Junior Specialist - 100% fixed, represented - Lindcove Research and Extension Center (AP# 26-09)

Position Overview:\

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) is seeking a Junior Specialist to work in the Lindcove Research and Extension Center, Exceter, California.

The UC ANR Junior Specialist will work with Area IPM Advisor in applied research and extension programs addressing issues related to integrated pest management of arthropod pests in citrus. The candidate will work to develop methods to test different management practices on citrus pests in laboratory, greenhouse, and field trials to meet the pest management needs of citrus growers in the San Joaquin Valley. The candidate will participate in and contribute to extension and outreach activities to disseminate findings on new management solutions that benefit growers, pest control advisors, and field scouts, and get feedback and identify gaps and challenges faced by growers.

Duties include:

Research (75%)

* Undertake and support applied research on integrated pest management of citrus crops in the San Joaquin Valley sustainable systems.

* Meet weekly with PI and project collaborators to discuss results and interpretations of data collected to plan future projects and experiments.

* Design greenhouse experiments, oversee insect colonies, conduct experiments, collect and analyze data.

Extension (20%)

* Provide and coordinate outreach and assistance to citrus industry stakeholders.

* Develop tools and resources that support education and assistance for growers, pest control advisors, and those that serve them.

* Attend seminars on topics related to fields of interest.

* Participate in training programs to enhance knowledge and skills.

University and Public Service (5%)

* Lead tours, give presentations, and provide training to visiting scientists, industry representatives, and undergraduate students.

* Participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus, and other University entities, as appropriate.

Reporting Relationship: The Junior Specialist will be administratively responsible to the Area Citrus IPM Advisor.

Location Headquarters: Lindcove REC, Exceter, California.

Required Qualifications and Skills

Required Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor degree in relevant field, including Plant Sciences, Entomology, Pest Management, Agriculture or a closely related field.

Additional Qualifications:

* Interest in and desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension.

* Excellent communication and organizational skills.

* Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability and property damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Must possess or obtain a valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University Vehicle.

* This is not a remote position. The candidate must be available to work onsite. In accordance with UC ANR Flexible Work Guidelines, flexible greements are available upon approval by supervisors and periodic re-evaluation.

* Understanding of and commitment to equal opportunity and diversity, equity and inclusion.

* Ability to work independently in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing clientele and project needs.

* Applicants must have unrestricted and permanent work authorization in the United States. 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, without additional sponsorship. Internal UC ANR applicants with questions may contact Katie Kilbane at klkilbane@ucanr.edu.

* A background investigation will be required for the successful candidate, including fingerprinting and a criminal history clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This position is subject to the requirements and compliance of the California's Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA). Employment within UC ANR is contingent upon securing written acknowledgement to comply with California law.

* 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 previous 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. Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Anti-Discrimination Policy

Affirmative Action

Skills Required: To be successful, Jr. Specialists require skills in the following:

Professional Competence and Activity

* The Junior Specialist will participate in outreach activities, helping academics organize and conduct clientele meetings and field days, prepare extension publications, contribute to blogs, newsletters and other forms of outreach.

Communication

* Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal and public speaking communication skills.

* Skills to communicate and extend technical information to diverse audiences are required.

Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility

* Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team member with others.

* Able to adapt as circumstances warranted. Promote diversity, equity and inclusion.

Lifelong Learning

* Demonstrated commitment to ongoing self-improvement.

About UC ANR

Learn more about

* UC ANR and UC ANR Mission Statement

* UC ANR administers Statewide Programs and Institutes that focus research and extension on solving priority problems that engage ANR academics and UC faculty in integrated teams

* UC ANR Strategic Initiatives help unify, communicate, and advocate for the work we do.

* UC ANR UC ANR uses seven Public Value Statements to communicate how our work makes a difference to the public.

* UC ANR academics are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR's commitment to UCANR's Civil Rights Compliance Policy.

* UC ANR is committed to supporting inclusive excellence and is guided by UC ANR's Principles of Community. We strive to create an environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, feel valued and respected and have equal opportunities for growth and success.

Salary & Benefits

SALARY: The salary will be in the Junior Specialist Rank, from Step 1- $26.35 to Step 2 - $28.07 hourly. Step placement in this series is based on experience. This is a represented position. For more information, please see [Salary scale] (Table 24B Represented Specialist Series FY)

The Junior Specialist position is a non-career track position. This is a 1-year appointment with the possibiity to extend for a second year. The performance in the position will be evaluated annually. Extension of the position will be based on continued need, performance and availability of funding.

Assistant Specialist

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 paid holidays. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website Benefits

How to Apply

If interested in this position, please visit UC Recruit and choose "applicants" (refer to position #26-09).

Closing Date: To ensure full consideration, application packets must be received by April 22, 2026 (open until filled).

Questions?

Contact Tatiana Avoce at tavoce@ucanr.edu

University of California Cooperative Extension

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 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 in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) is strictly prohibited.

• 3-6 required (contact information only)

The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. 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.