Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Advisor Serving San Diego and Imperial Counties (AP 22-05)

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

Application Window

Open date: June 16, 2026

Next review date: Friday, Jul 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Thursday, Oct 1, 2026 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

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Advisor serving San Diego and Imperial Counties. The Advisor will develop, deliver, and evaluate a program that provides youth in the two counties with meaningful personal development opportunities, especially in science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and mathematics (STEAM). California's 4-H Youth Development Program helps young people reach their full potential as competent, confident leaders who contribute to and are connected to their communities. 4-H serves youth throughout California in urban, suburban, and rural communities.

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 Diego County, 9335 Hazard Way, Suite 201, San Diego, CA 92123.

Position Details

The advisor will design and implement an innovative extension education and applied research program focused on youth participation in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and math) activities, such as agricultural technology and engineering, animal science, computer science, horticulture, artificial intelligence, robotics, drones, veterinary science, and more. The advisor will focus on increasing youth access and engagement in STEAM education to build hands-on skills, creativity, career awareness, leadership, and workforce preparedness. Using a positive youth development framework, the advisor will provide academic leadership for the 4-H community club program and other 4-H delivery models and to county-based 4-H staff, educators, volunteers, and community members, supporting program quality, coordination, and community engagement.

This position will integrate ANR's research and extension education efforts across communities to improve youth participation in STEAM in the two-county region. This is an opportunity to develop and deliver relevant program content that leads to meaningful impacts in local communities, including:

Identification and implementation of program strategies and community-based approaches that strengthen STEAM-related skills and opportunities for youth
Develop and deliver workshops in a STEAM-related subject area to build skills among youth, adult volunteers, and professionals who work with youth.
Conduct applied research related to a STEAM-related subject area, in cooperation with State 4-H staff, 4-H Advisors in other counties, and community partners.
Development and evaluation of youth development programs that support STEAM engagement in both school-based and out-of-school-time educational settings
Applying and assessing the quality of youth development within STEAM programming.

There are excellent opportunities for the new advisor to establish partnerships with a variety of stakeholders and collaborators to strengthen visibility, alignment, and program impacts. Collaborating organizations may include school districts, youth centers on military bases, youth-serving nonprofits, county agency staff, Farm Bureau, local fair boards, and local colleges and universities, strengthening visibility, alignment, and program impact. The advisor joins a team of highly motivated UCCE colleagues who are passionate about their work and dedicated to making a difference in communities and throughout California.

Counties of Responsibility. This position will be headquartered in the UCCE San Diego office in California and will also have activity in Imperial County. The position will also provide support to the 4-H Youth Development community educators in both counties.

Reporting Relationship: The CE Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Area Director for UCCE San Diego and Imperial Counties, and programmatically under the 4-H Statewide Director. 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 an area related to youth development or education, STEAM-related disciplines, including agricultural education, animal science, or another related, relevant discipline, is required at the time of appointment.

Key Qualifications
Experience in conducting applied research, program evaluation, and education programs with youth
Ability to create partnerships with local agency staff, such as school district personnel
A record of research or outreach publications
Leadership skills and experience in program and personnel management
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.
A background investigation will be required for the successful candidate, including fingerprinting and criminal history clearances from the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This position is subject to the requirements and compliance of California's Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA). Employment within UC ANR is contingent upon securing written acknowledgment to comply with California law.
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.
This is not a remote position.

Additional Skills Required
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.
Interest in and a desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension
Technical Competence and Impact: The candidate should have a deep understanding of STEAM and be able to design and implement a program that leads to youth engagement in STEAM.
Substantial experience and sensitivity to cultural differences relative to working with youth and adults.
The ability to work with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes and ethnicities is essential.
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.
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.
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

Desired Experience
Experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds is desired
Spanish language proficiency is desired
Ability to communicate well with regional audiences, including local elected officials, K-12 school representatives, agricultural organizations, and natural resources agencies
Experience working with adult volunteers involved with youth programs
Ability to secure and manage extramural funding

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 San Diego and Imperial Counties

San Diego County is one of the most populous and economically diverse counties in California, with 3.3 million residents. Its largest city is San Diego (about 1.4 million people), followed by Chula Vista, Oceanside, and Escondido. The economy is anchored by defense and military activity, tourism, biotechnology, healthcare, and international trade. Agriculture also remains a significant sector, with high-value crops including avocados, nursery products, strawberries, and citrus. Imperial County is smaller and more rural, with a population of about 180,000 centered in cities such as El Centro, Calexico, Brawley, and Imperial. Located in the desert Imperial Valley along the U.S.-Mexico border, it has a strong agricultural economy. Major commodities include vegetables, alfalfa, cattle feed, and winter crops that supply national markets.
Both counties have a large youth population and are served by school districts, including the San Diego Unified School District, one of the largest in California. Key issues that impact young people include the high cost of living, housing instability, educational disparities, and unequal access to health and social services, especially among immigrant and low-income communities. Communities in both counties share common concerns around equity, opportunity, economic development, and support systems for young people.
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 ($85,600) to Step VI ($108,600). 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 Recruitand choose "applicants" (refer to position #22-05). 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 July 31, 2026 - (open until filled)

Questions?
Contact Katie Kilbane at klkilbane@ucanr.edu

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.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
- Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
- Cover Letter (Optional)
- Statement of Research - Please submit a 2-page Statement of Research and Extension Interests including how your current and/or past research and extension experience could contribute to, or be applicable to, the needs of the local community. Provide examples of potential goals and outcomes from your research and extension activities.
- College Level Transcripts - Electronic transcripts or legible scanned copies (PDF) of original transcripts will be accepted. Transcripts must identify course work completed, grades earned, degrees conferred and confer dates. Please DO NOT send transcripts that are password protected.
- References - Please provide 3 references: names, titles and contact information.
Reference requirements
- 3-5 required (contact information only)
3 required; 2 optional (5 total)
About UC Agriculture and Natural Resources

The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. 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.
Job location
San Diego, CA

To apply, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/JPF00392

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