4-H Animal Science Youth Advisor – Applied Research and Extension (AP 22-47)

4-H Animal Science Youth Advisor – Applied Research and Extension (AP 22-47)

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

County Locations: Monterey County, San Benito County, Santa Cruz County

Location: UC ANR – Davis

Date Posted: December 4, 2023

Closing Date: January 18, 2024

Job Description: https://ucanr.edu/publicFiles/jobs/2690.pdf 

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers a unique recruitment opportunity for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) 4-H Animal Science Youth Advisor. UC ANR operates a statewide network of researchers and educators dedicated to the development and application of knowledge to address local agricultural, environmental and health issues. Over 150 UC ANR UCCE advisors conduct research, outreach and education from locally based CE offices serving all 58 counties from 70+ locations throughout the state. Our mission is to bring the University of California directly to Californians through research, extension and education programs that support:

• Sustainable, safe, and nutritious food production and delivery
• Economic success in a global economy
• A sustainable, healthy, and productive environment
• Science literacy and youth development

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 UC system.

Location Headquarters: Hollister, CA in San Benito County

Purpose. The 4-H Animal Science Youth Advisor is responsible for the assessment, development, implementation, evaluation, and extension of the UCCE 4-H Youth Development educational and applied research programs in San Benito, Monterey, and Santa Cruz Counties. The Advisor focus will be on delivery of a statewide 4-H Youth Development Program at the local level that helps youth reach their full potential.

The Advisor is expected to develop an extension and applied research program in agricultural science, with an emphasis in livestock that is framed in positive youth development. The Advisor will work with a network of 4-H youth, volunteers, staff, community partners and academics to bridge youth agricultural science programming, research, and practice throughout all delivery modes. These efforts will emphasize inclusive programming by ensuring that 4-H programs, curricula, and experiences meet the need of underserved youth in the region.

The Advisor will be responsible for creating new and innovative approaches to strengthen and expand the 4-H experience. This will be done through multiple program deliveries (i.e., 4-H clubs, camp, and after-school programs) by developing and cultivating partnerships to provide agricultural science education experiences to new audiences in the region. The Advisor will disseminate research-based information to community partners (volunteers, youth development professionals, educators) through a robust extension program aimed to providing professional development to enhance knowledge and skills in delivering agricultural science education to youth. The Advisor will partner with out-of-school time professionals to provide high-quality, hands-on inquiry based 4-H curricula to strengthen agriculture science education. The Advisor will participate in community networks and coalitions that promote education, agricultural science literacy, the coordination of resources, and the framing and interpreting of youth development policy. Clientele will include youth, parents, adult volunteers, and other youth development professionals and practitioners.

Applied research activities will focus on improving animal agricultural science literacy and career development in agricultural sectors through the development of programs and curricula for youth. The Advisor will develop applied research projects, in partnership with the Science Literacy Program Team, Science Education Workgroup, 4-H STEM Education Advisory Committee and 4-H animal Science Advisory Committee. In support of the Healthy, Families and Communities Strategic Plan, the Advisor will: (1) explore and extend reform-based professional development models for agricultural science educators, (2) identify promising and/or evidence-based practices for facilitating agricultural science for unserved youth, and (3) study the impacts of youth engagement in agricultural science and propensity to pursue agricultural related careers. Furthermore, the Advisor will develop and/or adapt agricultural science curricula that support ethnic and racial identity development, leadership, and program quality. Research results will be published in such outlets as Journal of Extension, Journal of Youth Development, California Agriculture, and shared with the California Association of Agricultural Science Educators, National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals, and National Association for Research on Science Teaching.

Counties of Responsibility. This position will be headquartered at the UCCE office in Hollister, CA San Benito County and will serve Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.

Reporting Relationship: The CE Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Area Director for Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties and the Statewide Director for 4-H Youth Development.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications

Education: A minimum of a master’s degree in youth/child development, human development, agriculture education, animal science, agronomy, or a related field is required at time of appointment.

Additional Requirements

• 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 valid California Driver’s License to drive a County or University vehicle
• The ability to work with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes and ethnicities
• Experience in conducting applied research, program evaluation, and education programs with youth
• Strong leadership skills and experience in program and personnel management
• This is not a remote position. The candidate must be available to work onsite.
• A background investigation will be required for the successful candidate, including fingerprinting and a criminal history clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This position is subject to the requirements and compliance of the California’s Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA). Employment within UC ANR is contingent upon securing written acknowledgement to comply with California law.

Skills Required

To be successful, the CE Advisor requires skills in the following area:

Technical Competence and Impact:

Experience working with youth in Latino, Black, and indigenous communities is desirable. Strong leadership skills and experience in program and personnel management are required.

To learn more about Skills and Areas of Programmatic Review (including Professional Competence, University and Public Service and Affirmative Action and DEI) access the link at: https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/319460.pdf 

Additional Desired Experiences

• Passion and desire to pursue a career in Youth Development with Cooperative Extension
• Experience working with underserved youth
• Strong leadership skills and experience in program and personnel management
• Experience in building partnerships and with multidisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan projects, manage teams and implement an applied research and outreach program, including setting measurable goals and objectives

About UC ANR

The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) consists of a network of scientists and educators working in partnership across the state of California. We are committed to developing and supporting healthy food systems, healthy environments, healthy communities, and healthy Californians. UC ANR administers Statewide Programs and Initiatives (SWP/I’s) that focus research and extension on solving priority problems that engage ANR academics and UC faculty in integrated teams to work on complex issues requiring trans-disciplinary approaches; as well as UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE), which is responsible for program development and delivery in counties throughout the state.

Learn more about

• UC ANR at https://ucanr.edu  
• UC ANR in counties: https://ucanr.edu/sites/ucanr/County_Offices/  
• Our Strategic Initiatives http://ucanr.edu/sites/StrategicInitiatives/ 
• Our Public Value statements at: https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/Divisionwide_Planning/UC_ANR_Public_Values/ 
• DEI: Further to the above, advisors are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion https://ucanr.edu/sites/Professional_Development/Office_-_Team_Management/Diversity_Equity_Inclusion_Belonging/ 
• Affirmative Action: Further to the above, advisors are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR’s commitment to affirmative action. Learn more of UC ANR Affirmative Action policy: http://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/Diversity/Affirmative_Action/
• The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ+ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

Communication

Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal, and information technology communication skills. Public speaking to stakeholders and clientele is a routine part of this position. Demonstrated ability to share complex information in a manner tailored to the audience.

Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility:

Expected to collaborate with youth-serving agencies and programs and participate in community events.

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team member with educational and youth development professionals and other stakeholders. Able to adapt as circumstances warranted.

Aware and willing to actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Lifelong Learning

Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional improvement. Ability to shift program focus as priorities and organizational needs change.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: The salary range for this Cooperative Extension Advisor position is Assistant Rank, Step I ($79,500) to Step VI ($100,900). Step placement in the advisor series is based on applicable experience and professional qualifications. For information regarding Cooperative Extension Advisor salary scales, please refer to the University of California website: https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/358478.pdf. If the successful candidate is currently a UCCE Advisor, the candidate will be offered the position without change to the candidate’s current rank, step, salary and/or appointment terms; and if applicable, is eligible to retain indefinite status.

This position is eligible for indefinite status following three successful reviews and subject to terms noted in UC ANR Policy and Procedure Manual, Section 315 https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/118501.pdf 

Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, 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 the University policy. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website at: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

How to Apply

If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/  and choose “applicants” (refer to position #22-47)

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by January18, 2024 (open until filled)

Questions?

Contact Mikyla Perez; email: mailto:[email protected] 

Applicants may wish to explore the UC Davis Services for International Students and Scholars web page at https://siss.ucdavis.edu/ and the https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/287558.pdf  for reference.

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.

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