Cooperative Extension - Area Integrated Pest Management Advisor Field and Vegetable Crops

Cooperative Extension - Area Integrated Pest Management Advisor for Field and Vegetable Crops in the San Joaquin Valley (26-06)

Application Window

Open date:
March 9, 2026
Next review date:
Sunday, Apr 19, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date:
Sunday, Jul 19, 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.

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Area Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Advisor for Field and Vegetable Crops at the Assistant rank serving the San Joaquin Valley. This advisor will implement an innovative multi‑county extension education and applied research program that addresses insect and mite pest issues affecting field and vegetable crops in Fresno, Kings, Madera, and Tulare counties.

UCCE Advisors conduct applied, mission‑oriented research and share the results with clientele and communities through farm consultations, presentations, workshops, webinars, radio, social media, newsletters, blogs, policy briefs, and peer‑reviewed journals. Successful programs improve knowledge, practices, policies, and environmental, economic, or social conditions.

Headquarters: UC ANR West Side Research and Extension Center, 17353 W. Oakland Avenue, Five Points, CA 93624. The advisor is not remote and must be available on site at headquarters and in the assigned counties. This position serves Fresno, Tulare, Kings, and Madera counties. The advisor reports to the Directors of the West Side Research and Extension Center and the UC Statewide IPM Program, with input from area directors of the covered counties.

• Provide research‑based management recommendations for key insect pests in field and vegetable crops.
• Develop integrated pest management strategies that adapt to regulatory changes, climate dynamics, and landscape‑scale challenges.
• Conduct applied research on topics such as: improving early detection of arthropod pests; responding to endemic and invasive threats; evaluating integrated pest management strategies with biological, cultural, plant resistance, and chemical controls.
• Disseminate findings through consultations, presentations, field days, grower meetings, webinars, blogs, newsletters, technical reports, and peer‑reviewed journals.
• Collaborate with UC ANR academics, other UCCE Advisors, CE Specialists, USDA scientists, county agricultural commissioners’ offices, the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and stakeholder groups including CA Cotton Growers and Ginners Association, CA Garlic and Onion Research Advisory Board, CA Melon Research Board, CA Tomato Research Institute, CA Association of Pest Control Advisors, and CA Specialty Crop Council.

• Master's degree in entomology, pest management, or closely related field.
• Broad understanding of IPM, crop production, biocontrol, pesticide use, and insect identification and biology.
• Technical competence in experimental techniques.
• Ability to work with diverse clientele.
• Qualified Pesticide Applicator Certificate (QAC) or Qualified Applicators License (QAL).
• Ability to travel flexibly; proof of liability and property damage insurance on vehicle; valid California driver’s license.
• Unrestricted and permanent U.S. work authorization (no sponsorship accepted).

• Interest in and desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension.
• Strong written, oral, interpersonal, and IT communication skills; ability to tailor complex information to audiences.
• Collaborative, teamwork, and flexibility skills; experience working with external stakeholders and county staff.
• Lifelong learning mindset.

• Successful extension programming and applied research.
• Deep understanding of cropping systems, weed science, and pest management.
• Bilingual in Spanish or another regional language.

Salary range:
Assistant…