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Assistant Specialist in the Cooperative Extension (Sheep and Goat Herd Health and Production)

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Position description

The University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, a statewide program with local delivery, in collaboration with the School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis, are seeking a full time Assistant Specialist in Cooperative Extension (100%) in the area of sheep and goat herd health and production. The focus of this statewide position is sheep and goat health, welfare and production for California’s diverse sheep and goat industries such as commercial production (e.g., meat, fiber and dairy sheep and goats), targeted grazing for vegetation control (e.g., fire suppression, browse reduction, vineyard and orchard weed management and invasive species control), youth projects (e.g., 4-H, FFA, club lamb/goat), and small and backyard holdings. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with colleagues in the School, across the University, and within the network of UC Cooperative Extension who work on the health and production of sheep and goats.

SALARY: Dependent on qualifications and experience

QUALIFICATIONS: DVM or equivalent degree is required. Graduate level training preferred (MPVM, MPH, MS, PhD, DVSc). Board certification in a discipline relevant to the health management of sheep and goats and/or pre-harvest safety of foods of sheep/goat origin is desired. The successful candidate is required to have demonstrated expertise or appropriate training in sheep and/or goat herd health, welfare and production medicine and a demonstrated ability or potential to develop intervention strategies that promote the profitability of the livestock enterprise and sustainable agricultural systems. Documented evidence of research activity or ability in one or more aspects of sheep and/or goat herd health and production (e.g., infectious diseases, antimicrobial stewardship, food safety, management, nutrition, internal medicine, reproduction, animal welfare, environmental quality, or beneficial management practices consistent with sustainable production systems) is required. A record of acquisition of extramural funding or the potential to do so is required. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work with others in a collegial team atmosphere are required. Evidence of, or potential for, leadership and initiative is required. Evidence of, or potential for, extending applied research and conducting outreach education for the livestock owners, producers and veterinarians is required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Outreach: Responsibilities include: 1) promote sheep and goat herd health and production with the network of UCCE Advisors and Specialists; 2) develop and extend science-based information on maintaining healthy flocks and herds for all types and sizes of sheep and goat operations, producing safe and residue-free milk and meat for human consumption, developing sustainable animal health care practices (infectious disease and parasite control), animal traceability, and other topics of stakeholder concern; 3) interact with UCCE Advisors and AES faculty and clientele such as sheep and goat producers, food animal veterinarians, allied professionals and agricultural organizations, and regulatory agencies; and 4) participation in the graduate academic programs (MS, MPVM and PhD) of the campus.
Research: The development of a creative and productive applied research program performed independently and collaboratively with UCCE network (advisors, specialists, AES faculty, etc.), with funding from extramural sources, is a fundamental and indispensable requirement of the position, including publication of results in peer-reviewed professional and scientific journals and appropriate UCCE outreach publications.. The successful candidate will develop an applied research program in areas around the health of sheep and goats and all food/fiber originating from these animals. Areas of emphasis could include: infectious disease control, production medicine (e.g. nutrition, reproduction), animal welfare, wildlife interface (e.g. disease transmission, predation minimization), preharvest food safety (e.g. meat/milk quality assurance), and sustainable farming practices. The areas of emphasis will be based on an evaluation of the needs of the California sheep and goat stakeholders, with opportunity to expand and redirect efforts as new issues and industry needs emerge across California. This individual will provide leadership in directing research projects of professional and graduate students.
Service: University and public service through committee work, participation in professional organizations, continuing education and other appropriate means is required.

The University of California, Davis and the Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, are interested in candidates who are committed to the highest standards of scholarship and professional activities, and to the development of a campus climate that supports equality and diversity. The University of California is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

UC Davis supports family-friendly recruitments. UC Davis covers travel expenses for a second person to accompany a faculty recruitment candidate who is a mother (or single parent of either gender) of a breast- or bottle-feeding child less than two years of age. http://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/programs/work-life/index.html

At UC Davis, a Work Life program has been in place since January 2003. A group of Faculty Advisors for Work Life was established in 2007 to help publicize and inform the faculty about the programs, policies, and resources associated with work life/life changes. This group of advisors represents various academic units (colleges, schools, divisions) on the campus. The following summarizes the programs and updated UC policy. http://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/programs/work-life/index.html

The UC Davis Partner Opportunities Program (POP) is a service designed to support departments and deans offices in the recruitment and retention of outstanding faculty. Eligibility is limited to full-time Academic Senate Ladder Rank faculty, Cooperative Extension Specialists, and in a few instances, members of the Senior Management Group. http://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/programs/partner-opp/index.html

UC Davis is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus. The use of smokeless tobacco products and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any property owned or leased by UC Davis-- indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Diversity contributions documented in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants. Visit http://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/diversity/equity_inclusion/index.html for guidelines about writing a diversity statement and why one is requested.

Reference requirements
  • 4 letters of reference required
2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Diversity 2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Women

Job location

Davis, CA