibility
by providing science-based knowledge.
• Evaluate programs and report accomplishments, results, and
potential or actual impacts to scientific and lay audiences through
a variety of outreach methods e.g., peer-reviewed publications,
internet, workshops, and newsletters.

Collaboration & Teamwork
• Build collaborative working relationships with CE Advisors, CE
Specialists, Academic Coordinators, and program staff across UC
ANR, via participation in program teams and work groups.
• Interact with campus academic colleagues to create synergies
that will advance the programmatic goals of the UC Merced
Department of Mechanical Engineering and UC ANR.
• Interact with the UC Merced Department of Mechanical
Engineering and other relevant graduate programs via occasional
lectures and other academic functions (such as serving on
dissertation committees, oral exams, etc.) as appropriate. Per UC
Academic Personnel Policy 334, Specialist in Cooperative Extension
Series, the teaching of regular undergraduate or graduate courses
will not be a responsibility of the position.
• Engage in campus faculty meetings, campus faculty committee
service, and other activities of the UC Merced faculty as
appropriate.

Lifelong Learning
• Participate in professional organizations and collaborate with
state government and agencies related to agricultural waste
management and bioenergy production in California.
• Demonstrate commitment to ongoing growth - both professionally
and as a person.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: The beginning salary will be in the Assistant Cooperative
Extension Specialist Rank Step 1- $87,700 to Step 6 - $114,800
annually. Step placement in this series is based on applicable
experience and professional qualifications. For information
regarding the Cooperative Extension Specialist series salary
scales, please refer to

https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2024-25/july-2024-scales/t29.pdf

This position is eligible for indefinite status, subject to terms
noted in Section 315 of the ANR Policy and Procedure Manual (PPM).
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.

The Cooperative Extension Specialist position is a two-year
renewable term appointment. Performance in this position is
evaluated annually, with merit actions being evaluated every two
years. Upon completion of a successful review, you may be
reappointed for another definite term. Our intention with this
definite term appointment is to be reappointed based on positive
performance reviews and the continuing need for the position.

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 as per the terms of University
policy. ANR is part of UC's Family-Friendly Policies. For more
information, refer to the UC Benefits website at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/

About UC ANR

UC ANR is a division of the University of California 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 the University of California, Merced

Opened in 2005 as the newest campus of the University of
California, UC Merced continually strives for excellence in
carrying out the university's mission of teaching, research, and
public service, benefiting society by discovering and transmitting
new knowledge and functioning as an active repository of organized
knowledge. The Department of Mechanical Engineering is dedicated to
the education of a new generation of engineers and researchers in
areas related to mechanical engineering while being exposed to
state-of-the-art research techniques, methodologies, and equipment
to solve problems that are relevant to modern society like green
energy, surface science, mechanical modeling and synthesis,
robotics and mechatronics, control systems, and more.

Learn more about
• UC ANR and UC ANR Mission Statement.
• UC Merced
• 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 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 UC ANR's Affirmative Action 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.
• 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.

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students, and Third
Parties

APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in
Employment

How to Apply

If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose "applicants"
(refer to position #25-15. An in-person finalist interview may be
required as part of the search process.

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets
must be received by May 16, 2025 (open until filled)

Questions?

Contact Tatiana Avoce; email: tavoce@ucanr.edu

Applicants may wish to explore the UC Davis Services for
International Students and Scholars web page at https://siss.ucdavis.edu/ as a resource.

University of California Cooperative Extension

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all
applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining
agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or
local government directives may impose additional
requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative
Action 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 categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination
policy.

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.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research and Extension - Please submit a 2-page
Statement of Research and Extension Interests including how your
current and/or past research and extension experience could
contribute to, or be applicable to, the needs of the local
community. Provide examples of potential goals and outcomes from
your research and extension activities.
• References - Please provide three references (names, titles and
contact information).
• College Level Transcripts - Electronic transcripts or legible
scanned copies (PDF) of original transcripts will be accepted.
Transcripts must identify course work completed, grades earned,
degrees conferred and confer dates. Please DO NOT send transcripts
that are password protected.

Reference requirements
• 3-5 required (contact information only)

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.

Job location

Merced, CA

To apply, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/JPF00311

jeid-1d987c13ee36f54b9d92373ad8936182