UC Cooperative Extension Specialist

UC Cooperative Extension Specialist - Agricultural Waste Management and Bioenergy Production Professor (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 . click apply for full job details