Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor (26-14) (Hiring Immediately)

*Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor (26-14) University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources* * *Application Window* * *Open date: *June 17, 2026 *Next review date:* Wednesday, Jul 29, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. *Final date: *Friday, Aug 28, 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. *Position description* Position Overview 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 our communities' 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 helps 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, such as newsletters, articles for the popular press, 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, Fairgrounds Road, Mariposa, CA 95338 Position Details This is an exciting position with the opportunity to work with established clientele in Mariposa and Merced Counties. The Advisor, collaborating with other CE advisors, campus-based specialists, AES faculty, and clientele will help implement management practices that improve livestock production in the region. Key opportunity areas to address include livestock production, animal health, range and pasture improvement, meat processing and marketing, water quality, soil quality, and ecosystem health. Species most emphasized are cattle, but also include sheep, goats, and small-scale poultry. There are ample opportunities fo collaborations, including with the UC Davis Dept. of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine and ANR Program Teams (e.g., Meat Production and Food Safety, Forest and Rangeland Systems, and Diversified Farming and Food Systems) as well as other programs that may include water, natural resources and crop production. The Advisor will work with new and existing producers to develop educational outreach programs and research that address challenges to help support the diverse livestock community. Farm Bureau and local cattlemen's associations provide quick avenues to become trusted and embedded within the community. These opportunities are important because they provide the avenue to create relationships that enable ANR to become part of the local community. The Advisor is expected to implement a variety of extension activities to extend science-based education to clientele on livestock management practices to enhance production efficiency and ranch profitability, and help minimize any negative impacts associated with livestock production. Managing ecosystems, while not a new opportunity, is an area where UC is well positioned to provide leadership and generate success. Key clientele groups include 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 (such as The Nature Conservancy, fire safe councils, local watershed councils, land trusts and other non-government organizations) and a number of youth groups (4-H, FFA, and Grange). Collaboration with these groups will identify issues and opportunities for extension of livestock and land management information using seminars, workshops, field days, internet resources and producer-oriented and peer-reviewed publications. Counties of Responsibility. This position will be headquartered in the UCCE Mariposa office, CA and will also serve Merced County. Reporting Relationship: The CE Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Area County Director of UCCE Mariposa and Merced Counties. 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. Specific expectations for maintaining office hours and fieldwork in the geographic area covered by this position will be outlined upon hire by the respective directors and supervisors. Qualifications and Skills Required Required Qualifications Education: The successful applicant will have a minimum of a master's degree in animal science, range management or a closely related field is required at the time of appointment. In lieu of a range management degree the applicant would have the minimum coursework to be a [Certified Rangeland Manager]( Key Qualifications: * Certified Rangeland Manager license or desire to obtain the minimum coursework for a Certified Rangeland Manager within five years of hire. * 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. * Extension experience and demonstrated excellence in the areas of applied research is desired. * Coursework and experience in range management, and livestock production. * Training and experience in interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary research and collaboration is preferred. * Familiarity with California's natural resources will be beneficial. * Knowledge and demonstrated use of remote methods of conducting outreach and delivery are a benefit. * 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. * A background investigation will be required for the successful candidate, including fingerprinting and criminal history clearances from the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This position is subject to the requirements and compliance of California's Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA). Employment within UC ANR is contingent upon securing written acknowledgment to comply with California law. * We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. at the time of hire and must maintain such authorization through the duration of the position. Internal UC ANR applicants with questions may contact Katie Kilbane at [View email address on apply.placed-app.com]( * This is not a remote position. Candidates must be available to work in Mariposa and Merced Counties. Additional Skills Required * Interest in and a desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension * Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series and evidence for success in meeting required academic advancement criteria as per [UC Academic Personnel Manuals]( Applications need to document relevant research, extension, and teaching experience and appropriate scholarly achievements. * Substantial experience and sensitivity to cultural differences relative to working with youth and adults. * The ability to work with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes and ethnicities is essential. * Communication: Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal and information technology communication skills. Spanish language proficiency is desired. * Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility: The candidate should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively as a team member with key external stakeholders and county-based staff, as well as with other colleagues within UC ANR. * Lifelong Learning: There is an expectation that advisors evolve and grow across their career and respond to changes in the industry, clientele, and organizational change. * 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 seve