Assistant Cooperative Extension Specialist
Department of Plant Sciences, University of California
Davis, CA

Assistant Specialist in Cooperative Extension. An 11-month, career-track extension position with 100% Cooperative Extension responsibilities located in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences. Candidate will provide statewide research and extension leadership in restoration and conservation of multiple goals in working landscapes, including a focus on both natural (e.g., grasslands, wetlands, woodlands) and managed (e.g., rangeland, agricultural, urban, parks) ecosystems, and their interactions. Focal goals include, but are not limited to: safe and sustainable forage and food production; conservation and restoration of diverse species; enhanced provisioning of fertile soil, pollination, clean air; and control over pests and erosion. This CE Specialist will bring statewide leadership, visibility, and cohesion to an interdisciplinary team of land grant researchers and educators to improve the success of ecosystem restoration projects.  This position will support the ANR Rangeland Watershed Workgroup that coordinates the natural resources research and education activities of more than 40 CE advisors, CE specialists and AES researchers.  Research will be conducted in the laboratories and fields at UC Davis, on diverse stakeholder lands (e.g. nature reserves, local, state and federal lands, and commercial farms and ranches), and at UC Field Stations located throughout California. 

Specific research could include improving land management practices, developing site specific restoration and invasive species control guidelines and monitoring restoration progress in an effort in provide diverse plant communities/habitats and stable watersheds that ensure sustainable forage production, provide safe supplies of water, resist pest invasions, aid beneficial insects and support safe sustainable food systems. The candidate is expected to develop a nationally-recognized program, secure extramural funding, and publish research results in appropriate refereed journals and reports. Candidate will interact with diverse clientele groups, provide farm advisor training and advising, and develop an affirmative action program. Candidate will have the opportunity to participate in departmental teaching and in directing undergraduate and graduate research. Requirements include: a Ph.D. in restoration ecology, ecosystem management, rangeland ecology, plant ecology, plant biology, plant science, weed science, soil ecology, or a closely related field; leadership ability, management and communication skills; ability to conduct independent research must be demonstrated.

Candidates should begin the application process by registering online at http://recruitments.plantsciences.ucdavis.edu/

Please include statements of research and extension interests, curriculum vitae, publication list, copies of 3 of your most important research publications, copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts (if within 5 years of either degree), and the names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of at least five professional references. For administrative questions regarding the application process, please email Ms. Baljit Nijjar bknijjar@ucdavis.edu. Review of the applications for this position will begin November 1, 2012. The position will remain open until filled.

UC Davis is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer and is dedicated to recruiting a diverse faculty community.  We welcome all qualified applicants to apply, including women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.