Academic Program Management Officer 4 - Five Points, CA, Job ID 82245

The WSREC Beginning Farmer Training Program Coordinator will lead the design, development, and implementation of a comprehensive beginning farmer training program at the West Side Research and Extension Center (WSREC). This leadership role will coordinate strategic planning, partner engagement, curriculum development, and infrastructure setup. The Coordinator will work collaboratively with UC ANR programs (including SAREP, F3, and WSREC leadership), community-based organizations, and regional partners to develop a multi-year training program that supports farmworkers and aspiring farmers in gaining the knowledge, skills, land access, and business tools needed to start independent farm operations. Responsibilities include conducting feasibility assessments, managing budgets, overseeing bilingual outreach and training delivery, supervising staff, building partnerships for land access and value-added opportunities, and evaluating program impact. This position requires expertise in community or adult education, agricultural systems, program management, and strong bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills. Travel will be required between WSREC, Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center (KARE) and UCCE Fresno locations, as well as site visits with partner organizations and potential participants. Shared temporary office space will be made available in Parlier, CA and Fresno, CA.

This position is a contract appointment that is 100% fixed, and ends one year from the date of hire with the possibility of extension if funding permits.

The home department is the West Side Research & Extension Center. While this position is primarily based in Five Points, CA, this position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants living in the State of California at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University.

Pay Scale: $95,600.00/year to $138,700.00/year

Job Posting Close Date: This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 11/21/2025.

Key Responsibilities:

Requirements:

• Master's degree with coursework or experience relevant to agricultural production, food systems, policy, community development, agricultural business, agricultural economics, adult education, public health, or a related field and/or equivalent experience.
• Content expertise and demonstrated experience relevant to community and/or adult education programs, methods, and curriculum.
• Background and experience relevant to food systems, community development, marketing, agricultural business, or agricultural economics.
• Familiarity with agricultural production systems, or strong ability to acquire knowledge on a range of topics such as irrigation, nutrient management, pest management, harvesting, and storage.
• Evidence of ability to effectively manage projects, including strong time management and organizational skills to set goals and manage tasks.
• Demonstrated commitment to listening to and prioritizing the educational needs of beginning farmer clientele.
• Strategic planning and visioning skills to determine effective directions for program activities, funding sources, and collaborations.
• Effective skills to conduct evaluations and needs assessments and develop new methods and materials to meet program needs.
• Leadership and/or administrative experience such as supervision, team management, or program coordination.
• Advanced knowledge of administrative and budgetary principles and practices.
• Strong interpersonal skills for networking and maintaining effective professional relationships with UC ANR collaborators and external program participants and partners.
• Advanced verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills including public speaking and delivering instruction in-person.
• Familiarity with computer software including Microsoft Office and online applications to facilitate remote teamwork, and versatility with new technology.
• Proficient written and verbal bilingual skills in English and Spanish.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience or engagement with developing curriculum for adult audiences.
• Familiarity with California agricultural and food systems.
• Knowledge of university policies, procedures and regulations or similar institutional polices.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
• 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.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "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. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) brings the power of University of California research and education to all 58 California counties. Through research and extension in agriculture, natural resources, economic growth, nutrition, and youth development, we work to improve the life of every Californian.

Collaborating to solve problems.

Connecting to serve communities.

For over 100 years, our advisors, specialists, faculty and staff have been committed to connecting Californians to their land grant university. We are highly collaborative and mission-driven to promote the health and well-being of people and places across the state. We are also trusted partners with hundreds of community organizations in addressing California's most pressing challenges.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

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