Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Advisor for College and Career Readiness Serving Mendocino and Lake Counties (25-23)

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Advisor for College and Career Readiness, serving Mendocino and Lake Counties. The Advisor will develop and deliver a program that will provide all youth meaningful personal development opportunities. The Advisor is expected to develop an extension and applied research program framed in positive youth development, emphasizing college and career readiness and curricula to promote program growth and expanded opportunities for youth participation.

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 Lake County, 883 Lakeport Boulevard, Lakeport, CA 95453

The Advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied research program to address issues related to College and Career Readiness in Mendocino and Lake counties. Using a positive youth development framework for college and career readiness, this position will create opportunities for youth to participate in meaningful developmental experiences to prepare them for further education and careers. The advisor will also provide academic oversight of the 4-H community club program and educational leadership to county based 4-H staff, educators, volunteers, and community members. This position offers the opportunity to address a myriad of issues by creating youth voice and authentic opportunities to solve issues of interest and importance to youth, such as access to built and natural environments, creating welcoming community spaces for youth and culturally responsive youth development.

This position is positively situated to integrate ANR's research and extension education efforts across communities to improve youth development across the region.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop and deliver relevant program content to have meaningful impacts in local communities and throughout California related to:

* Program factors or community strategies that contribute to positive college and career readiness

* Outcomes and impacts of a multifaceted youth development program on positive youth development.

* Efficacy and relevance of the 4-H Thriving Model of Positive Youth Development in California.

* Effectiveness of using youth as peer educators to in initiate community change through youth development programs and learning experiences.

There are excellent opportunities for the new advisor to establish extension and research partnerships with a variety of stakeholders and collaborators, including local youth development partners, community service organizations, county government, and with youth-serving agencies in formal and non-formal education settings. The advisor joins a team of highly motivated UCCE colleagues who are passionate about their work and are dedicated to making a difference within the communities and throughout California. The potential for collaborative projects within the UC ANR system is nearly limitless.

Counties of Responsibility. This position will be headquartered in the UCCE Lake County office, CA and have activity in Mendocino County. The position will also provide support to the statewide network of 4-H Youth Development community educators in College and Career Readiness.

Reporting Relationship: The CE Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Area County Director of UCCE Mendocino and Lake Counties, and programmatically under the 4-H Statewide Director. 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.

Required Qualifications

Education: A minimum of a master's degree in an area related to youth and/or adult education (emphasizing Youth Development, Psychology, Out-of-School-Time Learning, Youth and Career Development, or related areas) is required at the time of appointment.

Key Qualifications

* Experience in conducting applied research, program evaluation, and education programs with youth is required.

* Strong leadership skills and experience in program and personnel management are required.

* 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 is required. Must possess or obtain a valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University Vehicle.

* Ability to drive on remote highways including evenings and weekends, and at times in inclement weather conditions.

* A background investigation will be required for the successful candidate, including fingerprinting and a criminal history clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This position is subject to the requirements and compliance of the California's Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA). Employment within UC ANR is contingent upon securing written acknowledgement 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.

* This is not a remote position.

* 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.

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]

Additional Skills Required

* Interest in and a desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension

* Technical Competence and Impact: The candidate should have a deep understanding of youth development and be able to design and implement a program that leads to positive changes and impact within the community and beyond.

* 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.

Desired Experience

* Experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds is desired.

* Ability to effectively engage with partner organizations to develop strong community relationships to support 4-H YD programs.

* Ability to communicate well with regional audiences including local elected officials, K-12 school representatives, agricultural organizations, and natural resources agencies.

* Experience working with adult volunteers involved with youth programs.

* Ability to secure and manage extramural funding.

UC ANR is a division of the University of California (UC) 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.

Mendocino County is home to a uniquely resilient mix of rural communities, Tribal Nations, working landscapes, and fire-adapted ecosystems. UC Cooperative Extension connects these communities with the University of California's practical, research-driven knowledge, offering education programs, and on-the-ground support that help families, youth, landowners, and producers thrive. UCCE delivers workshops, consultations, research partnerships, and volunteer-led programs that expand agricultural productivity, promote healthy forests, empower youth, and enhance community resilience across the county.

Lake County is home to diverse rural communities, resilient Tribal Nations, productive agricultural lands, and fire-adapted ecosystems shaped by decades of environmental challenges and community strength. UC Cooperative Extension brings the University of California's research-based programs directly to Lake County residents-delivering practical tools, education, and partnerships that help families, youth, landowners, producers, and Tribal communities thrive. Through locally driven workshops, scientific advising, research collaborations, and volunteer-led programs, UCCE Lake County supports healthy forests, sustainable agriculture, youth development, climate resilience, and a stronger, more connected community.

* 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.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: The salary range for this Cooperative Extension Advisor position is Assistant Rank, Step I ($85,600) to Step VI ($108,600). Step placement in the advisor series is based on applicable experience and professional qualifications. For information regarding Cooperative Extension Advisor salary scales, please refer to the University of California website:

https://ucanr.edu/sites/default/files/2025-01/406198.pdf

If the successful candidate is currently a UCCE Advisor, the candidate will be offered the position without change to the candidate's current rank, step, salary and/or appointment terms; and if applicable, is eligible to retain indefinite status.

This position is eligible for indefinite status following three successful reviews and subject to terms noted in UC ANR Policy and Procedure Manual, Section 315 UC ANR Policy and Procedure Manual, Section 315 [https://ucanrpolicy.ellucid.com/pman/documents/view/122/active?]

Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, two days per month paid vacation, one day per month paid sick leave, and approximately thirteen paid holidays per year.. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website at: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ [https://recruit.ucanr.edu/] and choose "applicants" (refer to position ##25-23). 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 January 31, 2026- (open until filled)

Contact Tatiana Avoce via 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), is strictly prohibited.

• 3-6 required (contact information only)

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.