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Indigenous Disaster Resilience Planning and Policy Area Advisor ( Applied Research and Extension ) AP# 22-25

County Locations: Plumas County, Sierra County, Tuolumne County
Location: UC ANR - Davis

Date Posted: July 9, 2024
Closing Date: September 16, 2024

Job Description: Download

Position Overview

Serving Central Sierra Counties, California

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers a unique recruitment opportunity for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Indigenous Disaster Resilience, Planning and Policy Area Advisor. 

 We are looking for new member of our team with experience working with Tribal communities around disaster preparedness, planning, response and policy. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to building partnerships and uphold a commitment to meaningful engagement and advancing efforts that reflect the needs and priorities of our community partners. UC ANR operates a statewide network of researchers and educators dedicated to the development and application of knowledge to address local agricultural, environmental and health issues. Over 150 UC ANR UCCE advisors conduct research, outreach and education from locally based CE offices serving all 58 counties from 70+ locations throughout the state. Our mission is to bring the power of the University of California directly to Californians through research, extension and education programs that support:

  • Sustainable, safe, and nutritious food production and delivery
  • Economic success in a global economy
  • A sustainable, healthy, and productive environment
  • Science literacy and youth development

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 UC system.

Location Headquarters: UCCE Office, Tuolumne County, Sonora, CA.

 Purpose: The Indigenous Disaster Resilience, Planning and Policy Area Advisor is responsible for assessing, developing, implementing and evaluating disaster planning, response and recovery efforts as well as advancing policy change that uplifts the needs, expertise and priorities of Indigenous and other communities in the counties of Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, and Tuolumne.

Research, Extension and Education:

The area advisor will co-develop their research and extension program in partnership with Tribes, Tribal communities, Tribal serving organizations and other relevant agencies and community organizations. Research will include a holistic and applied research approach that bridges understanding of social and natural factors, leveraging subject-matter expertise from across UC ANR to assess and mitigate the vulnerability of specific sectors (e.g. water, housing, food) and populations to climate and disaster risk. Key research areas or topics of inquiry may include: a) understanding how climate change and disaster events amplify existing inequalities, such as food insecurity, houselessness, poverty, and disease, and develop strategies to lessen the resulting harms; b) understanding and developing culturally responsive disaster preparedness and post-disaster recovery efforts, centering the priorities, concerns, and capabilities of Indigenous communities, especially elders, and the place-based organizations that support them. The advisor will contribute to regional and statewide policy dialogue on building a more resilient California landscape while protecting tribal cultural heritage and cultural resources.

Extension education activities may include (a) working with Tribes, non-profit organizations, and government agencies to conduct a needs/assets assessment with Tribes and other rural communities to inform future disaster planning (b) assessing the resilience of various sectors (food, water, housing, energy, transportation) and facilitating strategic planning to prepare for and respond to disaster in culturally appropriate and equitable ways, and (c) co-developing strategies with Tribes and other rural communities to increase culturally-responsive and inclusive disaster resilience, focused on locally identified priorities which may include prioritizing elder needs, identifying and addressing post-traumatic stress issues resulting from the pandemic, increasing water security, food self-sufficiency, climate adaptation, eco-cultural landscape restoration, housing security, and/or resilient local and regional power infrastructure to ensure equitable and secure access to water, food and power.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop and deliver relevant program content to have meaningful impacts in local communities.

This position will significantly augment ANR’s capacity to network with and serve California’s Indigenous and Tribal communities.  This advisor will leverage the expertise of and contribute to ANR’s Fire, Water, Food System and Health Resilience networks. The area advisor will collaborate closely with some of the following entities: UCB’s Water Justice, Planning and Policy Specialist and Food System Specialists, UC SAREP, UC IGIS, CIWR, the Research to Policy, Climate Change, California Communities, & DEIJ PTs, CalNat Climate Stewards, Disaster Workgroup, and the Native American Community Partnerships work group and local advisors.  External to ANR this position will network with the seven federally recognized tribes and other tribes, tribal communities, and tribal serving organizations, agencies and other non-profit organizations serving socially disadvantaged communities including: United Indian Health Alliance, the Indigenous People’s Burning Network, the California Immigrant Resilience Fund, California Indian Manpower Consortium, MACT Health Board, and Calaveras Healthy Impact Product Solutions and Tuolumne County Office of Emergency Services. Other organizations and agencies for collaborations include: the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN), Rural Community Assistance Corporation, USDA Rural Development, CDFA Farm Equity Office, Office of Emergency Services, CAL FIRE, Department of Water Resources, county governments, RCDs, Nation Firewise Communities and Fire Safe Councils.

Counties of Responsibility.  This position will be headquartered in Tuolumne County and will serve the Counties of Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, and Tuolumne, CA.

Reporting Relationship: The CE Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Central Sierra Multi County Partnership Director.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications

Education: A minimum of a Master’s degree in crisis and emergency management, community or rural development, geography or related social sciences, land use planning, or related fields is required at the time of appointment. 

Additional Requirements

  • Lived experience working with, and preferably in, Tribal or Indigenous communities.
  • Experience in emergency and/or disaster planning and management or related fields.
  • Experience with community-led or community based participatory research and extension methodology ensuring all research and programming is co-created in close partnership with the community.
  • Experience working with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes and ethnicities is essential.
  • Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability and property damage

insurance on vehicle used is required.  Must possess valid California Driver’s License to drive a County or University Vehicle.

  • This is not a remote position. The candidate must be available to work onsite. In accordance with UC ANR Flexible Work Guidelines flexible work agreements are available upon approval by supervisors and periodic re-evaluation.

Desired Experience

  • An additional degree in Native American studies, and/or experience working with Tribal or other Indigenous communities in rural communities and natural resource-based economies is highly desirable.
  • Passion and desire to pursue a career in Cooperative Extension.
  • Experience in building partnerships and with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively plan projects, manage teams and implement an applied research and outreach program, including setting measurable goals and objectives.

Skills Required:   To be successful, the CE Advisor requires skills in the following areas:

 Technical Competence and Impact

The candidate must be able to design and implement a program that leads to positive changes and impact within the community and beyond. There is an expectation that advisors evolve and grow across their career and respond to changes in the industry and by community partners. 

Communication

Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, and interpersonal and information technology communication skills (e.g. electronic newsletters, social media, blogging, email).  Public speaking to stakeholders is a routine part of this position. 

Demonstrated ability to share complex information in a manner tailored to the audience.

Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team member with industry and other stakeholders.  Able to adapt as circumstances warranted. 

Awareness of and willingness to actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Lifelong Learning

Demonstrated commitment to ongoing self-improvement. Ability to shift program focus as times and organizational needs change.

Learn more about Skills and Areas of Programmatic Review (including Professional Competence, University and Public Service and Affirmative Action and DEI) at: https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/319460.pdf

About UC ANR

The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) consists of a network of scientists and educators working in partnership across the state of California.  We are committed to developing and supporting healthy food systems, healthy environments, healthy communities, and healthy Californians.  UC ANR administers Statewide Programs and Initiatives (SWP/I’s) that focus research and extension on solving priority problems that engage ANR academics and UC faculty in integrated teams to work on complex issues requiring trans-disciplinary approaches; as well as UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE), which is responsible for program development and delivery in counties throughout the state.

Learn more about 

Salary & Benefits

Salary: The salary range for this Cooperative Extension Advisor position is Assistant Rank, Step I ($82,900) to Step VI ($105,200). Salary adjustments effective July 1, 2024, may apply.   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/anrstaff/files/358478.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 https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/118501.pdf 

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 paid holidays. This position is eligible for sabbatical leave privileges as per the terms of the University policy. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website at: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html 

How to Apply

If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose “applicants” (refer to position #22-25)

Closing Date:  To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by September 16, 2024 (Open until filled)

Questions?

Contact Tatiana Avoce at tavoce@ucanr.edu

Applicants may wish to explore the UC Davis Services for International Students and Scholars web page at https://siss.ucdavis.edu and the UC ANR Green Card Sponsorship Guidelines & FAQ's for reference.

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/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, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy. 

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.