Indigenous Food Systems and Foods Sovereignty Advisor (Applied Research and Extension) (22-09)

Next review date: Thursday, Aug 15, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Monday, Oct 28, 2024 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 Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers a unique recruitment opportunity for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Indigenous Food Systems and Foods Sovereignty Advisor. UC ANR coordinates a statewide network of researchers and educators in partnership with Counties that are dedicated to the development and application of knowledge to address local agricultural, environmental, youth, and health issues. Over 200 UC ANR UCCE academics conduct research, outreach and education from locally based Cooperative Extension offices in over 70 locations. Our mission is to bring the University of California directly to Californians through research, extension, and education programs that support:

1. Sustainable, safe, and nutritious food production and delivery
2. Economic success in a global economy
3. A sustainable, healthy, and productive environment
4. Science literacy and youth development

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 UC system.

Purpose

The Indigenous Food Systems and Food Sovereignty Advisor is responsible for developing and delivering a robust applied research and extension program in partnership with Native American Tribes, Tribal communities, and Tribal-serving organizations to strengthen Indigenous food systems as well as Indigenous food sovereignty in San Diego and Riverside counties. This new position will include cultural heritage preservation, organic farming or gardening, climate resilience, food policy, and/or Indigenous land stewardship. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to building partnerships and uphold a commitment to meaningful engagement and advancing efforts that reflect the needs of our community partners.

Applied Research, Extension and Education

Developing effective outreach programs with Tribal communities requires deep listening and a commitment toward building and sustaining relationships over time. The advisor will partner with Tribal communities and coalitions, as well as public and private land managers, and government agencies to develop their research and outreach program. Opportunities for extension activities may include:

1. Co-creating, implementing, and evaluating Indigenous food system and food sovereignty initiatives identified by Tribal communities.
2. Coordinating directly with the various regional Tribes and Tribal serving organizations to ensure good communication, coordination and program alignment.
3. Strengthening Tribal capacity to enhance production of culturally relevant foods, fibers and medicines through farms, gardens, and/or landscape level stewardship at the household, Tribe and county levels.
4. Supporting the development of climate-resilience plans including drought planning and mitigation, fire risk assessment and cultural burns, and co-management for Indigenous land stewardship.
5. Contributing to regional and statewide policy dialogue on building a more resilient California landscape while protecting Tribal cultural heritage and cultural resources.
6. Developing culturally relevant outreach programming that can be replicated and shared statewide.
7. Facilitating the return of ancestors and cultural items to California Indians and other Native American Tribes following the UC Native American Cultural Affiliation and Repatriation Policy.
8. Developing agreements, such as Memorandums of Understanding, with tribes and tribal-led organizations outlining commitments and responsibilities including communication, data collection, usage, interpretation, and publications; educational and vocational training programs.
9. Facilitating vocational training opportunities for Indigenous youth in partnership with local Tribes and tribal networks integrating western and Indigenous perspectives around Indigenous food and farming systems and how these trainings can support tribal food sovereignty.
10. Identifying and assisting whenever appropriate in procurement of resources to support Tribes and tribal-led organizations in achieving related goals.

The Indigenous Food Systems and Food Sovereignty Advisor will foster an Indigenous perspective and approach to co-developing their research in partnership with Tribes and Tribal communities to uplift their desires, goals, and priorities. Before communicating any work, the Advisor will consult directly with each Tribe to understand their particular situation and desires, and also interact with Tribal-led organizations to ensure programs do not compete with or duplicate the work of each other. Possible research areas or topics of inquiry could include:

1. Conducting a comprehensive Indigenous food sovereignty assessment in the two counties and identifying key barriers and opportunities to enhance Indigenous food security, food sovereignty and land management.
2. Research to promote climate resilience and climate smart agriculture and food systems with respect to Indigenous community priorities, that can inform regional climate change preparedness and planning initiatives and be replicated by other Tribes.
3. Research policies and best practices to enhance Indigenous land stewardship, including innovative co-management models, that can enhance food security, improve the production and supply of culturally appropriate foods (as defined by the Tribes) as well as improve mental, physical and cultural health.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop and deliver relevant program content to have meaningful impacts in local communities.

Counties of Responsibility

This position will be headquartered in San Diego County and will serve the Counties of San Diego and Riverside, CA.

Reporting Relationship

The CE Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) San Diego County Director with input from the UCCE Riverside County Director.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications

Education: A minimum of a Master’s degree in food systems, nutrition, horticulture, agronomy, urban agriculture, natural resource management, environmental science, Native American Studies, geography, community development, and/or related fields is required at the time of appointment.

Additional Requirements

1. Lived or professional experience working with, or preferably in, Tribal or Indigenous communities or Tribal governments.
2. Experience working with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes and ethnicities.
3. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability and property damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Must possess valid California Driver’s License to drive a County or University vehicle.
4. Experience with community-led or community based participatory research and education methods.
5. This is not a remote position. The candidate must be available to work onsite. In accordance with UC ANR Flexible Work Guidelines flexible work agreements are available upon approval by supervisors and periodic re-evaluation.

Skills Required

To be successful, the CE Advisor requires skills in the following area:

1. Technical Competence and Impact
2. Communication
3. Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility
4. Lifelong Learning

Desired Experience

1. At least 5 years of experience working with Tribal communities around food systems and food sovereignty, food policy, cultural heritage preservation, organic farming or gardening, climate resilience, and/or Indigenous land stewardship, are highly desired.
2. Passion and desire to pursue a career in Cooperative Extension.
3. Experience in building partnerships and with multidisciplinary teams.
4. Demonstrated ability to effectively plan projects, manage teams and design and implement an applied research and outreach program, including setting measurable goals and objectives.

About UC ANR

The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) consists of a network of scientists and educators working in partnership across the state of California. We are committed to developing and supporting healthy food systems, healthy environments, healthy communities, and healthy Californians. UC ANR administers Statewide Programs and Initiatives (SWP/I’s) that focus research and extension on solving priority problems that engage ANR academics and UC faculty in integrated teams to work on complex issues requiring trans-disciplinary approaches; as well as UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE), which is responsible for program development and delivery in counties throughout the state.

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.

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:

How to Apply

If interested in this position, please visit: and choose “applicants” (refer to position #22-09)

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by August 15, 2024 (open until filled)

Questions?
Contact: Tatiana Avoce; email:

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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 categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

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.
• Statement of Research and Extension – Statement of Research and Extension Interests: 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.
• Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – In submitting your application packet, please pay particular attention to your Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) statement. This statement is viewed very seriously as part of recruitment. Why? The University of California community values diversity which embraces inclusion, and honors excellence. Scholarship, research, creativity, innovation, and service flourish when all members of the community are welcomed, supported, and respected. UC ANR’s mission and public value statements document our commitment to ensure our programs contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplaces and our communities. UC ANR is committed to removing barriers preventing full expression of our potential and reflecting the population of California in all our personnel, especially those who have been systematically and historically underrepresented. Please submit a 1-page Statement of your Contributions to DEI showing past and/or potential contributions to diversity through personal experience, professional activity, and/or service. This should include how you would ensure that all potential clientele have access and benefit from your efforts.
• References – Please submit a page of 3-5 references with contact information (include phone # and email address)
• College/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.