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Unversity of California, Berkeley

Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension - Climate Resilient Rural Community

Unversity of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States, 94709

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Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension – Climate Resilient Rural Community Development – Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management Position overview Position title: Assistant Cooperative Extension Specialist / Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position: (https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/policy-covered-july-2025-scales/t29.pdf). The current full-time base salary range for this position is $90,600 – $118,500. "Off‑scale" salaries, which yield compensation that is higher than the published system‑wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions. Percent time: 100% Anticipated start: July 1, 2026

Application Window Open date: November 7, 2025 Next review date: Tuesday, Jan 6, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Final date: Tuesday, Jan 6, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.

Position description As part of the Rausser College of Natural Resources, the Department of Environmental Policy, and Management (ESPM) at the University of California, Berkeley (UCB), in partnership with UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), seeks an Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension (CE) in Climate Resilient Community Economic Development. This role will provide statewide leadership in climate‑resilient approaches to community economic development (CED), with a focus on equity, justice, and disaster planning in California’s rural communities. The successful candidate will augment UC ANR’s expertise in agronomy and climate science by building research and outreach capacity focused on climate adaptation and resilience within rural community economic development.

High‑priority research and outreach topics

CED across different socio‑economic, geographic, and climatic contexts

State and regional‑level CED policies

Participatory, community‑based decision‑making and envisioning for CED

Small‑scale manufacturing, alternative productive activities, and ecosystem protection

Community organizations and innovations that support CED

Intersections between CED, rural adaptation, and social justice

Migration effects on CED

Disaster planning and implementation efforts in rural communities

Sustainable farming practices, adaptations, and crop diversification in a changing climate

Political ecology of sustainability transitions in rural communities

Regional economic connectivity strategies to promote equitable growth in rural areas

Green energy or material transitions in rural areas

SGMA‑mandated land transitions out of large‑scale irrigated agriculture

Key responsibilities

Extension and Networks : Design and lead a multidisciplinary research and extension program that engages diverse rural clientele and partners with state and local agencies, community networks, UC centers, and UC ANR advisors. Activities may include workshops, policy briefs, symposia, field days, webinars, technical documents, blogging, and networking events.

Research : Establish an active research program, publish original findings in peer‑reviewed journals and conference proceedings, and contribute to ANR publications and trade journals.

UCANR Capacity Building : Provide statewide CED leadership, participate in relevant UCANR program areas and teams, and support community‑based initiatives in sectors such as food systems, disaster preparedness, climate science, and systemic inequality.

Extramural Funding Solicitation : Pursue grants from private, state, and federal sources and collaborate with community groups on rural development grant applications.

Location & Support : Office and laboratory space on the Berkeley campus; startup package for equipment, computers, and travel.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Qualifications Basic qualifications

(required at application): PhD (or equivalent) or enrolled in a PhD program at the time of application. Additional qualifications

(required by start): PhD (or equivalent) by the start date. Preferred qualifications

Doctor degree related to Climate Resilient Rural Community Development.

Disciplines: agrarian studies, rural sociology, geography, environmental studies, political ecology, Latino studies, Southeast Asian studies, ethnic studies, food justice and policy, disaster justice, or related fields.

Evidence of leadership experience.

Strong communication skills and experience engaging program clientele.

Team‑building experience with stakeholders.

Proficiency in policy planning.

Experience collaborating with underserved populations such as refugees, farmworkers, and other minoritized groups.

Application Requirements

Document requirements :

Curriculum Vitae – your most recently updated C.V.

Cover Letter

Statement of Research – discuss research accomplishments and proposed plans.

Statement of Extension – discuss extension philosophy, accomplishments, and plans.

Publication One – copy of a publication (optional).

Publication Two – copy of a publication (optional).

Publication Three – copy of a publication (optional).

Reference requirements

– 3 required, contact information only.

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05121

Help contact: se_ap@berkeley.edu

About UC Berkeley UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1‑d). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community and reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery, and innovation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. See

University of California’s Anti‑Discrimination Policy

and

University of California’s Anti‑Discrimination Policy . As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and collective bargaining agreements. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

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