Beginning Farmer Training Program Coordinator Five Points or Davis, CA, Job ID 86245

Beginning Farmer Training Program Coordinator Five Points or Davis, CA, Job ID 86245

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

Job Description


This position is based at the UC ANR West Side Research and Extension Center (WSREC) in Five Points, CA and may also be located in Davis, CA with regular travel to WSREC.

The WSREC Beginning Farmer Training Program Coordinator will lead the design, development, and implementation of a comprehensive beginning farmer training program at the West Side Research and Extension Center (WSREC). This leadership role will coordinate strategic planning, partner engagement, curriculum development, and infrastructure setup to initiate the training program. The Coordinator will work collaboratively with UC ANR programs (including SAREP, F3, and WSREC leadership), community-based organizations, and regional partners to develop a multi-year training program that supports farmworkers and aspiring farmers in gaining the knowledge, skills, land access, and business tools needed to start independent farm operations. Responsibilities include conducting feasibility assessments, managing budgets, overseeing bilingual outreach and training delivery, building partnerships for land access and value-added opportunities, coordinating infrastructure development and plot setup, and evaluating program impact. This position requires expertise in community or adult education, agricultural systems, program management, and strong bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills. This position is required to be present in person for regular on-site activities at WSREC and the Five Points area and travel to the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center (KARE) and UCCE Fresno locations, as well as, site visits with partner organizations and potential participants. Office space is available at WSREC and in Davis, CA and shared temporary office space is available in Parlier, CA and Fresno, CA.

This position is a career appointment that is 100% fixed, and ends one year from the date of hire with the possibility of extension if funding permits.

The home department is the West Side Research & Extension Center. This position is primarily based in Five Points, CA, and may also be based in Davis, CA with regular travel to Five Points. This position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants living in the State of California at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University.

Pay Scale: $103,100.00/year to $149,700.00/year

Job Posting Close Date: This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 6/5/2026.

Key Responsibilities:

35%

Strategic planning and evaluation:

• Conduct feasibility study for beginning farmer training program at WSREC

• Conduct site visits and meetings with partner organizations

• Visit successful programs and explore potential for partnerships

• Organize and synthesize input from partners and identify existing resources and gaps

• Outline contributions of ANR programs (e.g. SAREP, F3) and potential partner organizations

• Coordinate with WSREC station leadership and staff to assess needs for developing land and facilities

• Determine budget needs and internal resources available

• Determine goals for number of participants and acreage cultivated

• Collaborate with WSREC, SAREP, F3, and ANR senior leadership to finalize a strategic plan for the training program

• Identify potential funding streams and collaborate on funds development for future program activities
  

35%

Develop and implement curriculum for beginning farmer training program:

• Incorporate input from focus groups, needs assessments, and conversations with partners

• Identify topics to include such as production practices, regulatory compliance, and marketing and providers for each topic

• Identify additional providers needed for topics not already covered

• Develop plan and time frame for training over an approximately 3-year program

• Develop metrics for tracking outcomes and impacts and conducting program evaluation

• Oversee educational activities on site at WSREC, including coordinating partner activities, communicating with participants, and troubleshooting challenges (Spanish language skills required)

• Gather feedback from cohorts of participants for continuous program improvement (Spanish language skills required)
  

10%

Coordinate outreach to farmworker communities:

• Collaborate with partner organizations and ANR staff on bilingual outreach, education, and communication

• Organize focus groups to assess interest and priorities of local communities for a beginning farmer training program

• Coordinate site visits with local partners and beginning farmers to WSREC

• Recommend directions based on local priorities

• Bilingual skills in Spanish required for communication with stakeholders
  

10%

Coordinate setup and infrastructure at WSREC:

• Serve as lead coordinating activities of the Senior Agricultural Technician (or other appropriate title) based at WSREC

• Work with the Senior Agricultural Technician to determine supplies and infrastructure needed, estimated workload, recharge costs, and other budgetary items

• Identify and facilitate opportunities to collaborate with ANR researchers on WSREC land

• Determine projected startup and annual budgets for beginning farmer program operations at WSREC

• Develop and implement policies and procedures for beginning farmer program operation
  

10%

Conduct strategic planning for land access and regional economic development:

• Assess opportunities for purchasing or renting farmland after completion of training program

• Explore opportunities to leverage funding for land access through incentives programs such as the Multi-Benefit Land Repurposing Program (MLRP) and LandFlex Program

• Develop relationships with local and regional landowners and farmer organizations to explore land repurposing opportunities

• Represent beginning farmer training program at professional conferences and stakeholder meetings

• Explore resources and partnerships for development and marketing of value-added products and small- to medium-scale food processing

• Coordinate with partner organizations to develop marketing strategies and storage and transportation logistics for access to markets
  Requirements:
  
  • Master's degree with coursework or experience relevant to agricultural production, food systems, policy, community development, agricultural business, agricultural economics, adult education, public health, or a related field and/or equivalent experience.
  • Content expertise and demonstrated experience relevant to community and/or adult education programs, methods, and curriculum.
  • Background and experience relevant to food systems, community development, marketing, agricultural business, or agricultural economics.
  • Familiarity with agricultural production systems, or strong ability to acquire knowledge on a range of topics such as irrigation, nutrient management, pest management, harvesting, and storage.
  • Evidence of ability to effectively manage projects, including strong time management and organizational skills to set goals and manage tasks.
  • Demonstrated commitment to listening to and prioritizing the educational needs of beginning farmer clientele.
  • Strategic planning and visioning skills to determine effective directions for program activities, funding sources, and collaborations.
  • Effective skills to conduct evaluations and needs assessments and develop new methods and materials to meet program needs.
  • Leadership and/or administrative experience such as supervision, team management, or program coordination.
  • Advanced knowledge of administrative and budgetary principles and practices.
  • Strong interpersonal skills for networking and maintaining effective professional relationships with UC ANR collaborators and external program participants and partners.
  • Advanced verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills including public speaking and delivering instruction in-person.
  • Familiarity with computer software including Microsoft Office and online applications to facilitate remote teamwork, and versatility with new technology.
  • Proficient written and verbal bilingual skills in English and Spanish.
  Preferred Skills:
  
  • Prior experience or engagement with developing curriculum for adult audiences.
  • Familiarity with California agricultural and food systems.
  • Knowledge of university policies, procedures and regulations or similar institutional polices.
  Special Conditions of Employment:
  
  • Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
  • The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
  • 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.
  • Policy on Vaccination Programs , as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
  • Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
  
  
  
  1. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  
  
  
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
    • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
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