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Cooperative Extension Fire Advisor in Orange County, California (21-07)

County Location: Orange County

Date Posted: August 2, 2024
Closing Date: September 23, 2024

Job Description: Download

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Fire Advisor at the Assistant rank.  The successful candidate will implement an innovative, extension education and applied problem-solving research program to help solve California’s wildfire challenges. The expected focus of the Fire Advisor is to address the needs, issues, and interests related to designing and maintaining communities in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI). Experience in planning, knowledge of construction materials, testing to support the fire resiliency of the built environment, fuels and vegetation management, or the use of fire as a tool for ecological or cultural benefits is desired. 

Location Headquarters: University of California Cooperative Extension Office – South Coast Research and Extension Center, Irvine, CA

Position Details

The Fire Advisor will work with and provide a point of connection for landowners, agencies, local governments and community members to work together toward fire resilience. The research will inform management and policy efforts in the county with potential throughout California. The intent is to have this position help build community fire adaptation and resiliency and reduce California’s social, physical, and ecological vulnerability to wildfire. 

Topics of interest for the position could include:

  • Pre-fire and post-fire data to understand fire spread and ignition of materials in WUI communities,
  • Firebrand generation from materials,
  • Ignition of both vegetative and human-made fuels from WUI fire exposures of direct flame contact, radiant heat, and firebrands,
  • Human behavior in WUI fires,
  • Physical modelling studies of WUI fire behavior and structure ignition,
  • Structure ignition mitigation strategies,
  • New material development to harden structures to WUI fire exposures

The position will be part of the UC ANR network of Fire Advisors that is filling an important niche, providing critical capacity, coordination, and science-based momentum for an accelerated approach to California’s fire problem.  As such, the advisor’s work will also connect with UC ANR Forest and Rangeland Advisors, UC campus-based specialists and faculty, and with the UC ANR volunteer networks (e.g., UC Master Gardener, UC Master Naturalist, and UC 4-H).

This is an exciting opportunity to have meaningful impacts in the communities of Southern California. There are extensive opportunities for research and extension partnerships that link clients and resource professionals across multi-sectors with relevant science-based information and promote effective problem solving.  The advisor will join 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 is focused on Southern California – with the expectation the work is likely relevant to other parts of California as well.  There is an opportunity to work collaboratively across counties.

Reporting Relationship: The CE Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the South Coast Research and Extension Director with programmatic input from the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Orange County Director and the UC ANR Fire Network Director.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Education: At time of appointment, a minimum of a master's degree is required in a natural resource, planning, materials science, wood science, construction management, or an engineering field with experience.  Preference will be given to candidates with experience studying the resistance and propagation of WUI materials, the social or ecological aspects of fire, or fire management. Experience in fire-related research is required, and experience in field and survey-based research skills and participatory research methods is helpful. 

Key Qualifications

  • Experience in successful Cooperative Extension programming or community development.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively plan, manage teams and implement a research program, including setting measurable goals and objectives.
  • 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 a 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.
  • A Certified Rangeland Management, Registered Professional Forester, State Certified Burn Boss or other license may be required or encouraged overtime depending on the focus of the advisor’s program.

Additional Skills Required

  • The candidate should understand key concepts related to California’s fire challenges and be able to design and implement programs that lead to positive changes and impact within the community and beyond. There is an expectation that advisors evolve and grow across their career and may even need to change the focus of their work.
  • Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal and information technology communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team member with others. Able to adapt as circumstances warranted. 
  • Awareness and willingness to actively promote diversity, equity and inclusion.
  • Demonstrated commitment to ongoing self-improvement.
  • The candidate should be aware of and willing to actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Desired Experience

  • Experience, passion and desire to pursue a career in Cooperative Extension and community development.
  • Experience in working across multi-sector partnerships. 
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively plan, manage teams and implement a research program, including setting measurable goals and objectives.
  • Experience in disaster response, wildland management, prescribed fire, home hardening and infrastructure protection, workforce training, economic development, community recovery, public health and air quality, and fire impact analysis on agricultural products is highly desirable 

Salary & Benefits

Salary: The salary range for this Cooperative Extension Advisor position is Assistant Rank, Step I ($82,900) to Step VI ($105,200). Step placement in the Advisor series is based on applicable experience and professional qualifications.

The Assistant CE Advisor position is a renewable definite term appointment (up to 5 years total) with a merit cycle every two years.  The performance in the position will be evaluated annually.  Reappointment beyond the 5 years is contingent upon a review of continuing need for the position, the availability of funding, and performance in the position. This position is not eligible for indefinite status.

Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, two days per month of paid vacation, one day per month of 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.

How to Apply

If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose “applicants” (refer to position #21-07)

Closing Date:  To assure full consideration, application packets, including a candidate DEI and research statement, must be received by September 23, 2024 (open until filled)

About UC ANR

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.

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 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 UC ANR’s Affirmative Action policy
  • UC ANR academics are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • UCANR Information on Skills and Areas of Programmatic Review, (including Professional Competence, University and Public Service, Affirmative Action and DEI at https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/319460.pdf
  • The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and will honor your experiences, perspectives, and unique identity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ+ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

Questions?

Contact Tatiana Avoce; email  tavoce@ucanr.edu

Applicants may wish to explore the UC Davis Services for International Students and Scholars web page at https://siss.ucdavis.edu/ as a resource.

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/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.