Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), in collaboration with the University of California, Merced, invites applications for a Professor of Cooperative Extension at the Assistant Rank, which has the formal appointment title Specialist in Cooperative Extension.

Location Headquarters

The position will be housed at the UC West Side Research and Extension Center (WSREC) in Five Points and academically positioned within UC ANR, with a secondary appointment in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Merced.

Position Details

The San Joaquin Valley holds significant importance as it leads the nation in the production of various orchard, field, and vegetable crops. However, it relies heavily on groundwater, especially in drought years, which increases pressure on supply and presents significant challenges to developing sustainable farming systems. Many farms and crops require innovative interventions through science-based solutions that address sustainability and enhance agricultural productivity under water-related challenges. Increasingly unpredictable climatic conditions are impacting natural systems as well as large, intensive cropping systems, making research and extension interventions critically important. The WSREC, where the position will be housed, is in the most intensive and diversified farming system in California, faced with multidimensional challenges centered around water availability and quality. The position will benefit from UC Merced’s distinguished leadership in precision agricultural technology and its comprehensive portfolio of water research, education, and extension projects. This critical position will address important issues related to groundwater and salinity in this region, which have the potential to be scaled out across California and beyond.

Application Window

Open date: February 26, 2026

Next review date: Wednesday, Apr 22, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Tuesday, Jun 30, 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.

Click here for more information on the position.

The Colorado Water Center (CoWC) serves as a hub for water-related research, engagement, outreach, and education. Established as one of the 54 Water Resources Research Institutes created by the Water Resources Act of 1964, the CoWC, serves as a convener of critical conversations addressing the complex water challenges faced in Colorado and beyond. CoWC is dedicated to bridging gaps between communities, scientists, policymakers, and educators, aiming to convene diverse voices in water management and elevate sustainable practices, leveraging expertise from across Colorado’s higher education system to address evolving water challenges. The Center is headquartered at CSU’s Fort Collins, Colorado campus, with specialists working throughout the state and partners across the country and world. Visit the CoWC website for additional information: watercenter.colostate.edu.

The Associate Director serves in a leadership position with the Colorado Water Center (CoWC), which fulfills an important role in higher education throughout Colorado and beyond. In this capacity, the Associate Director assists in leading and ensuring execution of CoWC’s research and education programs, outreach activities, communications, and operations to advance the Center’s mission and goals.

The Associate Director defines and implements water-related initiatives in concert with CoWC’s Director. The Associate Director works with the Center’s senior research scientists, CSU Extension water specialists, and water experts to advance knowledge and solutions to priority water challenges. They are responsible for bringing together interdisciplinary teams to successfully compete for external grant funding, and providing administrative direction for the Colorado Water Center.

Required Job Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree in a water-related field.
2. Minimum eight years of experience in program administration and management, including leading multi-entity collaborative water-related projects and programs, coordinating teams, providing effective follow-up and evaluation of success, and developing and implementing administrative processes, policies, and procedures.
3. Minimum five years of supervisory and personnel management experience (for teams of two or more), including hiring, training and coaching, performance evaluation, professional development, conflict management, and fostering positive work environments.
4. Minimum five years of experience working in interdisciplinary environments focused on water or related natural resource research, education, and outreach, with proven ability to build strong internal and external relationships that support organizational goals.
5. Demonstrated success in resource generation (grants, contracts, partnership agreements, user fees) and program-level budget development and management.
6. Ability to communicate as demonstrated through application materials and experience in public speaking/presentation and writing skills and/or working as part of a group or team.
7. Willing and able to travel throughout Colorado, U.S., and internationally.
8. Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.
9. The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; the Colorado Water Center will not sponsor a visa for this position.

To view the job vacancy announcement and apply, click link: https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/162543. For full consideration, all materials must be RECEIVED no later than 11:59 PM Mountain Time on Monday, July 14, 2025.

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. We invite you to review Colorado State University’s Principles of Community that guide our mission and vision of access, teaching, service, and engagement.

CSU is an EO/EA/AA employer and conducts background checks on all final candidates.