Title: Assistant Specialist in Cooperative Extension – Community Economic Development, Department of Human Ecology, UC Davis Campus.
The Department of Human Ecology, internationally recognized as a premier center of excellence in research, teaching, and extension, is seeking applications for a Specialist in Cooperative Extension (CE) at the Assistant rank in the field of Community Economic Development. The mission of the Department of Human Ecology is to develop and disseminate comprehensive basic and applied knowledge regarding the human ecology of people, place, and power. A Cooperative Extension (CE) Specialist is being recruited to conduct original applied research resulting in information that can be applied toward effective community economic development strategies in California and to develop an extension education and outreach program that extends information to various clientele (e.g., elected officials, community-based organizations and economic development and/or planning agencies) including under-represented groups. The successful candidate will bring visibility and leadership to campus- and county-based CE academics and other researchers and educators involved in the study and practice of community economic development. Research and extension outreach activities will be closely integrated with UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR), county-based CE academics and clientele as well as campus-based CE and ladder rank faculty. The appointee will be a faculty member of the Department of Human Ecology in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of California, Davis. Cooperative Extension Specialists have many of the same rights and privileges as faculty in the professorial ranks but do not have classroom teaching responsibilities, freeing them to do community engaged scholarship and extension education with partners throughout California and beyond.
Responsibilities: This is a full time, career-track appointment that includes the expectation that the appointee will conduct mission-oriented research and engage in extension education and outreach that advances the mission of the Department of Human Ecology and ANR. The focus of this position will be on community economic development. Accordingly, applicants should have the professional background necessary to conduct original research in economic development strategies relevant to California communities. By developing reciprocal and mutually beneficial relationships with colleagues and with various stakeholders, the candidate should become a knowledgeable partner who can provide reliable information and build research-informed networks to address issues of regional and statewide importance in the state of California.
Extension Teaching: A person in this position is expected to provide leadership as a liaison between campus-based researchers, CE campus and county based academics, and clientele and colleague groups such as community-based organizations, state agencies and elected officials. This will include providing information to clientele through print publications, web-based resources and in-person presentations, and serving as a resource for other CE academics. A successful candidate will build capacity by 1) helping communities articulate sustainable community economic development strategies that take advantage of the assets and unique features of their place, 2) supporting CE advisors to gain the tools they need to become more meaningfully involved in community partnerships; and 3) developing better data and community engagement tools along with workshops about how to use these to facilitate community planning and problem-solving.
Applied Research: The successful candidate will: 1) coordinate applied research related to community economic development in California 2) conduct and publish the results of applied research or other creative activities designed to promote economic development in California, with a focus on rural areas and on the building of diversified, sustainable, and equitable regional food systems. Areas of emphasis may include any of the following: valued-added approaches for promoting regional food and agricultural enterprises; rural-urban dynamics and impact on community economic development opportunities and outcomes; policy analysis of food and agriculture regulations’ impact on community economic development opportunities and outcomes; and strategies for community organizations, farmers, workers, consumers and other stakeholders to shape these regulations to support local goals (i.e. public engagement processes). An emphasis on community-based research that engages residents in meaningful roles is encouraged.
Professional Competence and Activity: The candidate will be expected to participate in professional society activities including presenting papers at national and international meetings; reviewing manuscripts and grant proposals in his/her area of expertise; and establishing productive working relationships with scholars and extension personnel in other states and countries. The goal is to gain national and international recognition for scholarly contributions to the scholarship and practice of community economic development as he/she advances to the higher ranks in the UC system.
Qualifications: Ph.D. degree in sociology, community/regional studies, public policy, planning, economics, or other closely related discipline is required.
The successful candidate must have a record that documents productivity in research as evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals and a history of community-engaged scholarship and practice in the realm of economic development. The program is especially seeking candidates who have a record of public service addressing the needs of our increasingly diverse society and who has the potential to bring to the position the critical perspective that comes from their non-traditional education background or understanding of the experiences of historically underrepresented groups.
Salary: Commensurate with experience.
Applications: Applications should be submitted on-line at http://recruit.ucdavis.edu/. Additional inquiries should be directed to Clare Gupta (cgupta@ucdavis.edu)
Applicants should submit: curriculum vitae including publication list statement of research and extension interests and goals; a summary or abstract of the Ph.D. dissertation; copies or links to recent relevant publications; and names, addresses including e-mail, and telephone numbers of at least three references. The position will remain open until filled. To ensure consideration, applications should be received by October 14, 2016.
UC Davis is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer and is dedicated to recruiting a diverse faculty community. We welcome all qualified applicants to apply, including women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.