University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
Nutrient Management and Forage Systems Advisor (AP#25-37)
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Modesto, California, United States, 95351
Application Window
Open date:
December 15, 2025 Next review date:
Tuesday, Feb 3, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) – Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Final date:
Friday, Mar 6, 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) Nutrient Management and Forage Systems Advisor at the Assistant rank serving Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Merced Counties. The Nutrient Management and Forage Systems Advisor will implement an innovative multi‑county extension education and applied research program focused on production issues for forage crops in California’s Northern San Joaquin Valley. The emphasis will be on nutrient management in cropping systems linked to animal agriculture and fertilizer use, as well as on irrigation management and water quality issues. UCCE Advisors Responsibilities
UCCE Advisors conduct applied research and extend knowledge. Research activities are applied and mission‑oriented, focused on addressing challenges in our communities. Extension activities include individual farm consultations, presentations, workshops, short courses, field demonstrations, radio, webinars, fact sheets, policy briefs, news blogs, social media, and other outlets. Publications are expected in newsletters, popular press articles, curricula, conference proceedings, and peer‑reviewed journals. Successful research and extension programs result in new information that improves knowledge or understanding, and eventual adoption of new practices. 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
This position will be based at the UC Cooperative Extension Office in Stanislaus County, located at 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto, California 95358. Position Details
In the three‑county region served by this Advisor, forage crops account for $900 million in revenue from 570,000 harvested acres, supporting $3.8 billion in milk and cattle revenue and the economic viability of many disadvantaged communities. The dairy industry relies on a wide mix of locally grown forage crops that thrive in the Central Valley. Research Focus (examples)
Nitrogen and salt management Improved production practices (cultural, crop variety, pest management, fertility, irrigation, and economics) Use of nitrification inhibitors GIS systems for site‑specific fertilizer and pest applications Conservation tillage Role of nitrogen‑fixing legumes in cropping systems Best practices to manage organic nitrogen to mitigate nitrogen contamination issues Decision‑making tool development Alternate manure management practices that maximize nutrient use while being climate neutral and protecting groundwater Research programs will be developed and carried out in collaboration with UC ANR academics and appropriate statewide efforts, including Program Teams and Workgroups, local stakeholders, and collaborating agencies in the three counties. Clientele
The key clientele will include producers of forage crops, dairy farmers, crop consultants, allied industry professionals, and non‑profit environmental groups. Counties of Responsibility
This position will serve Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Merced Counties. Reporting Relationship
The Advisor reports directly to the UC Cooperative Extension Director for Stanislaus County, with input from the Directors of UC Cooperative Extension for Merced and San Joaquin Counties. Qualifications and Skills
Required Qualifications
Education:
At the time of appointment, a minimum of a master’s degree in agronomy, crop science, soil science, water management, crop production, plant nutrition, or a related field. Expertise in nutrient management issues linked to the California dairy‑forage production system. Ability to develop and integrate all aspects of crop production to promote sustainability, profitability, and environmental stewardship. Capacity or potential to accomplish team‑based research and education programs consistent with UC ANR values. Applicants must meet appointment criteria for the UC academic title series per the UC Academic Personnel Manuals. Demonstrated research, extension, or teaching experience applicable to the academic title. Demonstrated scholarly achievements relevant to this position. Eligibility to travel on a flexible schedule with valid California driver’s license and liability insurance. Legal authorization to work in the U.S.; no visa sponsorship. Additional Skills Required
Interest in and desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension. Technical competence and impact – designing and implementing programs that lead to positive change. Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, and IT communication skills. Collaboration, teamwork, and flexibility. Lifelong learning. Desired Experiences
Experience in successful extension programming or community development. Deep understanding of California dairy nutrient management and forage cropping systems. Ability to share complex information tailored to the audience. Spanish or other foreign language skills. About UC ANR
UC ANR is a division of the University of California that bridges local issues and UC expertise, providing research‑based information, educational programs, and technical support to the public in agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, and youth development. 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. About Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Merced Counties
The three counties sit in the heart of California’s Central Valley, anchored by major population centers such as Modesto, Stockton, and Merced. Key commodities include milk, tree crops, cattle, silage, and tomatoes. The region supports food processing, logistics, warehousing, and agricultural tourism. Salary & Benefits
Salary:
Assistant Rank, Step I ($85,600) to Step VI ($108,600). Step placement is based on applicable experience and professional qualifications. Benefits:
Comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, two days per month paid vacation, one day per month paid sick leave, paid holidays, and eligibility for sabbatical leave privileges. How to Apply
Visit
https://recruit.ucanr.edu/
and choose “applicants” (refer to position # 25‑37). An in‑person finalist interview may be required. Closing Date
Application packets must be received by
February 3, 2026
(Open until filled). Questions
Contact Mikyla Perez at
mikperez@ucanr.edu . Employment Policies
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies, collective bargaining agreements, and governing directives. 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; smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited. Application Requirements
Document Requirements
Curriculum Vitae – most recently updated C.V. Cover Letter Statement of Research and Extension – article explaining how current and past experience will contribute to local community needs. References – page of 3–5 references with contact information (include phone and email). College Level Transcripts – electronic or scanned copies (PDF); must be unprotected and include coursework, grades, and degrees conferred. Reference Requirements
3–6 required (contact information only) About UC Agriculture and Natural Resources
The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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 categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy. Job Location
Modesto, CA
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Open date:
December 15, 2025 Next review date:
Tuesday, Feb 3, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) – Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Final date:
Friday, Mar 6, 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) Nutrient Management and Forage Systems Advisor at the Assistant rank serving Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Merced Counties. The Nutrient Management and Forage Systems Advisor will implement an innovative multi‑county extension education and applied research program focused on production issues for forage crops in California’s Northern San Joaquin Valley. The emphasis will be on nutrient management in cropping systems linked to animal agriculture and fertilizer use, as well as on irrigation management and water quality issues. UCCE Advisors Responsibilities
UCCE Advisors conduct applied research and extend knowledge. Research activities are applied and mission‑oriented, focused on addressing challenges in our communities. Extension activities include individual farm consultations, presentations, workshops, short courses, field demonstrations, radio, webinars, fact sheets, policy briefs, news blogs, social media, and other outlets. Publications are expected in newsletters, popular press articles, curricula, conference proceedings, and peer‑reviewed journals. Successful research and extension programs result in new information that improves knowledge or understanding, and eventual adoption of new practices. 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
This position will be based at the UC Cooperative Extension Office in Stanislaus County, located at 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto, California 95358. Position Details
In the three‑county region served by this Advisor, forage crops account for $900 million in revenue from 570,000 harvested acres, supporting $3.8 billion in milk and cattle revenue and the economic viability of many disadvantaged communities. The dairy industry relies on a wide mix of locally grown forage crops that thrive in the Central Valley. Research Focus (examples)
Nitrogen and salt management Improved production practices (cultural, crop variety, pest management, fertility, irrigation, and economics) Use of nitrification inhibitors GIS systems for site‑specific fertilizer and pest applications Conservation tillage Role of nitrogen‑fixing legumes in cropping systems Best practices to manage organic nitrogen to mitigate nitrogen contamination issues Decision‑making tool development Alternate manure management practices that maximize nutrient use while being climate neutral and protecting groundwater Research programs will be developed and carried out in collaboration with UC ANR academics and appropriate statewide efforts, including Program Teams and Workgroups, local stakeholders, and collaborating agencies in the three counties. Clientele
The key clientele will include producers of forage crops, dairy farmers, crop consultants, allied industry professionals, and non‑profit environmental groups. Counties of Responsibility
This position will serve Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Merced Counties. Reporting Relationship
The Advisor reports directly to the UC Cooperative Extension Director for Stanislaus County, with input from the Directors of UC Cooperative Extension for Merced and San Joaquin Counties. Qualifications and Skills
Required Qualifications
Education:
At the time of appointment, a minimum of a master’s degree in agronomy, crop science, soil science, water management, crop production, plant nutrition, or a related field. Expertise in nutrient management issues linked to the California dairy‑forage production system. Ability to develop and integrate all aspects of crop production to promote sustainability, profitability, and environmental stewardship. Capacity or potential to accomplish team‑based research and education programs consistent with UC ANR values. Applicants must meet appointment criteria for the UC academic title series per the UC Academic Personnel Manuals. Demonstrated research, extension, or teaching experience applicable to the academic title. Demonstrated scholarly achievements relevant to this position. Eligibility to travel on a flexible schedule with valid California driver’s license and liability insurance. Legal authorization to work in the U.S.; no visa sponsorship. Additional Skills Required
Interest in and desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension. Technical competence and impact – designing and implementing programs that lead to positive change. Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, and IT communication skills. Collaboration, teamwork, and flexibility. Lifelong learning. Desired Experiences
Experience in successful extension programming or community development. Deep understanding of California dairy nutrient management and forage cropping systems. Ability to share complex information tailored to the audience. Spanish or other foreign language skills. About UC ANR
UC ANR is a division of the University of California that bridges local issues and UC expertise, providing research‑based information, educational programs, and technical support to the public in agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, and youth development. 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. About Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Merced Counties
The three counties sit in the heart of California’s Central Valley, anchored by major population centers such as Modesto, Stockton, and Merced. Key commodities include milk, tree crops, cattle, silage, and tomatoes. The region supports food processing, logistics, warehousing, and agricultural tourism. Salary & Benefits
Salary:
Assistant Rank, Step I ($85,600) to Step VI ($108,600). Step placement is based on applicable experience and professional qualifications. Benefits:
Comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, two days per month paid vacation, one day per month paid sick leave, paid holidays, and eligibility for sabbatical leave privileges. How to Apply
Visit
https://recruit.ucanr.edu/
and choose “applicants” (refer to position # 25‑37). An in‑person finalist interview may be required. Closing Date
Application packets must be received by
February 3, 2026
(Open until filled). Questions
Contact Mikyla Perez at
mikperez@ucanr.edu . Employment Policies
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies, collective bargaining agreements, and governing directives. 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; smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited. Application Requirements
Document Requirements
Curriculum Vitae – most recently updated C.V. Cover Letter Statement of Research and Extension – article explaining how current and past experience will contribute to local community needs. References – page of 3–5 references with contact information (include phone and email). College Level Transcripts – electronic or scanned copies (PDF); must be unprotected and include coursework, grades, and degrees conferred. Reference Requirements
3–6 required (contact information only) About UC Agriculture and Natural Resources
The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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 categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy. Job Location
Modesto, CA
#J-18808-Ljbffr