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Community Nutrition and Health Advisor (Applied Research and Extension) (22-10)

County Locations: Merced County, San Joaquin County, Stanislaus County

Date Posted: February 12, 2024
Closing Date: March 25, 2024

Job Description: Download

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers a unique opportunity for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Community Nutrition and Health Advisor. UC ANR operates a statewide network of researchers and educators dedicated to the development and application of knowledge to address local agricultural, environmental and health issues. Over 150 UC ANR UCCE advisors conduct research, outreach and education from locally based CE offices serving all 58 counties from 70+ locations throughout the state. Our mission is to bring the power of the University of California directly to Californians through research, extension and education programs that support:

  • Sustainable, safe, and nutritious food production and delivery
  • Economic success in a global economy
  • A sustainable, healthy, and productive environment
  • Science literacy and youth development

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.

Location Headquarters:  San Joaquin County, Stockton, CA

Purpose. The Community Nutrition and Health Advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied problem-solving research program for San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Merced Counties. The advisor will develop a program based on priority community needs of the diverse populations of San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Merced counties, focusing on chronic disease prevention and health promotion. This is an exciting opportunity to have meaningful impacts in San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Merced communities and throughout California more broadly.

Research: The Advisor will examine the intersection of health, food, and nutrition security across food systems as they relate to and impact human health.  The Advisor will develop an applied problem-solving research program based on priority community needs and assets to address food, nutrition, and drinking water security, with access to physical activity opportunities and health equity.  The Advisor will develop research and education programming that includes cultural awareness of the Latino and Hmong communities living in the three counties.

Education and Outreach: The Advisor will work with CE Specialists and Advisors, Nutrition Community Education Specialists, Master Food Preserver staff, and Community Health and Nutrition statewide program personnel. The Advisor will collaborate with colleagues in the Food Literacy and Healthy Lifestyles and California Communities Program Teams in support of the UC ANR Healthy Families and Communities and Sustainable Food Systems Strategic Initiatives, Opportunities are plentiful for research and extension partnerships that link consumers and professionals across multi-sectors with relevant science-based information and promote effective problem solving.  The advisor will also join a team of highly motivated UCCE colleagues who are passionate about their work and are dedicated to making a difference within the communities and throughout California.  The potential for collaborative projects within the UC ANR system is nearly limitless

Counties of Responsibility.  This position will be headquartered in the UCCE San Joaquin County, and serves Stanislaus and Merced Counties, as well as some statewide collaborations, influence and impact.

Reporting Relationship: The CE advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) County Director for San Joaquin County.  The CE advisor is programmatically responsible to the Statewide Director of Community Nutrition and Health.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications

Education:   A minimum of a Master’s degree in Public or Community Health, Nutrition or other closely related fields is required at the time of appointment.

Additional Requirements

  • 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.
  • Experience and/or expertise in whole child health (physical, social-emotional) and/or social determinants of health (including healthcare, transportation, built environment, workforce development, public safety, nutrition security, climate health, etc.).
  • 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 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 work agreements are available upon approval by supervisors and periodic re-evaluation.

Skills Required

To be successful, the CE advisor requires skills in the following areas:

Technical Competence and Impact

The candidate should have a deep understanding of key concepts related to community health and nutrition and be able to design and implement a program that leads to positive changes and impact within the community and beyond. There is an expectation that advisors evolve and grow across their career and may even need to change the focus of their work.

Communication

Demonstrated excellence in written, oral and interpersonal and information technology communication skills.

Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and humility, and ability to share complex information in a manner tailored to the audience.

Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team member with others.  Able to adapt as circumstances warranted. 

Aware and willing to actively promote diversity, equity and inclusion.

Lifelong Learning

Demonstrated commitment to ongoing self-improvement. Ability to shift program focus as times and organizational needs change.

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/anrstaff/files/319460.pdf

Desired Experience

  • Expertise in community nutrition, health equity, and health education.
  • Community based program experience, and interest in food systems and food security work.
  • Experience and/or expertise in applying equity-driven values and approaches in racially and culturally diverse communities; understanding and experience with practices of inclusion.
  • Passion and desire to pursue a career in Cooperative Extension and community development.
  • Experience in successful Cooperative Extension programming or community development.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively plan, manage teams, and implement a research program, including setting measurable goals and objectives.

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 range for this Cooperative Extension Advisor position is Assistant Rank, Step I ($79,500) to Step VI ($100,900).  Step placement in the advisor series is based on applicable experience and professional qualifications.  For information regarding Cooperative Extension Advisor salary scales, please refer to the University of California website: https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/358478.pdf.   If the successful candidate is currently a UCCE Advisor, the candidate will be offered the position without change to the candidate’s current rank, step, salary and/or appointment terms; and if applicable, is eligible to retain indefinite status.  

This position is eligible for indefinite status following three successful reviews and subject to terms noted in UC ANR Policy and Procedure Manual, Section 315 https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/118501.pdf

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. This position is eligible for sabbatical leave privileges as per the terms of the University policy. 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 22-10)

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by March 25, 2024 (open until filled)

Questions?

Contact Tatiana Avoce, email: tavoce@ucanr.edu

Applicants may wish to explore the UC Davis Services for International Students and Scholars web page at https://siss.ucdavis.edu/ as a resource.

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/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.