Job Description
Cooperative Extension Area Pistachio Advisor - Serving Kern and Kings Counties (AP 25-34)
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
Application Window
Open date: October 13, 2025
Next review date: Sunday, Nov 23, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Sunday, Feb 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
Position Overview
The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Area Advisor at the Assistant rank. The Advisor will develop an innovative multi-county applied research and extension education program focused on the large pistachio industry in Kern and Kings Counties, and supporting citrus production in Kern County by providing information to local growers.
The Advisor will develop problem-solving and educational programs for high-priority production issues related to climate and drought resilience in pistachios, including warmer temperatures, decreased water availability, and decreased water quality. Research and extension solutions may include rootstock and cultivar selection, irrigation and soil management, and emerging innovative farming practices. Additionally, the incumbent will work on horticultural solutions to production challenges in pistachios, integrating research and expertise from colleagues in agricultural engineering, irrigation, plant pathology, and entomology to address concerns such as limited and increasingly expensive inputs (labor, water, nutrients, etc.) and emerging pests and diseases.
UCCE Advisors are responsible for applied research and extension of knowledge. Research activities are applied, needs-based, and mission-oriented, focusing on addressing the challenges in our communities. Extension activities are the educational practices that Advisors use to share research results directly with clientele and communities to increase their knowledge and understanding of science-based research that supports and promotes the adoption of practices and technologies to solve problems. Extension methods may include individual consultations, presentations, organizing educational workshops and short courses, field demonstrations, farm visits, and site visits. Information may also be disseminated via radio outreach, webinars, fact sheets, policy briefs, news blogs, and social media. Publications are expected in various formats, such as newsletters, articles for the popular press, curricula, conference proceedings, and peer-reviewed publications. Successful research and extension programs result in new information that improves knowledge or understanding and adoption of new skills, practices, changed attitudes, policies, and improved environmental, health, agricultural, economic, and/or social conditions. UCCE Advisors are evaluated through an academic advancement system based on four criteria: extending knowledge, applied research and creative activity, professional competence and activity, and university and public service.
Location Headquarters: The position will be based at the Kern County Cooperative Extension Office at 1031 S. Mount Vernon Avenue, Bakersfield, California, 93307.
Position Details
The pistachio industry is important for the state and region, with more than half of the state's 2.4-billion-dollar pistachio crop coming from Kern and Kings Counties combined. Pistachios are a high-value "climate-smart" crop that will sustain rural agricultural economies in the warmer, drier decades to come. However, they face challenges that require local, on-the-ground, research-based solutions. The Advisor will conduct applied research on topics relevant to the pistachio industry, based on a clientele needs assessment and the Advisor's expertise. Examples of potential research topics include: Precision-driven nutrient management strategies that enhance yield while reducing environmental impact through targeted application and real-time monitoring Advanced water resource management leveraging remote sensing, soil moisture sensors, and predictive modeling to address drought conditions and comply with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) Climate-resilient cultivation practices incorporating precision breeding of pistachio cultivars and rootstocks, alongside dormancy manipulation techniques informed by environmental data analytics Integrated pest and disease management using AI-powered diagnostics, drone surveillance, and sensor networks to detect, predict, and mitigate threats with minimal chemical input High-density orchard systems optimized for mechanical harvesting, supported by spatial analysis and automation technologies to improve labor efficiency and crop uniformity
Research objectives should emphasize the development of orchard systems that conserve resources in compliance with state air and water regulations. Research results and knowledge are expected to be published in various UC ANR series, technical sheets, commodity board reports, and peer-reviewed journals.
The Advisor will conduct outreach to provide science-based information through workshops, field meetings, webinars, newsletters, industry and media outlets, phone calls, and online and social media tools, as appropriate for the target audiences. Extension efforts will need to cover basic information for small acreage and new growers, as well as cutting-edge information for more experienced growers. The Advisor, while strongly focused on pistachio production, will also extend information to citrus growers in Kern County.
In this highly collaborative role, the Advisor will work with UC ANR Program Teams, UCCE Specialists, and others in the UC ANR network, as well as external partners such as growers, industry organizations such as the American Pistachio Growers, and local farm bureaus.
Counties of Responsibility. This position has programmatic responsibilities for pistachio production in Kern and Kings Counties and citrus production in Kern County.
Reporting Relationship: In this appointment, incumbents will report directly to the UC Cooperative Extension Area Director for Kern, Kings, and Tulare Counties. It is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite at the headquarters location in Bakersfield, CA, and travel to and be present in both counties served. Specific expectations for maintaining office hours and fieldwork in the geographic area covered by this position will be outlined upon hire by the supervisor(s).
Qualifications and Skills Required
Education: A minimum of a master's degree in horticulture, pomology, crop physiology, agroecology, plant nutrition, or a related field is required at the time of appointment.
Key Qualifications Experience in conducting applied, impact-oriented research on topics relevant to this position Capacity or potential to accomplish team-based research and education programs consistent with the values of UCANR 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 or obtain a valid California Driver's License to drive a county or 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.
Additional Skills Required Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series and provide evidence of success in meeting required academic advancement criteria as per UC Academic Personnel Manuals. Applications also need to document relevant research, extension, teaching experience, and appropriate scholarly achievements. Interest in and desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension. Technical Competence and Impact: The candidate should understand key concepts to optimize engagement and development and be able to design and implement a program that leads to positive changes and impact within the community and beyond. Communication: Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal, and information technology communication skills. Collaboration, Teamwork, and Flexibility: The candidate should demonstrate the ability to collaborate as a team member with key external stakeholders, county-based staff, and other colleagues within UC ANR. Lifelong Learning: There is an expectation that Advisors evolve and grow across their careers and respond to changes in the industry, clientele, and organizational structure. 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.
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