What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Sustainable Agricultural Systems position at University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources?
Job Overview
The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) is seeking an exceptional candidate to fill the position of Associate Director for Sustainable Production Systems. This role will provide leadership and oversight for outreach, technical assistance, applied research, and extension activities supporting sustainable production systems, including organic, agroecological, and regenerative practices.
About the Position
This position requires a highly skilled professional with expertise in agricultural sciences, ecological principles, and community engagement. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of sustainable production systems, including organic and regenerative agriculture, and experience working with diverse stakeholders, including farmers, ranchers, and industry representatives. The successful candidate will be able to develop and implement effective programs based on feedback from stakeholders and lead interdisciplinary efforts to support sustainable production practices.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide statewide leadership and strategic vision for the UC Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program (UC SAREP) and the UC Organic Agriculture Institute (UC OAI).
- Develop and implement programs based on feedback from diverse stakeholders, including farmers, UC ANR staff and academics, community-based partner organizations, and public agencies.
- Supervise and mentor statewide staff and academic positions within the UC OAI and UC SAREP Agriculture and Environment theme.
- Collaborate with other relevant UC programs focused on sustainable agriculture, such as the UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology, the UC Davis Agricultural Sustainability Institute (ASI), and the UC Berkeley Food Institute (BFI).
Requirements
The successful candidate will possess a minimum of a Master's degree in agricultural sciences or a related field, with coursework or experience relevant to sustainable agricultural research, extension, and education. A PhD or other advanced degrees are encouraged. The ideal candidate will also have demonstrated program leadership in extension, research, or a related field and subject matter expertise in an academic discipline relevant to sustainable production.
Benefits
The University of California offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid vacation, paid sick leave, and paid holidays. The Academic Coordinator position is a three-year renewable term appointment, with performance reviews evaluated annually. Upon completion of a successful review, you may be reappointed for another definite term.
