Job Details

Beginning Farmer Training Program Coordinator Five Points, CA, Job ID 82245

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

Job Description

The WSREC Beginning Farmer Training Program Coordinator will lead the design, development, and implementation of a comprehensive beginning farmer training program at the West Side Research and Extension Center (WSREC). This leadership role will coordinate strategic planning, partner engagement, curriculum development, and infrastructure setup. The Coordinator will work collaboratively with UC ANR programs (including SAREP, F3, and WSREC leadership), community-based organizations, and regional partners to develop a multi-year training program that supports farmworkers and aspiring farmers in gaining the knowledge, skills, land access, and business tools needed to start independent farm operations. Responsibilities include conducting feasibility assessments, managing budgets, overseeing bilingual outreach and training delivery, supervising staff, building partnerships for land access and value-added opportunities, and evaluating program impact. This position requires expertise in community or adult education, agricultural systems, program management, and strong bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills. Travel will be required between WSREC, Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center (KARE) and UCCE Fresno locations, as well as site visits with partner organizations and potential participants. Shared temporary office space will be made available in Parlier, CA and Fresno, CA.

This position is a contract appointment that is 100% fixed, and ends one year from the date of hire with the possibility of extension if funding permits.

The home department is the West Side Research & Extension Center. While this position is primarily based in Five Points, CA, this position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants living in the State of California at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University.

Pay Scale: $95,600.00/year to $138,700.00/year

Job Posting Close Date: This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 11/21/2025.

Key Responsibilities:

35%

Strategic planning and evaluation:

Conduct feasibility study for beginning farmer training program at WSREC

Conduct site visits and meetings with partner organizations

Visit successful programs and explore potential for partnerships

Organize and synthesize input from partners and identify existing resources and gaps

Outline contributions of ANR programs (e.g. SAREP, F3) and potential partner organizations

Coordinate with WSREC station leadership and staff to assess needs for developing land and facilities

Determine budget needs and internal resources available

Determine goals for number of participants and acreage cultivated

Collaborate with WSREC, SAREP, F3, and ANR senior leadership to finalize a strategic plan for the training program

Identify potential funding streams and collaborate on funds development for future program activities

35%

Develop and implement curriculum for beginning farmer training program:

Incorporate input from focus groups, needs assessments, and conversations with partners

Identify topics to include such as production practices, regulatory compliance, and marketing and providers for each topic

Identify additional providers needed for topics not already covered

Develop plan and time frame for training over an approximately 3-year program

Develop metrics for tracking outcomes and impacts and conducting program evaluation

Oversee educational activities on site at WSREC, including coordinating partner activities, communicating with participants, and troubleshooting challenges (Spanish language skills required)

Gather feedback from cohorts of participants for continuous program improvement (Spanish language skills required)

10%

Coordinate outreach to farmworker communities:

Collaborate with partner organizations and ANR staff on bilingual outreach, education, and communication

Organize focus groups to assess interest and priorities of local communities for a beginning farmer training program

Coordinate site visits with local partners and beginning farmers to WSREC

Recommend directions based on local priorities

Bilingual skills in Spanish required for communication with stakeholders

10%

Coordinate setup and infrastructure at WSREC:

Serve as lead coordinating activities of the Senior Agricultural Technician (or other appropriate title) based at WSREC

Work with the Senior Agricultural Technician to determine supplies and infrastructure needed, estimated workload, recharge costs, and other budgetary items

Identify and facilitate opportunities to collaborate with ANR researchers on WSREC land

Determine projected startup and annual budgets for beginning farmer program operations at WSREC

Develop and implement policies and procedures for beginning farmer program operation

10%

Conduct strategic planning for land access and regional economic development:

Assess opportunities for purchasing or renting farmland after completion of training program

Explore opportunities to leverage funding for land access through incentives programs such as the Multi-Benefit Land Repurposing Program (MLRP) and LandFlex Program

Develop relationships with local and regional landowners and farmer organizations to explore land repurposing opportunities

Represent beginning farmer training program at professional conferences and stakeholder meetings

Explore resources and partnerships for development and marketing of value-added products and small- to medium-scale food processing

Coordinate with partner organizations to develop marketing strategies and storage and transportation logistics for access to markets

Requirements:

• Master's degree with coursework or experience relevant to agricultural production, food systems, policy, community development, agricultural business, agricultural economics, adult education, public health, or a related field and/or equivalent experience.
• Content expertise and demonstrated experience relevant to community and/or adult education programs, methods, and curriculum.
• Background and experience relevant to food systems, community development, marketing, agricultural business, or agricultural economics.
• Familiarity with agricultural production systems, or strong ability to acquire knowledge on a range of topics such as irrigation, nutrient management, pest management, harvesting, and storage.
• Evidence of ability to effectively manage projects, including strong time management and organizational skills to set goals and manage tasks.
• Demonstrated commitment to listening to and prioritizing the educational needs of beginning farmer clientele.
• Strategic planning and visioning skills to determine effective directions for program activities, funding sources, and collaborations.
• Effective skills to conduct evaluations and needs assessments and develop new methods and materials to meet program needs.
• Leadership and/or administrative experience such as supervision, team management, or program coordination.
• Advanced knowledge of administrative and budgetary principles and practices.
• Strong interpersonal skills for networking and maintaining effective professional relationships with UC ANR collaborators and external program participants and partners.
• Advanced verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills including public speaking and delivering instruction in-person.
• Familiarity with computer software including Microsoft Office and online applications to facilitate remote teamwork, and versatility with new technology.
• Proficient written and verbal bilingual skills in English and Spanish.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience or engagement with developing curriculum for adult audiences.
• Familiarity with California agricultural and food systems.
• Knowledge of university policies, procedures and regulations or similar institutional polices.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
• 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.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "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. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
  
  

To apply, please visit: https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucanr/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&JobOpeningId=82245&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=17&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant









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