Indigenous Food Systems and Foods Sovereignty Advisor (Applied Research and Extension) (22-09)

County Locations : Riverside County, San Diego County

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Date Posted : June 10, 2024

Closing Date : August 15, 2024

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers a unique recruitment opportunity for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Indigenous Food Systems and Foods Sovereignty Advisor.

UC ANR coordinates a statewide network of researchers and educators in partnership with Counties that are dedicated to the development and application of knowledge to address local agricultural, environmental, youth, and health issues.

Over 200 UC ANR UCCE academics conduct research, outreach and education from locally based Cooperative Extension offices in over 70 locations.

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

The Indigenous Food Systems and Food Sovereignty Advisor is responsible for developing and delivering a robust applied research and extension program in partnership with Native American Tribes, Tribal communities, and Tribal-serving organizations to strengthen Indigenous food systems as well as Indigenous food sovereignty in San Diego and Riverside counties.

This new position will include cultural heritage preservation, organic farming or gardening, climate resilience, food policy, and / or Indigenous land stewardship.

Applied Research, Extension and Education

Developing effective outreach programs with Tribal communities requires deep listening and a commitment toward building and sustaining relationships over time.

The advisor will partner with Tribal communities and coalitions, as well as public and private land managers, and government agencies to develop their research and outreach program.

Opportunities for extension activities may include :

• Co-creating, implementing, and evaluating Indigenous food system and food sovereignty initiatives identified by Tribal communities.
• Coordinating directly with the various regional Tribes and Tribal serving organizations to ensure good communication, coordination and program alignment.
• Strengthening Tribal capacity to enhance production of culturally relevant foods, fibers and medicines through farms, gardens, and / or landscape level stewardship.
• Supporting the development of climate-resilience plans including drought planning and mitigation, fire risk assessment and cultural burns, and co-management for Indigenous land stewardship.
• Contributing to regional and statewide policy dialogue on building a more resilient California landscape while protecting Tribal cultural heritage and cultural resources.
• Developing culturally relevant outreach programming that can be replicated and shared statewide.
• Facilitating the return of ancestors and cultural items to California Indians and other Native American Tribes.
• Developing agreements with tribes and tribal-led organizations outlining commitments and responsibilities.
• Facilitating vocational training opportunities for Indigenous youth in partnership with local Tribes and tribal networks.
• Identifying and assisting in procurement of resources to support Tribes and tribal-led organizations.

The Indigenous Food Systems and Food Sovereignty Advisor will foster an Indigenous perspective and approach to co-developing their research in partnership with Tribes and Tribal communities.

Before communicating any work, the Advisor will consult directly with each Tribe to understand their particular situation and desires.

Qualifications and Skills RequiredRequired Qualifications

Education : A minimum of a Master’s degree in food systems, nutrition, horticulture, agronomy, urban agriculture, natural resource management, environmental science, Native American Studies, geography, community development, and / or related fields is required.

Additional Requirements

• Lived or professional experience working with Tribal or Indigenous communities.
• Experience working with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes and ethnicities.
• Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed.
• Experience with community-led or community based participatory research and education methods.
• This is not a remote position. The candidate must be available to work onsite.

Skills Required

The candidate should have a deep understanding of Tribal and Indigenous Communities and be able to design and implement a program that leads to positive changes and impact within the community and beyond.

Desired Experience

• At least 5 years of experience working with Tribal communities around food systems and food sovereignty.
• Passion and desire to pursue a career in Cooperative Extension.
• Experience in building partnerships and with multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan projects and manage teams.

Salary & Benefits

Salary : The salary range for this Cooperative Extension Advisor position is currently Assistant Rank, Step I ($79,500) to Step VI ($100,900).

Benefits : The University of California offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, two days per month paid vacation, and paid holidays.

How to Apply

If interested in this position, please visit : https : / / recruit.ucanr.edu / and choose applicants (refer to position #22-09)

Closing Date : To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by August 15, 2024 (open until filled)

Questions?

Contact : Tatiana Avoce; email : tavoce@ucanr.edu

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.

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Last updated : 2024-09-03