University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
UC Cooperative Extension Specialist Food Safety, Drones, and Spectral Analysis L
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Davis, California, us, 95617
UC Cooperative Extension Specialist Food Safety, Drones, and Spectral Analysis (Position #25-38)
Application Window: Open December 15, 2025 – Final April 29, 2026. Applications received after February 10, 2026 are considered only if the position remains open.
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. The Specialist will address evolving food safety challenges in specialty crop production, applying scientific and technical expertise to the intersection of food safety and organic/regenerative farming practices. The role focuses on leveraging agricultural technologies—drones, spectral analysis, sensors—to help California growers ensure crop safety while maintaining organic and regenerative practices.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Collaborate extensively with UCSC faculty, UC ANR’s advisors, specialists, AES faculty, statewide programs, and external partners including other UC campuses, California State University Monterey Bay, Hartnell College, Cabrillo Community College, and industry stakeholders.
Design and conduct applied research focused on food safety and technology. Potential research areas include: Runoff and water contamination assessments across multiple sources (rangeland, urban, etc.).
Technology for assessing food safety risk (multispectral imaging, AI) via aerial/terrestrial drone scouting for vector identification and crop characteristics.
Impact of amendments on food safety outcomes.
Effects of conservation practices (soil amendments, compost, hedgerows, wetlands) on food safety across cropping systems and regions.
Legislative recommendations for drone safety, piloting, and licensing.
Novel drone applications (spraying, payload delivery, imaging) and effectiveness by scale and frequency.
Integration of environmental sensors with drone applications for real‑time adaptation based on site data.
Impact of transitioning to drone spray applications on regulations and community health.
Build an effective extension education program—statewide trainings, workshops, educational resources, website—to help partners and clientele implement technology strategies for improved food safety.
Serve as a resource for UCCE Advisors, county agricultural commissioners, pest control associations, government scientists, and regulatory personnel.
Engage in youth training and workforce development, informing the skills needed to train the next generation of agricultural workers with high‑tech abilities.
Publish findings in accessible formats (peer‑reviewed journals, ANR outlets, industry publications, online platforms).
Participate in professional society activities and scholarly contributions to attain recognition at state, national, and international levels.
Geographic Area of Responsibility State‑wide coverage across California. The Specialist will serve farmers, growers, and ranchers throughout the state, supporting diverse communities through the state‑wide network of campus‑based researchers and county‑based advisors.
Reporting Relationship The appointment is academically positioned within the UC Santa Cruz Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and overseen by UC ANR. The Specialist holds a 0% (uncompensated) CE Specialist appointment at UCSC and must be available onsite at the UCSC campus and the Monterey Bay Education, Science, and Technology Center.
Qualifications and Skills Required
Minimum: Ph.D. (or equivalent) in electrical, agricultural, or computer engineering or related field. Candidates within 12 months of completing a Ph.D. are eligible.
Demonstrated expertise in agricultural technologies such as drones.
Substantive experience in organic/regenerative agriculture, food safety, or technology.
Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to present to non‑scientific audiences.
Record of research productivity with peer‑reviewed publications.
Track record of effectively engaging diverse stakeholders and leading collaborative research teams.
Documentation of research, extension, and/or teaching experience applicable to the academic title.
Ability to travel flexibly; possession or ability to obtain valid California Driver’s License and vehicle insurance.
Not eligible for employment visa sponsorship; applicant must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Compliance with university policies and disclosures regarding misconduct.
Position is not remote.
Desired Experience
Integrated research and educational projects with extension to diverse audiences.
Track record of applying for and securing extramural funding.
Skills Required
Technical competence: conduct needs assessments, develop applied research and educational programs, and reduce food safety risk through technology innovations.
Communication: disseminate science‑based information responsive to client needs.
Collaboration & Teamwork: build relationships with CE advisors, specialists, faculty, program staff, and external partners.
Lifelong Learning: participate in professional organizations related to technology and food safety; demonstrate commitment to ongoing professional growth.
Salary & Benefits Salary ranges from $90,600 (Step 1) to $118,500 (Step 6) annually, based on experience. The position is a two‑year renewable term appointment with annual performance evaluation and biennial merit actions. Eligible for indefinite status if currently an UCCE Specialist with indefinite status.
Benefits include two days per month paid vacation, one day per month paid sick leave, paid holidays, and eligibility for sabbatical leave. Full UC benefits package applies.
How to Apply Visit https://recruit.ucanr.edu/, enter applicant section, and choose position #25-38. An in‑person finalist interview may be required.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae
Cover Letter
Statement of Research and Extension (2 pages)
Three references (names, titles, contact)
College‑level transcripts (electronic or scanned PDF)
EEO Statement 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.
Contact Questions? Contact Tatiana Avoce at tavoce@ucanr.edu.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Application Window: Open December 15, 2025 – Final April 29, 2026. Applications received after February 10, 2026 are considered only if the position remains open.
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. The Specialist will address evolving food safety challenges in specialty crop production, applying scientific and technical expertise to the intersection of food safety and organic/regenerative farming practices. The role focuses on leveraging agricultural technologies—drones, spectral analysis, sensors—to help California growers ensure crop safety while maintaining organic and regenerative practices.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Collaborate extensively with UCSC faculty, UC ANR’s advisors, specialists, AES faculty, statewide programs, and external partners including other UC campuses, California State University Monterey Bay, Hartnell College, Cabrillo Community College, and industry stakeholders.
Design and conduct applied research focused on food safety and technology. Potential research areas include: Runoff and water contamination assessments across multiple sources (rangeland, urban, etc.).
Technology for assessing food safety risk (multispectral imaging, AI) via aerial/terrestrial drone scouting for vector identification and crop characteristics.
Impact of amendments on food safety outcomes.
Effects of conservation practices (soil amendments, compost, hedgerows, wetlands) on food safety across cropping systems and regions.
Legislative recommendations for drone safety, piloting, and licensing.
Novel drone applications (spraying, payload delivery, imaging) and effectiveness by scale and frequency.
Integration of environmental sensors with drone applications for real‑time adaptation based on site data.
Impact of transitioning to drone spray applications on regulations and community health.
Build an effective extension education program—statewide trainings, workshops, educational resources, website—to help partners and clientele implement technology strategies for improved food safety.
Serve as a resource for UCCE Advisors, county agricultural commissioners, pest control associations, government scientists, and regulatory personnel.
Engage in youth training and workforce development, informing the skills needed to train the next generation of agricultural workers with high‑tech abilities.
Publish findings in accessible formats (peer‑reviewed journals, ANR outlets, industry publications, online platforms).
Participate in professional society activities and scholarly contributions to attain recognition at state, national, and international levels.
Geographic Area of Responsibility State‑wide coverage across California. The Specialist will serve farmers, growers, and ranchers throughout the state, supporting diverse communities through the state‑wide network of campus‑based researchers and county‑based advisors.
Reporting Relationship The appointment is academically positioned within the UC Santa Cruz Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and overseen by UC ANR. The Specialist holds a 0% (uncompensated) CE Specialist appointment at UCSC and must be available onsite at the UCSC campus and the Monterey Bay Education, Science, and Technology Center.
Qualifications and Skills Required
Minimum: Ph.D. (or equivalent) in electrical, agricultural, or computer engineering or related field. Candidates within 12 months of completing a Ph.D. are eligible.
Demonstrated expertise in agricultural technologies such as drones.
Substantive experience in organic/regenerative agriculture, food safety, or technology.
Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to present to non‑scientific audiences.
Record of research productivity with peer‑reviewed publications.
Track record of effectively engaging diverse stakeholders and leading collaborative research teams.
Documentation of research, extension, and/or teaching experience applicable to the academic title.
Ability to travel flexibly; possession or ability to obtain valid California Driver’s License and vehicle insurance.
Not eligible for employment visa sponsorship; applicant must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Compliance with university policies and disclosures regarding misconduct.
Position is not remote.
Desired Experience
Integrated research and educational projects with extension to diverse audiences.
Track record of applying for and securing extramural funding.
Skills Required
Technical competence: conduct needs assessments, develop applied research and educational programs, and reduce food safety risk through technology innovations.
Communication: disseminate science‑based information responsive to client needs.
Collaboration & Teamwork: build relationships with CE advisors, specialists, faculty, program staff, and external partners.
Lifelong Learning: participate in professional organizations related to technology and food safety; demonstrate commitment to ongoing professional growth.
Salary & Benefits Salary ranges from $90,600 (Step 1) to $118,500 (Step 6) annually, based on experience. The position is a two‑year renewable term appointment with annual performance evaluation and biennial merit actions. Eligible for indefinite status if currently an UCCE Specialist with indefinite status.
Benefits include two days per month paid vacation, one day per month paid sick leave, paid holidays, and eligibility for sabbatical leave. Full UC benefits package applies.
How to Apply Visit https://recruit.ucanr.edu/, enter applicant section, and choose position #25-38. An in‑person finalist interview may be required.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae
Cover Letter
Statement of Research and Extension (2 pages)
Three references (names, titles, contact)
College‑level transcripts (electronic or scanned PDF)
EEO Statement 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.
Contact Questions? Contact Tatiana Avoce at tavoce@ucanr.edu.
#J-18808-Ljbffr