UC Cooperative Extension Specialist- Produce Safety Systems Located at the USDA-ARS Sam Farr United States Crop Improvement and Protection Center in Salinas, CA (25-20)

UC Cooperative Extension Specialist- Produce Safety Systems Located at the USDA-ARS Sam Farr United States Crop Improvement and Protection Center in Salinas, CA (25-20)
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
Application Window

Open date: May 27, 2025
Next review date: Wednesday, Jul 23, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Tuesday, Oct 14, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
UC Cooperative Extension Specialist-
Produce Safety Systems
Located at the USDA-ARS Sam Farr United States Crop Improvement and Protection Center in Salinas, CA
Position Overview
The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension Specialist (UCCE) - Produce Safety Systems at the Assistant rank or Associate rank.
California is the leading agricultural-producing state in the nation. California produces two-thirds of the national fruit and nut crop and over half of the vegetables grown in the US. It is the leading national producer of 47 specialty crops and the sole producer (99% or more) of 13 specialty crops. California is also the leading dairy-producing state in the nation and has a high prevalence of livestock operations. The level of specialty crop production, the density of livestock operations, and the diversity in wildlife species and climates create unique challenges for managing the safety of produce grown in California. One Health is a collaborative, multidisciplinary, and systems-thinking approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The UCCE Specialist in Produce Safety Systems will develop an innovative, collaborative, and impactful research and extension program focused on improving the safety of fruits and vegetables produced in California through One Health strategies. This specialist will address critical issues related to foodborne pathogen risk, compliance with food safety regulations (e.g., FSMA Produce Safety Rule, FSMA Preventive Controls for Human Food Rule), and the implementation of science-based best practices for growers, packers, and other stakeholders across the produce supply chain.
UCCE Specialists conduct research and educational programs aimed at relevant clientele groups in California's communities. UCCE Specialists have programs primarily focused on mission-oriented research or creative work that support the university's efforts to extend knowledge, including outreach and community engagement. Mission-oriented research describes the complete research continuum that extends from basic research to applications of research results. Within the UCCE mission and mandate, this applied research focuses on developing practical and cost-effective solutions to address problems and challenges that communities are facing. UCCE Specialists publish applied research results in a combination of publication types, whether peer-reviewed journals or other local venues, based on the targeted audiences.
The extension and outreach programs disseminate knowledge and information to clientele groups for their use in improving their abilities to understand and address problems and opportunities facing them. The extension educational program serves the University's public service mission. Educational program activities include but are not limited to collaborations with UCCE Advisors, other UCCE Specialists, campus faculty, program teams, workgroups, or clientele groups; developing and presenting educational materials; communicating to clientele through broadcast, print, or electronic media; participating in meetings with clientele; developing and presenting in-service training courses; organizing or participating in workshops, field tours, symposia or conferences. Much of this work will be conducted in partnership with UC ANR's locally based UCCE Advisors. The UCCE Specialist - Advisor and faculty partnership creates an applied research network that benefits both the University and the public at large.
Location Headquarters. The position will be physically located at the US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) Sam Farr United States Crop Improvement and Protection Research Center in Salinas, California. The center, which opened in 2023, features state-of-the-art laboratories and greenhouses for fruit and vegetable research.
Position Details
Major duties and responsibilities for this specialist include:

Conduct applied research on produce safety topics, working collaboratively with partners, and drawing on resources such as the 2024 California Agricultural Neighbors Action Report. The California Agricultural Neighbors (CAN) initiative, launched in January 2021 by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the Monterey County Farm Bureau, aims to enhance food safety in the Salinas Valley, particularly concerning E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks linked to leafy greens. The initiative fosters collaboration among neighboring agricultural operations, including leafy green farms, cattle ranches, vineyards, and compost sites, to address shared food safety concerns. Broadly, areas of research for this specialist might include:
o Mechanisms of introduction of E. coli O157:H7 into host animal populations and re-introduction into the environment
o Investigating the amplification of E. coli O157:H7 within host populations and through conditions that may allow for regrowth in growing land and land surrounding production areas
o Evaluation of the survival and persistence of foodborne pathogens under various conditions that do not allow for amplification in the environment
o Mechanisms of foodborne pathogen movement and transport across the landscape by air, water, animals, and machinery
o Studies to evaluate and minimize risks associated with adjacent land use concerns
o Evaluate the impact of regional wildlife on food safety risks and potential mitigation strategies
o Expanding research into risk factors identified by the California Longitudinal Study (CALS)
o Any other relevant research area that can provide data for a Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA)

Develop and lead cross-disciplinary collaborations with relevant advisors, specialists, and external stakeholders to improve food safety systems in the Salinas Valley and on the Central Coast.

Lead focused efforts on developing and disseminating best practices for produce safety, both pre- and post-harvest.

Provide leadership and science-based information to diverse industry clientele, UC ANR advisors, trade associations, NGOs, state and federal agencies, and diverse academic institutions to facilitate and support outreach and training in program areas most impactful of regional food safety management, sustained environmental quality, water quality, and soil health.

Catalyze and build stakeholder support and funding for an intrastate Produce Safety Response Network, which will provide industry support in coordinated and scientifically valid investigative research approaches to acute food safety events at a local, regional, or statewide level.

Publish research findings in relevant peer-reviewed journals (i.e., Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Journal of Food Protection, International Journal of Food Microbiology, etc.) or applied research outlets such as UC ANR peer-reviewed publications and California Agriculture.
Counties of Responsibility: The specialist will work closely with ANR Advisors, specialists, USDA-ARS staff, and partner organizations throughout the state, with a focus on the Salinas Valley and the northern Central Coast. This is an exciting opportunity to impact diverse communities throughout the state.
Reporting Relationship: The position will be located at the USDA-ARS Crop Improvement and Protection Research Center in Salinas, California, and will report to the UC ANR Vice Provost for Academic Personnel. This is a statewide position requiring collaboration with UC ANR personnel and external partners throughout California. It is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite at the USDA-ARS Center.
Qualifications and Skills Required
Education: A minimum of a Ph.D. (or international equivalent) in agronomy, horticulture, plant pathology, produce safety, food science, environmental microbiology, or a related field is required at the time of appointment. Applicants who have not yet earned a Ph.D. must be within 12 months of completing their degree to be considered for the position.
Key Qualifications

Relevant and extensive multidisciplinary experience in applied research related to this position.

Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills are required.

A track record of effectively engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals and applied research outlets.

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 a valid California Driver's License to drive a university vehicle.

Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series and provide evidence of being able to meet required academic advancement criteria as per the UC Academic Personnel Manuals. Applications also need to document relevant research, extension, teaching experience . click apply for full job details