4-H Youth Development Advisor (AP 24-15)

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

Application Window

Open date: May 30, 2025

Next review date: Thursday, Jul 10, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Monday, Aug 11, 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

The University of California division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) 4-H Youth Development Advisor at the Assistant Rank, serving Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties. This position will create opportunities for youth to engage in meaningful civic engagement, youth-adult partnerships, and leadership experiences to enhance their college and career readiness and help youth in achieving their fullest potential. This position will help integrate ANR's research and extension education efforts across communities to improve youth development across the region.

UCCE Advisors are responsible for applied research and extension of 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 to increase their knowledge and understanding of science-based research results to support and promote the adoption of practices and technologies to solve problems. Extension methods may include individual consultations, presentations, organization of educational workshops and short courses, field demonstrations, farm calls, 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, such as newsletters, articles for the popular press, curriculums, conference proceedings, and peer-reviewed publications. Successful research and extension programs result in new information that improves knowledge or understanding and adoption of new skills, practices, changed attitudes, policies, and improved 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: This position will be headquartered in the UCCE Office in Ventura or San Luis Obispo County.

Position Details

The 4-H Youth Development Advisor will implement an innovative multi-county extension education and applied research program using a positive youth development framework for enhancing college and career readiness.

California 4-H embarked on a college and career readiness mission, recently publishing new curricula (Pathways to Your Future), chartering a UC ANR workgroup, and publishing new research; however, focused applied research and education is needed in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties to ensure the power and potential of UCCE in supporting college and career pathways is fully utilized in these counties. College and career readiness and workforce development across a variety of fields including agriculture, science and technology, etc. must be improved to help young people advance to and succeed in post-secondary education and compete for jobs in the 21st century. To do this requires improvements in curriculum materials and advancements in the professional development of out-of-school-time educators. The Advisor's work will help provide opportunities for young people to increase their knowledge and improve attitudes about post-secondary educational and career pathways.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop and deliver relevant program content to have meaningful impacts in local communities and throughout California related to:

1) Program factors or community strategies that contribute to Positive Youth Development;
2) Outcomes and impacts of a multifaceted youth development program on positive youth development;
3) Efficacy and relevance of the 4-H Thriving Model of Positive Youth Development in California;
4) Effectiveness of youth as peer educators to initiate community change and identify college and career pathways through youth development programs and learning experiences.

There are excellent opportunities for extension and research partnerships with a variety of stakeholders and collaborators, including local youth development partners, community service organizations, county government, and with youth-serving agencies in formal and non-formal education settings. The advisor joins 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. There is excellent potential for collaborative projects within the UC ANR system.

The Advisor will provide academic oversight to support the county-based 4-H youth development programs which include clubs, after-school programs, camps and other delivery modes. The Advisor will develop applied research projects locally and in partnership with the other ANR academics.

Counties of Responsibility: This position will be headquartered in either the UCCE Ventura or San Luis Obispo offices in CA and have programmatic responsibilities in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura Counties. The position will also provide support to the statewide network of 4-H Youth Development community educators in College and Career Readiness.

Reporting Relationship: The 4-H Youth Development Advisor serves under the administrative and academic guidance of the local Country Director and the 4-H Statewide Program Director. It 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 fieldwork in the geographic area covered by this position will be outlined upon hire by the county director.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications

Education: A minimum of a Master's Degree in youth/child development, human development, psychology, education or a related field is required at time of appointment.

Key Qualifications:

• Experience in conducting applied research and/or program evaluation with youth serving programs.
• Experience delivering educational, outreach, and/or training programs with youth or adults.
• Experience in program and/or 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 a valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University Vehicle.
• Ability to drive on remote highways including evenings and weekends, and at times in inclement weather conditions.

Additional Skills Required

• Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series and evidence for success in meeting required academic advancement criteria as per UC Academic Personnel Manuals. Applications need to document relevant research, extension, and 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 understand key concepts related to youth engagement, positive youth development, youth leadership development, or college and career pathways.
• 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 as a team member with key external stakeholders and county-based staff, as well as with other colleagues within UC ANR.
• Lifelong Learning: There is an expectation that advisors evolve and grow across their career and respond to changes in the industry, clientele, and organizational change.
• The ability to work with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes and ethnicities.
• A background investigation will be required for the successful candidate, including fingerprinting and a criminal history clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This position is subject to the requirements and compliance of the California's Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA). Employment within UC ANR is contingent upon securing written acknowledgement to comply with California law.

Desired Experience

• Ability to effectively engage with partner organizations to develop strong community relationships to support 4-H programs.
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan applied research or evaluation projects, manage teams and set measurable goals and objectives.
• Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating programs that achieve youth development outcomes.

About UCANR

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.

About Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties

San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties are located on the southern central coast of California and include both rural and urban communities with robust 4-H youth development programs. All three counties include diverse youth populations. In San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties there are 231,000 youth enrolled in public schools, with 61.2% identifying as Latino, 29% white, 4.7% Asian American, 3.4% multi-racial, 1% Black, 0.2% Indigenous (kidsdata.org, 2024). While 50.5% of public-school youth across California earn high school diplomas and complete "all courses required for University of California or California State University admission with a grade of C or better," significantly fewer students do so in Ventura County (47.1%) Santa Barbara County (38.2%), and San Luis Obispo County (35.2%) (kidsdata.org, 2024). Vulnerable youth in these counties also face systemic challenges that impact their school attendance and college/career readiness. For example, unhoused youth in San Luis Obispo County are 188% more likely to miss school on a weekly basis than housed youth (Elfers & Soule, 2023) and youth who are living in poverty are more likely to miss school to provide care to younger siblings while their parent(s) work than their peers.

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 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.

• 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.
UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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. For information regarding Cooperative Extension Advisor salary scales, please refer to the University of California website: https://ucanr.edu/sites/default/files/2025-01/406198.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 of the ANR Policy and Procedure Manual (PPM).

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 #24-15). 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 10, 2025.

Questions?
Contact Mikyla Perez at mailto:mikperez@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.

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 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 status under state or federal law.

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.

Application Requirements
Document requirements

•Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

•Cover Letter

•Statement of Research and Extension - Please submit a 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.
(Optional)

•References - Please provide 3 references including names, titles, emails and phone numbers.

Reference requirements

• 3-6 required (contact information only)

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
Ventura or San Luis Obispo County