University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
UC Cooperative Extension Specialist - Food Safety, Drones, and Spectral Analysis
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Santa Cruz, California, us, 95061
Application Window
Open date:
December 15, 2025
Next review date:
Tuesday, Feb 10, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date:
Wednesday, Apr 29, 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 overview The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), in collaboration with the University of California, Santa Cruz, invites applications for a
UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Specialist at the Assistant rank .
Food safety is a major priority for California agriculture, especially in the fresh produce industry. This position will address evolving food safety challenges in specialty crop production, bringing scientific and technical expertise to the field, with a focus on the intersection between food safety and organic/regenerative farming practices. The Specialist will examine the potential of agricultural technologies, such as drones, spectral analysis, and sensors, to help California growers ensure the safety of their harvest while using organic and regenerative practices.
UCCE Specialists
develop and conduct research and educational programs aimed at appropriate clientele groups in communities outside of UC campuses. UCCE Specialists have programs 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. This research is generally applied in nature and has, as a goal, finding solutions for problems facing society related to the mission of the UCCE Specialist\'s discipline and the UCCE mission. UCCE Specialists publish the results of applied research in a combination of peer-reviewed publications and stakeholder-facing materials, including refereed journals, technical reports, and white papers, tailored to the needs of the audiences their programs serve.
Extension programs disseminate knowledge and information to clientele groups to help them better understand and address problems and opportunities they face. 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 delivering in-service training courses; organizing or participating in workshops, field tours, symposia or conferences. Much of this work is 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. This position does not include formal classroom instruction at the University.
Location The Specialist will be part of the University of California, Santa Cruz Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The position will be based primarily at the Westside Research Park, near the UCSC main campus, managed by the Baskin School of Engineering, with secondary office space and presence required at the Monterey Bay Education, Science, and Technology Center (MBEST), in the emerging food safety nexus of Monterey County.
Position details While the Food Safety Modernization Act dictates federal mandates for food safety regulation, wholesalers and buyers drive current compliance practices with more stringent standards enforced via third-party regulators. This de facto enforcement landscape, with proprietary third-party metrics, is obscure and does not necessarily utilize science-based assessment of food safety outcomes. Moreover, increasing pressures for organic/regenerative farm practices (e.g., compost, hedgerows for biodiversity, conservation setbacks, reduced chemical applications), driven by consumers and produce buyers, are often at odds with food safety risk reduction best practices. This Specialist will examine and exploit the potential of agricultural technologies to address food safety.
Primary duties and responsibilities for this Specialist include :
Collaborating extensively with UCSC faculty, as well as UC ANR\'s network of advisors, specialists, AES faculty, statewide programs, program teams, and institutes. Additional potential collaborators include other UC campuses, the California State University Monterey Bay, Hartnell College, Cabrillo Community College, other academic institutions, community partners, government agencies, and industry partners.
Designing and conducting applied research focused on the intersection of food safety and technology. Potential areas of research include:
Novel approaches to assessing runoff and water contamination using landscape-level assessments across multiple sources (rangeland/pasture, urban, etc.)
New technologies for assessing food safety risk (multispectral imaging, AI) through field scouting (aerial and terrestrial drones) for vector identification and crop characteristics
Research on the impact of amendments on food safety outcomes
Research on the effects of conservation practices (soil amendments, compost, hedgerows, wetlands, conservation habitat) on food safety outcomes across different cropping systems and climatic regions
Legislative recommendations for drone safety, piloting, and licensing in the agricultural context
Novel approaches to drone applications (spraying, biological payload delivery, imaging) and effectiveness based on scale and frequency
Integration of environmental sensors with drone applications for real-time adaptation based on site data
Implications of transitioning to drone spray applications from large aerial vehicles for regulations on drift, overspray, buffers, and community health impacts
Building an effective extension education program (statewide trainings, workshops, educational resources, website, etc.) that helps partners and clientele implement technology strategies to improve food safety outcomes. The Specialist will serve as a resource for UCCE Advisors, county agricultural commissioners, pest control associations, government scientists, and regulatory personnel. Additionally, the Specialist will have significant engagement with youth training and workforce development, informing the practices and skills needed to train the next generation of agricultural workers with high-tech skills.
Publishing findings in accessible formats, including peer-reviewed journals, ANR outlets, industry publications, and relevant online platforms, to widen the reach and impact of research outcomes.
Participating in professional society activities and scholarly contributions, attaining goals of state, national, and international recognition over time.
Geographic Area of Responsibility
This state-wide position will serve the agriculture sector across California, helping farmers, growers, and ranchers move towards more organic/regenerative and high-tech agriculture. This is an exciting opportunity to impact diverse communities throughout the state.
Reporting relationship The position will be academically positioned within the UC Santa Cruz Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The appointment is within UC ANR, and UC ANR will oversee the merit and promotion process, consistent with other UC ANR CE Specialists, in consultation with the UCSC Department Chair. The CE specialist will also hold an additional 0% (uncompensated) CE Specialist appointment at UCSC. It is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite at the UCSC campus and MBEST.
Qualifications and skills Education : A minimum of a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in electrical engineering, agricultural engineering, computer engineering, 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
Demonstrated expertise in technologies that can be applied in agriculture, such as drones
Substantive experience in one or more areas related to the position, such as organic and regenerative agriculture, food safety, and technology
Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly to non-scientific and public audiences
Demonstrated record of productivity in research as evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals
A track record of effectively engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders
Experience in leading collaborative research teams
Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series per the UC Academic Personnel Manuals. Applications need to document research, extension, and/or teaching experience applicable to the academic title and document appropriate scholarly achievements relevant to this position.
Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability, and property damage insurance on the vehicle used are required. Must possess or obtain a valid California Driver\'s License to drive a 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.
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 prior 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 and related anti-discrimination policies apply.
This is not a remote position.
Desired experience
Experience with integrated research and educational projects and extension to diverse audiences
A track record of applying for and securing extramural funding
Salary & benefits
Salary : The beginning salary will be in the Assistant Cooperative Extension Specialist Rank Step 1 - $90,600 to Step 6 - $118,500 annually. For salary scales, see the UC policy document provided in the notice.
This position is eligible for indefinite status, subject to terms noted in UC ANR policy. The two-year renewable term appointment includes annual performance reviews and potential for renewal based on merit.
Benefits : UC offers comprehensive benefits, including paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. This position is eligible for sabbatical leave privileges. For details, refer to the UC Benefits website.
About UC ANR UC ANR is a division of the University of California system that bridges local issues and UC expertise by providing research-based information and educational programs. Our mission is to cultivate thriving communities, sustainable agriculture, resilient ecosystems, and economic prosperity in California and globally through equitable generation and sharing of science-based solutions. UC ANR serves all 58 counties from 70+ locations.
About the University of California Santa Cruz UCSC is a UC campus known for impactful research and public service. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering aims to achieve engineering discoveries with inclusiveness. UCSC hosts programs and centers focused on agroecology, drone education, and agtech collaboration.
How to apply Visit the application site and refer to position #25-38. An in-person finalist interview may be required. Closing date for full consideration is February 10, 2026.
Application requirements Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae
Cover Letter
Statement of Research and Extension (2 pages) describing relevance to local needs and potential goals
References: three names, titles, and contact information
Transcripts: college-level transcripts (electronic or scanned)
Reference requirements
3-5 references with contact information
Equal opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status. UC ANR is smoke- and tobacco-free.
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December 15, 2025
Next review date:
Tuesday, Feb 10, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date:
Wednesday, Apr 29, 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 overview The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), in collaboration with the University of California, Santa Cruz, invites applications for a
UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Specialist at the Assistant rank .
Food safety is a major priority for California agriculture, especially in the fresh produce industry. This position will address evolving food safety challenges in specialty crop production, bringing scientific and technical expertise to the field, with a focus on the intersection between food safety and organic/regenerative farming practices. The Specialist will examine the potential of agricultural technologies, such as drones, spectral analysis, and sensors, to help California growers ensure the safety of their harvest while using organic and regenerative practices.
UCCE Specialists
develop and conduct research and educational programs aimed at appropriate clientele groups in communities outside of UC campuses. UCCE Specialists have programs 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. This research is generally applied in nature and has, as a goal, finding solutions for problems facing society related to the mission of the UCCE Specialist\'s discipline and the UCCE mission. UCCE Specialists publish the results of applied research in a combination of peer-reviewed publications and stakeholder-facing materials, including refereed journals, technical reports, and white papers, tailored to the needs of the audiences their programs serve.
Extension programs disseminate knowledge and information to clientele groups to help them better understand and address problems and opportunities they face. 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 delivering in-service training courses; organizing or participating in workshops, field tours, symposia or conferences. Much of this work is 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. This position does not include formal classroom instruction at the University.
Location The Specialist will be part of the University of California, Santa Cruz Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The position will be based primarily at the Westside Research Park, near the UCSC main campus, managed by the Baskin School of Engineering, with secondary office space and presence required at the Monterey Bay Education, Science, and Technology Center (MBEST), in the emerging food safety nexus of Monterey County.
Position details While the Food Safety Modernization Act dictates federal mandates for food safety regulation, wholesalers and buyers drive current compliance practices with more stringent standards enforced via third-party regulators. This de facto enforcement landscape, with proprietary third-party metrics, is obscure and does not necessarily utilize science-based assessment of food safety outcomes. Moreover, increasing pressures for organic/regenerative farm practices (e.g., compost, hedgerows for biodiversity, conservation setbacks, reduced chemical applications), driven by consumers and produce buyers, are often at odds with food safety risk reduction best practices. This Specialist will examine and exploit the potential of agricultural technologies to address food safety.
Primary duties and responsibilities for this Specialist include :
Collaborating extensively with UCSC faculty, as well as UC ANR\'s network of advisors, specialists, AES faculty, statewide programs, program teams, and institutes. Additional potential collaborators include other UC campuses, the California State University Monterey Bay, Hartnell College, Cabrillo Community College, other academic institutions, community partners, government agencies, and industry partners.
Designing and conducting applied research focused on the intersection of food safety and technology. Potential areas of research include:
Novel approaches to assessing runoff and water contamination using landscape-level assessments across multiple sources (rangeland/pasture, urban, etc.)
New technologies for assessing food safety risk (multispectral imaging, AI) through field scouting (aerial and terrestrial drones) for vector identification and crop characteristics
Research on the impact of amendments on food safety outcomes
Research on the effects of conservation practices (soil amendments, compost, hedgerows, wetlands, conservation habitat) on food safety outcomes across different cropping systems and climatic regions
Legislative recommendations for drone safety, piloting, and licensing in the agricultural context
Novel approaches to drone applications (spraying, biological payload delivery, imaging) and effectiveness based on scale and frequency
Integration of environmental sensors with drone applications for real-time adaptation based on site data
Implications of transitioning to drone spray applications from large aerial vehicles for regulations on drift, overspray, buffers, and community health impacts
Building an effective extension education program (statewide trainings, workshops, educational resources, website, etc.) that helps partners and clientele implement technology strategies to improve food safety outcomes. The Specialist will serve as a resource for UCCE Advisors, county agricultural commissioners, pest control associations, government scientists, and regulatory personnel. Additionally, the Specialist will have significant engagement with youth training and workforce development, informing the practices and skills needed to train the next generation of agricultural workers with high-tech skills.
Publishing findings in accessible formats, including peer-reviewed journals, ANR outlets, industry publications, and relevant online platforms, to widen the reach and impact of research outcomes.
Participating in professional society activities and scholarly contributions, attaining goals of state, national, and international recognition over time.
Geographic Area of Responsibility
This state-wide position will serve the agriculture sector across California, helping farmers, growers, and ranchers move towards more organic/regenerative and high-tech agriculture. This is an exciting opportunity to impact diverse communities throughout the state.
Reporting relationship The position will be academically positioned within the UC Santa Cruz Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The appointment is within UC ANR, and UC ANR will oversee the merit and promotion process, consistent with other UC ANR CE Specialists, in consultation with the UCSC Department Chair. The CE specialist will also hold an additional 0% (uncompensated) CE Specialist appointment at UCSC. It is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite at the UCSC campus and MBEST.
Qualifications and skills Education : A minimum of a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in electrical engineering, agricultural engineering, computer engineering, 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
Demonstrated expertise in technologies that can be applied in agriculture, such as drones
Substantive experience in one or more areas related to the position, such as organic and regenerative agriculture, food safety, and technology
Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly to non-scientific and public audiences
Demonstrated record of productivity in research as evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals
A track record of effectively engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders
Experience in leading collaborative research teams
Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series per the UC Academic Personnel Manuals. Applications need to document research, extension, and/or teaching experience applicable to the academic title and document appropriate scholarly achievements relevant to this position.
Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability, and property damage insurance on the vehicle used are required. Must possess or obtain a valid California Driver\'s License to drive a 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.
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 prior 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 and related anti-discrimination policies apply.
This is not a remote position.
Desired experience
Experience with integrated research and educational projects and extension to diverse audiences
A track record of applying for and securing extramural funding
Salary & benefits
Salary : The beginning salary will be in the Assistant Cooperative Extension Specialist Rank Step 1 - $90,600 to Step 6 - $118,500 annually. For salary scales, see the UC policy document provided in the notice.
This position is eligible for indefinite status, subject to terms noted in UC ANR policy. The two-year renewable term appointment includes annual performance reviews and potential for renewal based on merit.
Benefits : UC offers comprehensive benefits, including paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. This position is eligible for sabbatical leave privileges. For details, refer to the UC Benefits website.
About UC ANR UC ANR is a division of the University of California system that bridges local issues and UC expertise by providing research-based information and educational programs. Our mission is to cultivate thriving communities, sustainable agriculture, resilient ecosystems, and economic prosperity in California and globally through equitable generation and sharing of science-based solutions. UC ANR serves all 58 counties from 70+ locations.
About the University of California Santa Cruz UCSC is a UC campus known for impactful research and public service. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering aims to achieve engineering discoveries with inclusiveness. UCSC hosts programs and centers focused on agroecology, drone education, and agtech collaboration.
How to apply Visit the application site and refer to position #25-38. An in-person finalist interview may be required. Closing date for full consideration is February 10, 2026.
Application requirements Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae
Cover Letter
Statement of Research and Extension (2 pages) describing relevance to local needs and potential goals
References: three names, titles, and contact information
Transcripts: college-level transcripts (electronic or scanned)
Reference requirements
3-5 references with contact information
Equal opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status. UC ANR is smoke- and tobacco-free.
#J-18808-Ljbffr