Agroecology Program Specialist

Company: University of California
Location: Santa Cruz
Posted on: May 21, 2023

Job Description:

Despite the Initial Review Date (IRD) passing, this position will continue to accept applications until filled.

NOTIFICATIONS

UC Vaccination Policy: With limited exceptions, COVID-19 vaccinations are required for Covered Individuals under the Policy. Covered Individuals include all employees, students, or trainees who physically access a University facility or program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training.

Covered Individuals do NOT include employees who work 100% remotely with NO expectation that they will physically access any University location or program at ANY time. If 100% remote work ends, the employee is subject to policy.

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz staff jobs are posted until filled. Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. NOTE: Materials submitted after the IRD will be forwarded only at the request of the hiring unit. Submit your materials before the IRD to ensure consideration by the hiring unit.

The IRD for this job is: 02-08-2023

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Center for Agroecology at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) maintains more than thirty acres of land for organic crop production, research, education, and outreach. This land and associated facilities have been in operation for over 50 years and serve as the primary classroom for a diverse range of hands-on programming that spans academic, research, and community programs. This includes research and education programs for the Environmental Studies department, Agroecology major, research and education programs serving multiple campus divisions, co-curricular student engagement opportunities, the Apprenticeship Program, short courses and community workshops. The CfA also serves as a public demonstration site open daily for use by university students, K-12 students, and the general public.

The incumbent's work will support the CfA mission to advance agroecology and equitable food systems through experiential education, participatory research, agricultural extension, collaborative program-building, community engagement, and public service. UCSC is a Hispanic Serving Institution with R1 research standing, one of only 25 campuses nationwide, a Minority-Serving Institution, and an Asian American and Native American-Pacific Islander Serving Institution and it is imperative that the incumbent has the skill, experience and capacity to integrate diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of CfA work and programming.

More information can be found here: https://agroecology.ucsc.edu/

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Center for Agroecology (CfA) Executive Director, the Agroeoclogy Program Specialist is responsible for supporting the coordination and delivery of the practical education and training programs at the Center (e.g. undergraduate curricular, co-curricular programming, the Apprenticeship Program, the Black Lives Matter Garden, the Community Herb Garden, short courses, and community workshops and field days). In partnership with Center staff, the incumbent will play a key role diversifying Center programs to support the recruitment and retention of traditionally underrepresented students through critical pedagogies (i.e. anti-racist, decolonial) and anchoring its community-engaged, service-based partnerships and projects on a campus that is a minority-serving institution, a Hispanic-Serving Institution, and an Asian American and Native American-Pacific Islander Serving Institution.

The incumbent is responsible for managing complex public educational programs and collaborations of diverse scope, aimed at serving historically underserved, diverse audiences, and playing key roles in curriculum development, course logistics and outreach, and partnerships both on and beyond campus. In collaboration with academic and non-academic Center staff, the incumbent will provide support in the design, development, implementation, coordination, assessment, and continuous improvement of the hands-on programs and services. Course design and curriculum delivery will be informed by organic and agroecological methods and be guided by principles of equity and justice in the food system, (i.e. an emphasis on decolonial, anti racist approaches to land-based education). Extensive knowledge of organic agriculture, food systems change and curriculum design is required.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Salary Information: Salary Range: $56,100 - $64,400 / Annually. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.

No. of Positions: 1

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

* Full-time, Fixed
* Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
* Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
* Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: This is a Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 005834 (CMTY EDUC SPEC 4)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

40% - Program Delivery

* Provides presentation or instruction of course content.
* Serves as a work or group leader for programs.
* Delivers academic programs to students that enhance academic success through group, one-on-one, and course-based formats of service for a wide range of learning issues in a discipline for a broad scope of academic courses.

35% - Program Administration

* Evaluates prospective program partnerships.
* Applies and implements innovative academic support service models to support and enhance student learning, academic success and intellectual development.
* Assesses appropriate needs of students, and refers students to specific student programs.
* Recruits selects, orients, evaluates and supervises qualified course and program instructors.
* Supports identification and development of evaluation tools for courses, instructors and programs.
* Evaluates and adjust course curriculum through student / participant evaluations and the level of interest shown.
* Plans and schedules course offerings; identifies course topics.
* Supports Tracking of student or participant performance and course desirability.

15% - Program development and planning

* In conjunction with CfA program staff, supports the planning and development of new programs and curriculum, and adjusts existing courses and curriculum in a hybrid continuing education and academic environment.
* Actively participates in long-range strategic planning for community educational programs.
* Participates in developing strategic market plans and target audiences.
* Helps determine instructor objectives, methods of instruction and locations.

10% - Organization Support

* Participates in CfA staff and committee meetings and planning.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

* Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
* Thorough analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop program recommendations, demonstrating organization and problem-solving skills.
* Thorough and effective verbal and interpersonal communication skills and presentation skills.
* Thorough and effective written communication skills.
* Demonstrated skill in working effectively as part of a team.
* Thorough knowledge of and skill in delivering interdisciplinary experiential agricultural programs.
* Thorough knowledge of current adult agriculture educational programs and trends.
* Thorough skills in conducting needs assessments and development of new presentations / courses to meet organizational needs.
* Skill in using business software systems in the completion of work assignments; i.e. Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint.
* Demonstrated experience meeting and understanding the needs and issues related to serving diverse and underserved populations in agriculture.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

* Master degree in agriculture, education, or related field.
* Experience working in a minority-serving institution of higher education.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

* Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
* Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California.
* Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
* Ability to perform essential physical job functions.
* Ability to perform work in a rugged physical environment and inclement weather with challenging infrastructure requirements.
* Ability to work in conditions of variable temperature/weather with possible exposure to strong, unpleasant odors, high levels of noise and vibrations, and exposure to dust and allergens.
* Ability to successfully work with and around a variety of fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides.
* Ability to sustain exposure to dusty, noisy environments and inclement weather as necessary to carry out assigned duties and responsibilities.
* Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary in storing and moving materials. The ability to lift light to moderate objects up to 40 lbs., with or without accommodation.
* The selected candidate will be required to work primarily on campus, with periods of remote work possible based on operational needs, and be able to fulfill requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
* Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as directed.
* Ability to respond to emergencies after hours as necessary.
* Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
* Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
* The University of California has implemented a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy covering all employees. To be compliant with the policy, covered employees must submit proof of vaccination or have an approved exception or deferral, eight (8) weeks from date of hire.
* Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

HOW TO APPLY

Attach your resume and cover letter when applying for this job opening. Do not attach any documents to 'My Activities'. Visit our How to Apply tutorial for detailed instructions on our applicant process.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

Keywords: University of California, Santa Cruz , Agroecology Program Specialist, Other , Santa Cruz, California