Position Overview
The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension Specialist (UCCE) - Workforce Development at the Assistant rank.
The Workforce Development Specialist will lead applied research, curriculum development, coordination, and statewide extension efforts to study, design, and implement innovative workforce programs aligned with California's evolving food, agriculture, natural resource, and bioeconomy sectors. The Specialist will address critical issues that will aid Californians-especially youth, underserved, and non-traditional learners-in acquiring the skills and credentials needed to access high-demand jobs and build inclusive economic prosperity.
The Specialist will collaborate with UC ANR statewide programs and institutes (e.g., UC ANR Innovate, 4-H, UC Master Gardeners, UC California Naturalist, Community Nutrition and Health, and the ANR Policy Institute), campus-based programs, and county-based UCCE Advisors to develop, pilot, and evaluate new workforce pathways and experiential learning models that extend beyond traditional college degree programs. These programs may include challenge-based learning, short- and long-term credentials, and career readiness initiatives in partnership with K-12 schools, community colleges, workforce boards, non-profits, and industry partners. To aid in implementing these new workforce development programs, the Specialist will conduct applied research to review and assess existing programs in California, other states, and other countries while working to tailor these models to unique and diverse contexts across California.
This position will bridge education and workforce systems, UC research, and California's agricultural and environmental priorities, ensuring that UC ANR programs prepare learners with relevant skills, industry-recognized credentials, and access to equitable career pathways.
UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Specialists develop and conduct research and educational programs for appropriate clientele groups in California communities. UCCE Specialists have programs primarily focused on mission-oriented research or creative work that supports 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, finding practical, cost-effective solutions for problems facing society related to the mission of the UCCE Specialist's discipline and the UCCE mission. UCCE Specialists publish the results of applied research in a combination of peer-reviewed publications and stakeholder-facing materials, including refereed journals, technical reports, and white papers, tailored to the needs of the audiences their programs serve.
The extension and outreach programs disseminate knowledge and information to clientele groups to help them better understand and address problems and opportunities they face. 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 delivering in-service training courses; organizing or participating in workshops, field tours, symposia or conferences. Much of this work will be 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 the University and the public. This position does not include formal classroom instruction at the University but fulfills the University's public service mission through community-engaged scholarship and statewide extension.
Location Headquarters. The position will be housed with the UC ANR Innovate Statewide Program at UC ANR headquarters, 2801 2nd Street, Davis, CA, 95618. It is not a remote position: the candidate must be available to work onsite at the agreed-upon office location.
Position Details
The Specialist will focus on workforce innovations across a range of emerging and applied domains, including but not limited to:
* Challenge-based STEM programming - such as the Ag Robotics Challenge and AgTech Academy, which engage high school and community college students in hands-on agricultural problem-solving.
* Certificate and microcredential programs - designed to prepare learners for careers in agricultural technology, sustainable farming, irrigation management, biological inputs, or community food systems.
* Work-based learning and internships - expanding UC ANR's capacity to deliver inclusive youth and adult internships, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurship programs in partnership with employers and regional ecosystems.
* Workforce-aligned 4-H initiatives, such as curricula in agriscience, business skills, climate resilience, and food innovation, are delivered through new and nontraditional 4-H delivery modes.
* Curriculum and instructional design support-for UC ANR staff and academic personnel implementing educational programs for K-16 and adult learners across urban and rural communities.
Major duties and responsibilities include:
* Conduct scholarly and applied research on workforce development topics. Areas of research for this specialist might include:
o Analyzing the effects of existing workforce development strategies and programs in California, across the U.S., and globally,
o Implementing workforce development programs and evaluating their impacts using evidence-based methods and continuous improvement practices,
o Partnering with California employers to study the viability of on-the-job trainings, apprenticeships, and other employer-based strategies for facilitating upward career mobility,
o Evaluating student outcomes and experiences from existing and newly developed curricula, especially those targeting youth, underserved, and non-traditional learners,
o Documenting job market trends, skill gaps, and unemployment, and identifying factors contributing to robust and well-functioning labor markets.
o Appraising alternative workforce pathways, particularly non-traditional educational pathways, based on their short- and long-run outcomes for participants.
o Creating evaluation tools to assess the effectiveness, accessibility, and impact of non-traditional learning models, workforce interventions, and other strategies for enhancing labor market outcomes.
* Publish research findings in relevant peer-reviewed journals, applied research outlets (e.g., California Agriculture), and industry- or public-facing magazines, news outlets, and media.
* Conduct and report workforce needs assessments to identify priority issues, skills gaps, and opportunities for K-16 and adult learners across California's food, agriculture, and natural resource sectors.
* Develop, implement, and evaluate UC ANR Cooperative Extension workforce development programs that align with ANR's Strategic Vision, Public Value Statements, and Statewide Initiatives.
* Provide subject matter expertise in curriculum and instructional design for certificate programs, challenge-based learning, youth education, and adult workforce initiatives.
* Design and implement workforce development strategies aligned with UC ANR's mission and the needs of California's agri-food and natural resource sectors.
* Lead curriculum development for non-credit, certificate, and microcredential programs that support youth and adult learners, which are delivered directly by UC ANR or in partnership with external partners and stakeholders.
* Work with other UC ANR Specialists and Advisors, UC campus faculty, local communities, industry stakeholders, educational partners, and others to identify statewide and local needs based on emerging skill gaps and job market trends and to deploy high-impact learning experiences statewide.
* Integrate challenge-based and experiential learning models such as the Ag Robotics Challenge and AgTech Academies.
* Develop or co-develop and facilitate professional development for UC ANR staff and volunteers delivering workforce-related programs.
* Organize workforce convenings, trainings, and outreach events.
* Secure competitive funding from state and federal agencies, foundations, and industry.
Counties of Responsibility: This statewide position supports UC ANR programs and academics serving youth and adult learners across California. This is an exciting opportunity to impact diverse communities throughout the state.
Reporting Relationship: This position will report directly to the UC ANR Chief Innovation Officer. It is a statewide position requiring collaboration with UC ANR personnel and external partners throughout California.
Qualifications and Skills Required
Education: A minimum of a Ph.D. (or international equivalent) in human resource management, applied or agricultural economics, economics, business, education, curriculum design, or a 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
* Experience in curriculum design, instructional systems, or workforce program development.
* Familiarity with certificate and credentialing frameworks, especially in agriculture, STEM, or community development.
* At least two years of experience working with or conducting research relevant to K-16 learners or non-traditional learners.
* Experience conducting applied educational research and program evaluation.
* Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
* Demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals and applied research outlets.
* A track record of effectively engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders.
* Ability 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 university vehicle.
* We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. at the time of hire.
* 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
Desired Experience
* Experience conducting collaborative and applied research and disseminating findings to diverse audiences.
* Experience with educational projects, including working as an educator in a K-16 setting, administering or evaluating workforce training initiatives, or working with 4-H, community colleges, or nonprofit educational programs.
* Experience in fundraising and resource mobilization, including competitive grant funding from government agencies, commodity boards, or industry partners
* Understanding of or experience working with the UC Cooperative Extension system.
* Familiarity with the California workforce development ecosystem, including WIOA programs, workforce boards, and CTE systems.
* Bilingual (Spanish/English) proficiency is a plus.
Skills Required
To be successful, Cooperative Extension Specialist positions require skills in the following:
Technical Competence
* Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series as per UC Academic Personnel Manuals. Applications need to document relevant research, extension, teaching experience, and scholarly achievements.
* 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.
* Conduct and report needs assessments to identify priority issues or problems relevant to the clientele groups served.
* Develop and implement effective applied research and educational programs to address the identified priority needs of the clientele that are consistent with UC ANR's Strategic Vision and Initiatives.
* Conduct applied research designed to monitor changes and solve statewide and locally relevant problems related to workforce development in California.
Communication
* Translate and disseminate appropriate, research-based educational content using multiple delivery methods (e.g., curriculum toolkits, online platforms, webinars, field demonstrations, and publications).
* Communicate program outcomes, evaluation results, and workforce trends to stakeholders and decision-makers through reports, peer-reviewed articles, newsletters, and presentations.
* Serve as a trusted source of information to maintain and enhance UC ANR's reputation for evidence-based, inclusive, and impactful workforce education.
Collaboration & Teamwork
* Build collaborative relationships with CE Advisors, CE Specialists, program staff, and campus faculty to co-create and deliver workforce development programs statewide.
* Partner with local and regional stakeholders, including school districts, community colleges, workforce development boards, industry associations, nonprofits, and government agencies.
* Coordinate with statewide programs such as UC ANR Innovate, 4-H, Master Gardeners, and California Naturalist to scale best practices across audiences and geographies.
Lifelong Learning
* Engage in professional development related to education, evaluation, workforce policy, and inclusive curriculum design.
* Participate in professional organizations, learning communities, and statewide or national coalitions focused on workforce development and educational innovation. Demonstrate a commitment to continuous personal and professional growth.
Salary & Benefits
Salary: The beginning salary will be in the Assistant Cooperative Extension Specialist Rank Step 1- $90,600 to Step 6 - $118,500 annually. Rank/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/2025-26/policy-covered-july-2025-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 or three-year renewable term appointment. Performance in this position is evaluated annually, with merit actions being evaluated every two years. Upon completing 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 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.
Learn more about
* UC ANR and UC ANR Mission Statement.
* The UC ANR Office of Innovation "The Vine"
* 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 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 commitment to UC ANR's Affirmative Action policy
* The 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.
How to Apply
If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose "applicants" (refer to position #25-30. 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 January 3, 2026 (open until filled)
Questions?
Contact Katie Kilbane; email: klkilbane@ucanr.edu
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.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
$90,600.00 / yr
paid holidays, sick time
Oct 31, 2025