Area Integrated Pest Management Advisor: Commensal Rodents and Urban Wildlife (AP# 25-27)

Position description Area Integrated Pest Management Advisor: Commensal Rodents and Urban Wildlife (AP# 25-27) University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Position Overview The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Integrated Pest Management Advisor: Commensal Rodents and Urban Wildlife, serving Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Mateo/San Francisco Counties at the Assistant rank. The advisor will develop an innovative, multi-county applied research and extension education program that supports the integrated management of commensal rodents and urban wildlife across the five-county area. The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Advisor will focus on applied research and extension addressing human-wildlife interactions in the Bay Area, with a primary emphasis on commensal rodents (rats and mice), and additional opportunities to address other pests of regional importance that affect public health, infrastructure, and urban ecosystems. The program will integrate principles of IPM, One Health, urban ecology, and wildlife conservation to develop science-based solutions that protect both people and the environment. The Area IPM Advisor will develop IPM strategies to manage rodents in and around structures as well as urban wildlife, working closely with public agencies, pest control operators, licensed pest management professionals, and other practitioners in the public health and pest control sectors. UCCE Advisors are responsible for applied research and extending knowledge. Research activities are 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. Increased knowledge and understanding of science-based research help to support and promote the adoption of practices and technologies that solve problems. Extension methods may include individual consultations, presentations, organization of educational workshops and short courses, field demonstrations, and farm and site visits. Information may also be disseminated via radio outreach, webinars, fact sheets, policy briefs, news blogs, and social media. Publications are expected in various formats, including newsletters, popular press articles, curricula, conference proceedings, and peer-reviewed publications. Successful research and extension programs result in new information that improves knowledge and understanding, and leads to the adoption of new skills, practices, and attitudes, and to changes in policies and 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: The position will be headquartered at the University of California Cooperative Extension Office in Santa Clara County, located at 1553 Berger Drive, San Jose, California. Position Details California’s rapidly urbanizing landscapes present increasing challenges at the interface of people, wildlife, and the built environment. Rodents affect public health, food systems, infrastructure, natural resources, and quality of life. Effective management requires science-based, integrated approaches that balance public health, environmental stewardship, and wildlife conservation. This advisor will develop an innovative applied research and extension program addressing human-wildlife interactions and vertebrate pest management in urban and peri-urban environments, with a primary emphasis on commensal rodents (roof rats, Norway rats, and house mice). Commensal rodents remain among the most significant urban pests worldwide, damaging structures and infrastructure, contaminating food, and serving as reservoirs for zoonotic diseases. Recent changes in California pesticide regulations, increasing urbanization, aging infrastructure, and growing public concern regarding both rodent impacts and wildlife conservation have created an urgent need for innovative, evidence-based management strategies. The advisor will develop integrated pest management (IPM) approaches that improve management effectiveness while minimizing unnecessary pesticide use and reducing risks to people, pets, non-target wildlife, and the environment. The advisor will work collaboratively with pest management professionals, local governments, public health agencies, vector control districts, wildlife professionals, regulatory agencies, community organizations, and UC ANR academics to develop practical, science-based solutions for California’s evolving wildlife management challenges. Applied research and extension will focus on wildlife pests that create conflicts in urban and peri-urban environments, with a primary emphasis on commensal rodents, and additional opportunities to address other species as regional needs dictate. For example, ground squirrels and gophers are among other pests of concern. Research may include: Understanding wildlife pest ecology and behavior for improved management Human-wildlife interactions One Health and zoonotic disease Best practices for rodent management Advanced monitoring of wildlife damage and management Wildlife toxicology Success will be measured by increased use of IPM practices that improve the management of urban pests, address pests of public health significance, reduce unnecessary or unsafe pesticide use, and reduce pesticide exposure to natural ecosystems. Research results and knowledge are expected to be published in various UC ANR series and technical sheets, such as UC IPM’s Pest Notes, trade journals, and peer-reviewed journals such as One Health, Pest Management Science, and Journal of Integrated Pest Management. The advisor will conduct extension activities, including coordinating with local public agencies, pest management professional groups, the UC IPM Program, and campus-based faculty and Cooperative Extension Specialists to develop, implement, and participate in train‑the‑trainer programs and hands‑on workshops for urban pest management professionals. The Advisor will coordinate or participate in projects that demonstrate IPM practices to local audiences, either directly (for example, pest control operators) or indirectly (for example, through UC Master Gardeners, demonstration gardens, and 4‑H ranches). Counties of Responsibility: This position has programmatic responsibilities in Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Mateo/San Francisco Counties. (San Mateo and San Francisco Counties are combined into one UC Cooperative Extension unit referred to as San Mateo/San Francisco). Reporting Relationship: In this appointment, you will report directly to the UC Cooperative Extension Director for Santa Clara County and the UC IPM Statewide Director, with input from the UCCE directors in the other counties served. 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. The respective directors will outline specific expectations for maintaining office hours and conducting fieldwork in the geographic area covered by this position upon hire. Qualifications and Skills Required Required Qualifications Education A minimum of a master’s degree in wildlife management, pest management, applied vertebrate ecology, or a closely related field is required at the time of appointment. Key Qualifications The ability to address sensitive human‑wildlife conflict situations both orally and in writing, as well as public policy conflict resolution, and the human dimensions of wildlife management Experience in wildlife management involving rodents or other animals that cause human‑wildlife conflicts Experience in conducting applied, impact‑oriented research on topics relevant to this position. Capacity or potential to accomplish team‑based research and education programs consistent with the values of UCANR. Interest in and a desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension Technical Competence and Impact: The candidate should have a strong understanding of integrated pest management and be able to design and implement a program that leads to increased use of IPM practices. Communication: Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal, and information technology communication skills. Collaboration, Teamwork, and Flexibility: The candidate should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with key external stakeholders and county‑based staff, as well as with colleagues within UC ANR. Lifelong Learning: There is an expectation that advisors evolve and grow throughout their careers and respond to changes in the industry, clientele, and the organization. Desired Experience Knowledge of animal behavior, wildlife damage management, and toxicology Experience in building partnerships and multidisciplinary teams Demonstrated ability to effectively plan projects, manage teams, and implement an applied research and outreach program, including setting measurable goals and objectives Experience seeking and securing extramural funding Skills to communicate effectively in a second language are desirable. Additional Requirements This is not a remote position. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed; proof of liability and property damage insurance on the vehicle used is required. Must possess or obtain a valid California Driver’s License to drive a County or University Vehicle. This position is open to individuals who are currently authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for new employment‑based petitions; limited support may be available for eligible visa transfers when legally permissible. Internal UC ANR applicants with questions may contact Katie Kilbane at mailto:View email address on click.appcast.io. Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series and provide evidence of success in meeting the required academic advancement criteria as per Applicants need to document relevant research, extension, teaching experience, and appropriate scholarly achievements. 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. About UC ANR UC ANR is a division of the University of California (UC) system that bridges the gap between local issues and the UC system’s expertise by providing research‑based information, educational programs, and technical expertise to the #J-18808-Ljbffr JOE