Entry Level Soil Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview
The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension Viticulture Advisor serving San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and southern Sacramento Counties. The Advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied research program to address high-priority issues in wine grape production, including pest and water management.
UCCE Advisors are responsible for applied research and extending 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 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: UCCE San Joaquin County, 2101 E. Earhart Ave., Ste.200, Stockton, CA 95206
Position Details
The advisor will support both experienced and entry-level grape growers on viticultural practices, pest and water management, and new technologies aimed at improving industry competitiveness and wine grape quality. Producers face mounting pressures from increased regulatory and environmental compliance requirements, as well as from cost competitiveness in an increasingly global marketplace. Secondary responsibilities include supporting other berry crop producers, like blueberries and cranberries; however, the program's major emphasis will be on wine grape production.
This is an exciting opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the viticulture communities of the northern San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The advisor will work closely with growers, industry, and crop consultants. Opportunities abound for research and extension partnerships that link consumers and resource professionals across multiple sectors to relevant, science-based information that promotes effective problem-solving. The advisor will also join a team of highly motivated UCCE colleagues who are passionate about their work and dedicated to making a difference in communities across California.
Counties of Responsibility. This position will be headquartered in San Joaquin County with regional responsibilities in southern Sacramento County (the Lodi Appellation) and Stanislaus County.
Reporting Relationship: The CE Advisor directly reports to the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) County Director for San Joaquin County, with input from the other UCCE County Directors in the coverage area. 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 conducting fieldwork in the geographic area covered by this position will be outlined by the respective directors upon hire.
Qualifications and Skills Required
Required Qualifications
Education
A minimum of a master's degree in viticulture, horticulture, crop science, soil science, pest management, or a closely related field is required at the time of appointment.
Key Qualifications
• A demonstrated ability in applied agricultural research and extension is required.
• General knowledge of crop production, including soil, water, fertility, and pest management are required.
• Interest in and a desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension
• Technical Competence and Impact: Demonstrated ability to effectively plan, manage teams, and implement a research program, including setting measurable goals and objectives.
• 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.
• The ability to work with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes and ethnicities is essential.
• 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
• Experience with vineyards or orchard crops
• Experience in successful Cooperative Extension programming or community development
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.
• 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 klkilbane@ucanr.edu .
• The advisor must possess or obtain within one year of hire a Qualified Pesticide Applicator Certificate (QAC) prior to applying pesticides or supervising the application of any pesticide.
• 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 UC Academic Personnel Manuals . Applicants need to document relevant research, extension, teaching experience, and appropriate scholarly achievements.
• A background check will be required for the successful candidate. Employment within UC ANR is contingent upon securing written acknowledgment to comply with California law.
• 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.
• Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment
• Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Affirmative Action
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 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 offers. Our vision is that UC ANR will be valued in every California community for the positive difference it makes in people's lives.
About California's Northern San Joaquin Valley
The Northern San Joaquin Valley is a dynamic transition zone between the Sacramento metropolitan area, the San Francisco Bay, and California's agricultural heartland. Major cities in the region include Stockton, Modesto, Tracy, Manteca, and Lodi. The region also includes the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, one of California's most important natural resources, providing water supplies, recreation opportunities, wildlife habitat, and fertile farmland.
Agriculture is a defining feature of the region, with a diverse array of crops. The region is internationally recognized for wine grape production, especially around the Lodi American Viticulture Area, one of California's premier wine grape growing regions with close to 85,000 acres. The Lodi Appellation is home to 85 wineries producing 20% of California's wine. The region was once dominated by Zinfandel but now grows 130 different varieties on mostly family-owned farms. At the 2026 California State Fair, Lodi Appellation wines won 6 "Best of California" varietal awards and 182 medals overall. Regional wine grape production is also known for sustainable practices, with certified wines marked with the Lodi Rules green seal. The Lodi Appellation is known for its quality wine and sustainable growing practices. In addition to vineyards, the agricultural landscape is diverse with tree crops like cherries, almonds, and walnuts; tomatoes, melons, and other vegetable crops; as well as grains and forages to support local dairy operations.
Learn More About
• UC ANR and UC ANR Mission Statement
• UC ANR administers Statewide Programs and Institutes that focus research and extension on solving priority problems that engage ANR academics and UC faculty in integrated teams
• UC ANR Strategic Initiatives help unify, communicate, and advocate for the work we do.
• UC ANR uses seven Public Value Statements 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 UCANR's Civil Rights Compliance Policy .
• UC ANR is committed to supporting inclusive excellence and is guided by UC ANR's Principles of Community . We strive to create an environment where all individuals, regardless of their 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 ($89,100) to Step VI ($113,000). 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 Salary scale
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 is subject to the terms noted in Section 315 of the ANR Policy and Procedure Manual
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.
Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits, including 2 days of paid vacation per month, 1 day of paid sick leave per month, 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 Benefits
How to Apply
If interested in this position, please visit UC Recruit and choose "applicants" (refer to position #21-35). 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 September 22, 2026 - (open until filled)
Questions?
Contact Katie Kilbane at klkilbane@ucanr.edu