Date Posted: February 28, 2024
Closing Date:
April 8, 2024
Job Description: Download
Position Overview
Location Headquarters: Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center (KARE), Parlier, CA
The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers a unique recruitment opportunity for an Agricultural Equipment Lending Coordinator (Academic Coordinator I). UC ANR operates a statewide network of researchers, educators and support staff dedicated to the development and application of knowledge to address local agricultural, environmental and community health issues. Research, outreach and education from locally based Cooperative Extension offices serves all 58 counties from 70+ locations throughout the state. Our mission is to bring the University of California directly to Californians through research, extension and education programs that support:
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 UC system.
Purpose:
The Agricultural Equipment Lending Coordinator (Academic Coordinator I) is at the forefront of an innovative initiative designed to support small-scale farmers across a five-county area in California's Central Valley. This role is a cornerstone of the Local Farm and Food Innovation (F3Local.org) Initiative, aiming to bolster the economic resilience, productivity, and sustainability of small farms through the implementation of an equipment lending program. The coordinator's mission is to ensure small-scale farmers have access to vital agricultural tools and technology, thereby driving positive changes in the region's food systems and enhancing awareness of the significance and effects of tool lending libraries for small farms within California's policy landscape.
The Coordinator will play a pivotal role in developing and managing the lending program. This position is designed to facilitate the successful implementation of the program by coordinating equipment purchases, establishing procedures and policies, developing educational material and overseeing training and ensuring safety and compliance.
The position is not just about managing logistics and operations; it embodies a commitment to engaging directly with the farming community to identify and respond to their needs through grassroots, bottom-up approach and fostering productive partnerships with farmers and allied organizations. The Coordinator will stay abreast with new technology and agricultural innovations, from automation to machine learning, and integrate these advancements into the lending program to meet the evolving demands of small-scale agriculture, as appropriate.
The Coordinator will not only address immediate needs but also about laying the groundwork for a scalable model that can extend its benefits more broadly. The Coordinator will explore sustainable avenues for growth, engage in knowledge exchange with similar initiatives, and contribute to the establishment of best practices in equipment lending for small farms.
The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of production systems, agricultural science, crop management, agricultural business, or engineering, complemented by a genuine dedication to supporting marginalized and disadvantaged farming communities. The Coordinator will supervise an agricultural technician who will be providing training, transport support and equipment maintenance.
Through strategic leadership and a passion for sustainable agricultural development, the Agricultural Equipment Lending Coordinator will play a key role in shaping a more equitable and productive future for small farmers in the Central Valley.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
The Agricultural Equipment Lending Coordinator will:
Program Development, Implementation, and Management:
Training and Education
Training, legal and Safety Compliance
Collaborations and Partnership
Supervision
* Supervise Agricultural Technician providing maintenance for equipment and assisting with transportation and scheduling.Counties of Responsibility: This position will be headquartered at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Parlier and will cover the following counties: Fresno, Madera, Tulare, Kings, Merced.
Reporting Relationship: The Agricultural Equipment Lending Coordinator is administratively responsible to the Regional Director for Local Farm and Food Innovation.
Qualifications and Skills Required
Education: A minimum of a Master's degree in an appropriate field such as production systems, crop management, plant science, agricultural engineering, agricultural business, industrial technology, or a related field is required at the time of appointment.
Minimum and Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Technical Competence and Impact
Communication
Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility
Lifelong Learning
Learn more about Skills and Areas of Programmatic Review (including Professional Competence, University and Public Service and Affirmative Action and DEI) at:
https://ucanr.edu/sites/Professional_Development/files/355229.pdf
About UC ANR
The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) consists of a network of scientists and educators working in partnership across the state of California. We are committed to developing and supporting healthy food systems, healthy environments, healthy communities, and healthy Californians. UC ANR administers Statewide Programs and Initiatives (SWP/I's) that focus research and extension on solving priority problems that engage ANR academics and UC faculty in integrated teams to work on complex issues requiring trans-disciplinary approaches; as well as UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE), which is responsible for program development and delivery in counties throughout the state.
Learn more about
Salary & Benefits
Salary: The salary will be in the Academic Coordinator I series from Step 1 - $59,727 up to Step 6 - $74,634 annually of the Academic Coordinator I, Fiscal Year Salary Table. The step placement in this series is based on experience and professional qualifications. For information regarding the Academic Coordinator series salary scales, please refer to: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2023-24/july-2023-acad-salary scales/t36-i.pdf
This appointment is a limited term appointment. The merit cycle is every two years. The performance in the position will be evaluated annually. The position may be extended based on the continued need for the position, performance and availability of funding.
Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, two days per month paid vacation, one day per month paid sick leave, and holidays. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website at: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and benefits/index.html
How to Apply
If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose "applicants" (refer to position #23-28)
Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by April 8, 2024 (open until filled)
Questions?
Contact Tatiana Avoce; email: tavoce@ucanr.edu
"Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring work authorization without need of employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment period."
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
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/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.
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.