UC Cooperative Extension Specialist-
Produce Safety Systems
Located at the USDA-ARS Sam Farr United States Crop Improvement and Protection Center in Salinas, CA
Position Overview
The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension Specialist (UCCE) - Produce Safety Systems at the Assistant rank or Associate rank.
California is the leading agricultural-producing state in the nation. California produces two-thirds of the national fruit and nut crop and over half of the vegetables grown in the US. It is the leading national producer of 47 specialty crops and the sole producer (99% or more) of 13 specialty crops. California is also the leading dairy-producing state in the nation and has a high prevalence of livestock operations. The level of specialty crop production, the density of livestock operations, and the diversity in wildlife species and climates create unique challenges for managing the safety of produce grown in California. One Health is a collaborative, multidisciplinary, and systems-thinking approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The UCCE Specialist in Produce Safety Systems will develop an innovative, collaborative, and impactful research and extension program focused on improving the safety of fruits and vegetables produced in California through One Health strategies. This specialist will address critical issues related to foodborne pathogen risk, compliance with food safety regulations (e.g., FSMA Produce Safety Rule, FSMA Preventive Controls for Human Food Rule), and the implementation of science-based best practices for growers, packers, and other stakeholders across the produce supply chain.
UCCE Specialists conduct research and educational programs aimed at relevant clientele groups in California's communities. UCCE Specialists have programs primarily focused on mission-oriented research or creative work that support 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. Within the UCCE mission and mandate, this applied research focuses on developing practical and cost-effective solutions to address problems and challenges that communities are facing. UCCE Specialists publish applied research results in a combination of publication types, whether peer-reviewed journals or other local venues, based on the targeted audiences.
The extension and outreach programs disseminate knowledge and information to clientele groups for their use in improving their abilities to understand and address problems and opportunities facing them. 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 presenting 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 both the University and the public at large.
Location Headquarters. The position will be physically located at the US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) Sam Farr United States Crop Improvement and Protection Research Center in Salinas, California. The center, which opened in 2023, features state-of-the-art laboratories and greenhouses for fruit and vegetable research.
Position Details
Major duties and responsibilities for this specialist include:
* Conduct applied research on produce safety topics, working collaboratively with partners, and drawing on resources such as the 2024 California Agricultural Neighbors Action Report. The California Agricultural Neighbors (CAN) initiative, launched in January 2021 by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the Monterey County Farm Bureau, aims to enhance food safety in the Salinas Valley, particularly concerning E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks linked to leafy greens. The initiative fosters collaboration among neighboring agricultural operations, including leafy green farms, cattle ranches, vineyards, and compost sites, to address shared food safety concerns. Broadly, areas of research for this specialist might include:
o Mechanisms of introduction of E. coli O157:H7 into host animal populations and re-introduction into the environment
o Investigating the amplification of E. coli O157:H7 within host populations and through conditions that may allow for regrowth in growing land and land surrounding production areas
o Evaluation of the survival and persistence of foodborne pathogens under various conditions that do not allow for amplification in the environment
o Mechanisms of foodborne pathogen movement and transport across the landscape by air, water, animals, and machinery
o Studies to evaluate and minimize risks associated with adjacent land use concerns
o Evaluate the impact of regional wildlife on food safety risks and potential mitigation strategies
o Expanding research into risk factors identified by the California Longitudinal Study (CALS)
o Any other relevant research area that can provide data for a Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA)
* Develop and lead cross-disciplinary collaborations with relevant advisors, specialists, and external stakeholders to improve food safety systems in the Salinas Valley and on the Central Coast.
* Lead focused efforts on developing and disseminating best practices for produce safety, both pre- and post-harvest.
* Provide leadership and science-based information to diverse industry clientele, UC ANR advisors, trade associations, NGOs, state and federal agencies, and diverse academic institutions to facilitate and support outreach and training in program areas most impactful of regional food safety management, sustained environmental quality, water quality, and soil health.
* Catalyze and build stakeholder support and funding for an intrastate Produce Safety Response Network, which will provide industry support in coordinated and scientifically valid investigative research approaches to acute food safety events at a local, regional, or statewide level.
* Publish research findings in relevant peer-reviewed journals (i.e., Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Journal of Food Protection, International Journal of Food Microbiology, etc.) or applied research outlets such as UC ANR peer-reviewed publications and California Agriculture.
Counties of Responsibility: The specialist will work closely with ANR Advisors, specialists, USDA-ARS staff, and partner organizations throughout the state, with a focus on the Salinas Valley and the northern Central Coast. This is an exciting opportunity to impact diverse communities throughout the state.
Reporting Relationship: The position will be located at the USDA-ARS Crop Improvement and Protection Research Center in Salinas, California, and will report to the UC ANR Vice Provost for Academic Personnel. This is a statewide position requiring collaboration with UC ANR personnel and external partners throughout California. It is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite at the USDA-ARS Center.
Qualifications and Skills Required
Education: A minimum of a Ph.D. (or international equivalent) in agronomy, horticulture, plant pathology, produce safety, food science, environmental microbiology, 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
* Relevant and extensive multidisciplinary experience in applied research related to this position.
* Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills are required.
* A track record of effectively engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders.
* Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals and applied research outlets.
* Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed. Proof of liability and property damage insurance on the vehicle used is required. Must possess a valid California Driver's License to drive a university vehicle.
* Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series and provide evidence of being able to meet required academic advancement criteria as per the UC Academic Personnel Manuals. Applications also need to document relevant research, extension, teaching experience, and appropriate scholarly achievements.
* At least two years of practical project participation and leadership in applied, problem-solving research and extension experience in produce safety for specialty crops.
Desired Experience/Qualifications
* Postdoctoral or faculty experience in areas integrating cross-functional applied research and extension in preharvest and postharvest food safety.
* Experience with integrated research and educational projects and extension to diverse audiences.
* A track record of applying for and securing grant funding.
* Experience as a lead instructor for the FDA FSMA Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Course.
* Experience as an FDA FSMA Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) and Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) lead instructor.
* Demonstrated experience with practical applications of molecular microbial ecology and biology with an emphasis inclusive of One Health systems principles.
Skills Required
To be successful, Cooperative Extension Specialist positions require skills in the following:
Technical competence
* Develop and implement effective UC ANR Cooperative Extension applied research and educational programs to address the identified priority needs of the clientele that are consistent with ANR's Strategic Vision and ANR Initiatives.
* Conduct applied research designed to monitor changes and solve statewide and locally relevant problems related to produce safety systems in California.
Communication
* Disseminate appropriate, science-based information to inform clientele, using extension methods that are responsive to clientele needs and appropriate for the audience and situation.
* Maintain and promote UC ANR Cooperative Extension's credibility by providing science-based knowledge.
* Evaluate programs and report accomplishments, results, and potential or actual impacts to scientific and lay audiences through a variety of outreach methods and materials, e.g., peer-reviewed publications, internet, workshops, field days, and newsletters.
Collaboration & Teamwork
* Build collaborative working relationships with CE Advisors, CE Specialists, Academic Coordinators, and program staff across UC ANR, via participation in program teams and work groups.
* Collaborate with stakeholders and allied nonprofits and agencies.
Lifelong Learning
* Participate in professional organizations and collaborate with industry, local, state, and federal government, and agencies related to the production of safety systems.
* Demonstrate commitment to ongoing growth - both professionally and as a person.
Salary & Benefits
Salary: The beginning salary will be in the Assistant Cooperative Extension Specialist Rank Step 1- $87,700 to Step 6 - $114,800 annually or in the Associate Rank Step 1- $109,000 to Step 5 - $137,800 annually. 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/2024-25/july-2024-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-year renewable term appointment. Performance in this position is evaluated annually, with merit actions being evaluated every two years. Upon completion of 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 as 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
* USDA ARS Sam Farr United Crop Improvement and Protection Research Center
* 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 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 UC ANR's commitment to UC ANR's Affirmative Action policy.
* 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.
* 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
How to Apply
If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose "applicants" (refer to position #25-20. 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 July 23, 2025 (open until filled).
Questions?
Contact Tatiana Avoce; email: tavoce@ucanr.edu.
Applicants may wish to explore the UC Davis Services for International Students and Scholars web page at https://siss.ucdavis.edu/ as a resource.
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 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 status under state or federal law.
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
$87,700.00 / yr
paid holidays, sick time
Jun 22, 2025