UC Cooperative Extension Specialist - Food Safety, Drones, and Spectral Analysis Located at the University of California, Santa Cruz (25-38)

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), in collaboration with the University of California, Santa Cruz, invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Specialist at the Assistant rank.

Food safety is a major priority for California agriculture, especially in the fresh produce industry. This position will address the evolving food safety challenges in specialty crop production, bringing needed scientific and technical expertise to the field, with a focus on the intersection between food safety and organic/regenerative farming practices. The Specialist will examine the potential of agricultural technologies, such as drones, spectral analysis, and sensors, to help California growers ensure the safety of their harvest while using organic and regenerative practices.

UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Specialists develop and conduct research and educational programs aimed at appropriate clientele groups in communities outside of UC campuses. UCCE Specialists have programs primarily focused on mission-oriented research or creative work that support the university's efforts to extend knowledge, including outreach and community engagement. Mission-oriented research describes the complete research continuum that extends from basic research to applications of research results. This research is generally applied in nature and has, as a goal, finding solutions for problems facing society related to the mission of the UCCE Specialist's discipline and the UCCE mission. UCCE Specialists publish the results of applied research in a combination of peer-reviewed publications and stakeholder-facing materials, including refereed journals, technical reports, and white papers, tailored to the needs of the audiences their programs serve.

Extension programs disseminate knowledge and information to clientele groups to help them better understand and address problems and opportunities they face. The extension educational program serves the University's public service mission. Educational program activities include but are not limited to collaborations with UCCE Advisors, other UCCE Specialists, campus faculty, program teams, workgroups, or clientele groups; developing and presenting educational materials; communicating to clientele through broadcast, print, or electronic media; participating in meetings with clientele; developing and delivering in-service training courses; organizing or participating in workshops, field tours, symposia or conferences. Much of this work is conducted in partnership with UC ANR's locally based UCCE Advisors. The UCCE Specialist-Advisor and faculty partnership creates an applied research network that benefits both the University and the public at large. This position does not include formal classroom instruction at the University.

The Specialist will be part of the University of California, Santa Cruz Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The position will be based primarily at the Westside Research Park, near the UCSC main campus, managed by the Baskin School of Engineering, with secondary office space and presence required at the Monterey Bay Education, Science, and Technology Center (MBEST), in the emerging food safety nexus of Monterey County.

While the Food Safety Modernization Act dictates federal mandates for food safety regulation, wholesalers and buyers drive current compliance practices with more stringent standards enforced via third-party regulators. This de facto enforcement landscape, with proprietary third-party metrics, is obscure and does not necessarily utilize science-based assessment of food safety outcomes. Moreover, increasing pressures for organic/regenerative farm practices (e.g., compost, hedgerows for biodiversity, conservation setbacks, reduced chemical applications), driven by consumers and produce buyers, are often at odds with food safety risk reduction best practices. Food safety concerns include issues such as E. coli and other bacterial contaminants from animal and bird waste deposited on or around crops, relationships between natural habitats on farms and bacterial pathogens, use or misuse of chemical pesticides, and impacts on worker and community health. As technological innovations advance, there is a need to apply novel technologies to these and other pressing food safety challenges. This Specialist will examine and exploit the potential of agricultural technologies to address food safety.

Primary duties and responsibilities for this Specialist include:

* Collaborating extensively with UCSC faculty, as well as UC ANR's network of advisors, specialists, AES faculty, statewide programs, program teams, and institutes. Additional potential collaborators include other UC campuses, the California State University Monterey Bay, Hartnell College, Cabrillo Community College, other academic institutions, community partners, government agencies, and industry partners.

* Designing and conducting applied research focused on the intersection of food safety and technology. Potential areas of research include:

o Novel approaches to assessing runoff and water contamination using landscape-level assessments across multiple sources (rangeland/pasture, urban, etc.)

o New technologies for assessing food safety risk (multispectral imaging, AI) through field scouting (aerial and terrestrial drones) for vector identification and crop characteristics

o Research on the impact of amendments on food safety outcomes

o Research on the effects of conservation practices (soil amendments, compost, hedgerows, wetlands, conservation habitat) on food safety outcomes across different cropping systems and climatic regions

o Legislative recommendations for drone safety, piloting, and licensing in the agricultural context

o Novel approaches to drone applications (spraying, biological payload delivery, imaging) and effectiveness based on scale and frequency

o Integration of environmental sensors with drone applications for real-time adaptation based on site data

o Implications of transitioning to drone spray applications from large aerial vehicles for regulations on drift, overspray, buffers, and community health impacts

* Building an effective extension education program (statewide trainings, workshops, educational resources, website, etc.) that helps partners and clientele implement technology strategies to improve food safety outcomes. The Specialist will serve as a resource for UCCE Advisors, county agricultural commissioners, pest control associations, government scientists, and regulatory personnel. Additionally, the Specialist will have significant engagement with youth training and workforce development, informing the practices and skills needed to train the next generation of agricultural workers with high-tech skills.

* Publishing findings in accessible formats, including peer-reviewed journals, ANR outlets, industry publications, and relevant online platforms, to widen the reach and impact of research outcomes.

* Participating in professional society activities and scholarly contributions, attaining goals of state, national, and international recognition over time.

Geographic Area of Responsibility

This state-wide position will serve the agriculture sector across California, helping farmers, growers, and ranchers move towards more organic/regenerative and high-tech agriculture. This is an exciting opportunity to impact diverse communities throughout the state.

The position will be academically positioned within the UC Santa Cruz Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The appointment is within UC ANR, and UC ANR will oversee the merit and promotion process, consistent with other UC ANR CE Specialists, in consultation with the UCSC Department Chair. The CE specialist will also hold an additional 0% (uncompensated) CE Specialist appointment at UCSC. It is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite at the UCSC campus and MBEST.

Education: A minimum of a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in electrical engineering, agricultural engineering, computer engineering, or a related field is required at the time of appointment. Applicants who have not yet earned a Ph.D. must be within 12 months of completing their degree to be considered for the position.

* Demonstrated expertise in technologies that can be applied in agriculture, such as drones

* Substantive experience in one or more areas related to the position, such as organic and regenerative agriculture, food safety, and technology

* Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly to non-scientific and public audiences

* Demonstrated record of productivity in research as evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals

* A track record of effectively engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders

* Experience in leading collaborative research teams

* Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series per the UC Academic Personnel Manuals [https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/academic-personnel-policy/appointment-and-promotion/index.html]Applications need to document research, extension, and/or teaching experience applicable to the academic title and document appropriate scholarly achievements relevant to this position.

* Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability, and property damage insurance on the vehicle used are required. Must possess or obtain a valid California Driver's License to drive a university vehicle.

* 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.

* 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 prior 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.

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy [https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH]

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties [https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination]

APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment [https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf]

* This is not a remote position.

* Experience with integrated research and educational projects and extension to diverse audiences

* A track record of applying for and securing extramural funding

To be successful, UCCE Specialist positions require skills in the following:

Technical competence

* Conduct and report needs assessments to identify priority issues or problems relevant to the clientele groups served.

* Develop and implement effective UC ANR Cooperative Extension applied research and educational programs to address the identified priority needs of the clientele that are consistent with ANR's Strategic Vision and ANR Initiatives.

* Conduct applied research designed to reduce food safety risk in California agriculture via technology innovations.

Communication

* Disseminate appropriate, science-based information to inform clientele, using extension methods that are responsive to clientele needs and suitable for the audience and situation.

* Maintain and promote UC ANR Cooperative Extension's credibility by providing science-based knowledge.

* Evaluate programs and report accomplishments, results, and potential or actual impacts to scientific and lay audiences through various outreach methods, e.g., peer-reviewed publications, internet, workshops, and newsletters.

Collaboration & Teamwork

* Build collaborative working relationships with CE Advisors, CE Specialists, Academic Coordinators, AES faculty, and program staff across UC ANR, via participation in program teams and work groups.

* Engage with a network external to UC ANR, including agricultural industry stakeholders, agencies that serve farmers, government agency partners, and community partners.

Lifelong Learning

* Participate in professional organizations related to technology and food safety.

* Demonstrate commitment to ongoing growth - both professionally and as a person.

Salary: The beginning salary will be in the Assistant Cooperative Extension Specialist Rank Step 1- $90,600 to Step 6 - $118,500 annually. Step placement in this series is based on applicable experience and professional qualifications. For information regarding the Cooperative Extension Specialist series salary scales, please refer to https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/policy-covered-july-2025-scales/t29.pdf.

This position is eligible for indefinite status, subject to terms noted in Section 315 of UC ANR Policy and Procedure Manual, Section 315 [https://ucanrpolicy.ellucid.com/pman/documents/view/122/active/] If the successful candidate is currently a UCCE Specialist with indefinite status, the candidate will be offered the position commensurate with applicable experience and professional qualifications with eligibility to retain such indefinite status.

The Cooperative Extension Specialist position is a two-year renewable term appointment. Performance in this position is evaluated annually, with merit actions being evaluated every two years. Upon completing a successful review, you may be reappointed for another definite term. Our intention with this definite term appointment is to be reappointed based on positive performance reviews and the continuing need for the position.

Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits, including two days per month paid vacation, one day per month paid sick leave, and paid holidays. This position is eligible for sabbatical leave privileges per the terms of University policy. ANR is part of UC's Family-Friendly Policies. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/

UC ANR is a division of the University of California system that bridges the gap between local issues and the expertise of the UC system by providing research-based information, educational programs, and technical expertise to the public in areas such as agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, and youth development. UC ANR is part of a nationwide Cooperative Extension network, which began in the early 20th century to connect research from land-grant universities with the everyday needs of people in communities across the United States. Today, we collaborate with farmers, ranchers, diverse communities, youth and adult educators, and policymakers to address local and statewide issues related to food systems, water, climate change, and sustainable agriculture through a statewide network of campus-based researchers, county-based Advisors, and community educators. Our mission is to cultivate thriving communities, sustainable agriculture, resilient ecosystems, and economic prosperity in California and globally through equitable generation and sharing of collaborative, science-based solutions. Over 180 UCCE Advisors conduct applied research and extension education from county-based UCCE offices serving all 58 counties from 70+ locations. 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 resources UC has to offer. Our vision is that UC ANR will be valued in every California community for meaningful engagement and making a positive difference in people's lives.

UCSC, one of the UC system's ten campuses, opened in 1965. It is known for impactful research, teaching, and public service, as well as innovation across many fields. Located in and around a redwood forest overlooking the Monterey Bay, UC Santa Cruz is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful college campuses in the world. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at UC Santa Cruz aims to achieve engineering discoveries that benefit humankind through a combination of curiosity, open-mindedness, and inclusiveness. UCSC is also home to the Center for Agroecology, which advances agroecology and equitable food systems through experiential education, participatory research, agricultural extension, and public service. Its centerpieces are the 3-acre Alan Chadwick Garden and the 30-acre USCS Farm, which serve as outdoor classrooms and teaching sites. UCSC hosts a new AgTech Alliance focused on developing socially responsible technology for a sustainable future, as well as the CITRIS Initiative for Drone Education and Research (CIDER), which offers educational training and research support for the development and use of drone technology across all academic disciplines and many industry sectors.

* UC ANR [https://ucanr.edu/] and UC ANR Mission Statement [https://ucanr.edu/site/division-agriculture-and-natural-resources/about-us]

* UC ANR administers Statewide Programs and Institutes [https://ucanr.edu/site/statewide-programs-research-and-extension-center-operations/programs] that focus research and extension on solving priority problems that engage ANR academics and UC faculty in integrated teams

* UC ANR Program Areas and Program Teams [https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-anr-program-areas-and-program-teams] help unify, communicate, and advocate for our work.

* UC ANR uses Public Value Statements [https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-anr-planning-and-accountability/condition-changes] to communicate how our work makes a difference to the public.

* UC ANR academics are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR's commitment to UC ANR's Civil Rights Compliance Policy [https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-anr-human-resources/office-civil-rights]

* UC ANR is committed to supporting inclusive excellence and is guided by UC ANR Principles of Community [https://ucanr.edu/site/division-agriculture-and-natural-resources/principles-community] We strive to create an environment where all individuals, regardless of background, feel valued and respected and have equal opportunities for growth and success.

If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose "applicants" (refer to position #25-38). An in-person finalist interview may be required as part of the search process.

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by February 10, 2026 (open until filled).

Contact Tatiana Avoce at tavoce@ucanr.edu

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 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 status under state or federal law.

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) are strictly prohibited.

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The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. 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.