Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor (26-14)

Open date: June 17, 2026. Next review date: Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Final date: Friday, August 28, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time).

About the role

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor serving Mariposa and Merced counties. The successful candidate will implement an extension education and applied problem-solving research program in livestock production systems, including grazing management, pasture and range management, nutrition, herd health, animal husbandry, genetic selection, reproduction, harvesting/processing, and marketing.

UCCE Advisors are responsible for applied research and extension of knowledge. Research activities are applied, needs-based, mission-oriented, and focused on addressing community challenges. Extension activities are the educational practices Advisors use to share research results directly with clientele and communities. Extension methods may include individual consultations, presentations, educational workshops, field demonstrations, farm visits, radio outreach, webinars, fact sheets, policy briefs, news blogs, and social media. Publications are expected in various formats, including newsletters, popular press articles, curriculums, conference proceedings, and peer-reviewed publications.

Successful research and extension programs result in new information that improves knowledge or understanding and adoption of new skills, practices, changed attitudes, policies, and improved environmental, health, agricultural, economic, and/or social conditions. UCCE Advisors are evaluated through an academic advancement system based on four criteria: extending knowledge, applied research and creative activity, professional competence and activity, and University and public service.

Location Headquarters: UCCE Mariposa County, 5009 Fairgrounds Road, Mariposa, CA 95338. This is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite at the headquarters location and travel to and be present in other counties with programmatic responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Implement extension education and applied research programs in livestock production systems, including grazing management, pasture and range management, nutrition, herd health, animal husbandry, genetic selection, reproduction, harvesting/processing, and marketing.
• Collaborate with CE advisors, campus-based specialists, AES faculty, and clientele to improve livestock production in the region, addressing areas such as livestock production, animal health, range and pasture improvement, meat processing and marketing, water quality, soil quality, and ecosystem health.
• Develop educational outreach programs and research to support diverse livestock communities, with a focus on cattle, sheep, goats, and small-scale poultry.
• Engage with key clientele groups, including livestock producers, public resource management agencies (NRCS, California Dept of Fish and Wildlife, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Resource Conservation Districts), nonprofit conservation organizations, and youth groups (4-H, FFA, and Grange).
• Disseminate information through seminars, workshops, field days, internet resources, and producer-oriented and peer-reviewed publications.
• Pursue collaborations with UC Davis Dept. of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, ANR Program Teams (e.g., Meat Production and Food Safety, Forest and Rangeland Systems, and Diversified Farming and Food Systems), and other relevant programs.

Requirements

• Minimum of a master’s degree in animal science, range management, or a closely related field at the time of appointment. In lieu of a range management degree, the applicant must have the minimum coursework to be a Certified Rangeland Manager.
• Certified Rangeland Manager license or a commitment to obtain the minimum coursework for certification within five years of hire.
• Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed; proof of liability and property damage insurance on the vehicle used is required.
• Valid California Driver’s License to drive a county or University vehicle.
• Background investigation, including fingerprinting and criminal history clearances from the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
• Compliance with California’s Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA).
• Authorization to work for any employer in the U.S. at the time of hire and throughout the duration of the position.

Qualifications

• Extension experience and demonstrated excellence in applied research.
• Coursework and experience in range management and livestock production.
• Training and experience in interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary research and collaboration.
• Familiarity with California’s natural resources.
• Knowledge and demonstrated use of remote methods for conducting outreach and delivery.
• Interest in pursuing a career in UC Cooperative Extension.
• Evidence of success in meeting required academic advancement criteria as per UC Academic Personnel Manuals.
• Substantial experience and sensitivity to cultural differences when working with youth and adults across a wide range of socio-economic classes and ethnicities.
• Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal, and information technology communication skills. Spanish language proficiency is desired.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a team member with key external stakeholders, county-based staff, and colleagues within UC ANR.
• Commitment to lifelong learning and adaptability to changes in the industry, clientele, and organizational priorities.

About the location

Mariposa and Merced Counties are located in Central California. Mariposa County is in the central Sierra Nevada foothills and has a population of approximately 17,000. The Advisor will be headquartered in the UCCE Mariposa office and will also serve Merced County.