Nutrition, Family and Consumer Sciences Advisor

University of California Cooperative Extension

Central Valley Region

POSITION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Position: Cooperative Extension Nutrition, Family and Consumer Sciences Advisor

#ACV 06-03R Location: Stanislaus and Merced Counties (Modesto & Merced, CA; headquartered in Modesto)

CLOSING DATE: To assure full consideration, application packet must be received by Friday, May 18, 2007 (open until filled).

BACKGROUND The University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) is seeking a career-track academic advisor to conduct a county-based extension, educational and applied research program in nutrition, family and consumer sciences (NF&CS) for all ethnic and socioeconomic groups, individuals, community agencies, associations and non-profit groups. This position administers the Stanislaus County Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), will reinstate the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program (FSNEP); and has cross-county responsibilities for the Merced County FSNEP Program.

The UCCE NFCS Advisor is based in Stanislaus County, which is located in the San Joaquin Valley, approximately 90 miles east of San Francisco and 80 miles south of Sacramento. Stanislaus County contains 1494 square miles, and according to the 2000 Census, a population of 446,997. There is one metropolitan area in the county, the city of Modesto. Stanislaus County’s population is growing at a rate of 21% a year – one of the fastest growing counties in California. The ethnic makeup of the county’s population is 57% White, 32% Hispanic, 4% Asian, 2% Black, 1% American Indian, and 3% two or more races. Families are young, with 45.8% of the households having persons under 18 years of age in 2000. This rate is higher than the average rate for the state. In 1997 there were more persons living below the poverty level (18.4%), and children living below the poverty level in Stanislaus County (27.2%) than the state average. The county median income, at $35,913, is $4,000 lower than the state’s median income. Stanislaus County was ranked thirteenth in the state for having the largest numbers of low-income families with children (1990). These statistics illustrate the need for effective UC Cooperative Extension educational programs.

The EFNEP Program has been providing quality educational programs for low income communities in Stanislaus County for 32 years. The current Stanislaus County annual budget for the EFNEP program is $63,188.

Merced County is located in the San Joaquin Valley, immediately south of Stanislaus County. In Merced County, the Youth FSNEP Program currently serves 1800 youth, from ages pre-school to high school. In the current year, 58 teachers have delivered 2,392 hours of Youth FSNEP instruction. The budget for Merced County’s Youth FSNEP program is $43,000.

of 4 Please refer to the following websites for more information regarding UC Cooperative Extension:  UCANR: http://ucanr.org/index.cfm  UC Cooperative Extension, Stanislaus County: http://cestanislaus.ucdavis.edu/  UC Cooperative Extension, Merced County: http://cemerced.ucdavis.edu/

NATURE AND PURPOSE The UCCE Nutrition, Family, and Consumer Sciences Advisor, in Stanislaus County, will provide subject matter expertise and supervise staff and budgets for the federally funded Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and reestablish the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program (FSNEP). The NF&CS Advisor will implement applied research programs in areas such as human nutrition, chronic disease prevention (diabetes, heart disease, and cancers), food safety and accessibility, obesity, parenting education, family resource management, nutrition issues unique to the Latino population and nutrition issues unique to the youth population. It is expected that the individual will identify timely and critical issues regarding the health of the community and families within. The position will interact as part of a diverse statewide nutrition team, developing community strategies, collaborating with agencies, and building on a strong community network.

This NFCS Advisor will have cross-county responsibility in Merced County to administer the Youth FSNEP Program.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES All ANR CE academic appointees are responsible for documenting their performance in the areas of extending knowledge and information; applied research and creative activity; professional competence and activity; and University and public service.

The NF&CS Advisor is expected to:  Implement applied research programs in human nutrition, food safety, obesity, and critical health issues of the community  Administer the Stanislaus County EFNEP and FSNEP programs  Administer the Merced County FSNEP program  Supervise nutrition program staff positions within UCCE Stanislaus and Merced Counties  Conduct a highly visible, broadly based Extension research and education program focusing on family needs in Stanislaus County  Identify, prioritize, and develop comprehensive education and training programs based on clientele needs, especially low-income families  Develop media and policy-maker relationships, locally, regionally, and statewide  Demonstrate a commitment to impact, outcome, evaluation, and dissemination of appropriate research  Enlist the knowledge and skills of other NFCS advisors in the region and statewide

The NF&CS Advisor is administratively responsible to the Stanislaus County Cooperative Extension Director and to the ANR UCCE Central Valley Regional Director; in addition will receive direction from the Merced County Cooperative Extension Director.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION Implement outreach efforts to ensure nondiscrimination in program identification and delivery. Promote and encourage maximum participation of minorities, women and other under-served groups. The Advisor will promote, in all ways consistent with other responsibilities of the position, the affirmative action goals established by the Division. This will include outreach objectives as a component in planning, implementation, and evaluating program efforts. Establish and update statistical data pertaining to female and minority populations to be served by programs. Record, document, and report plans, goals, activities, progress, and results, and submit the required activity reports as scheduled.

of 4 EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE A minimum of a Masters degree in one of the disciplines relevant to the duties and responsibilities of this position, including Public Health Nutrition, Community Nutrition, or Family and Consumer Sciences. Licensure as a Registered Dietitian is preferred.

In addition, the following experience and skills are required:  Demonstrated experience in management, administration, staff supervision, education and outreach, research, and facilitation skills  Demonstrated supervisory experience in community health/nutrition  Demonstrated experience working with low income and diverse populations  Skills in public speaking, technical writing, statistical analysis and computer use  Demonstrated ability to plan, implement, evaluate and publish research results  Ability to plan, organize, and initiate new programs  Ability to motivate people; knowledge of Extension methods, policies and procedures  Ability to identify and meet the needs of clientele in a timely fashion  Ability to work with minimum supervision  Possess excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with extenders, UC academic and staff members

A background and criminal history check including fingerprinting will be required for the successful candidate; clearance is required prior to the hire date.

SALARY Beginning salary will be in the UC Cooperative Extension Assistant Advisor rank, salary commensurate with experience and education.

This position is an academic career track appointment, subject to administrative review of the need for the position and the incumbent’s performance, in three two-year renewable terms. Upon successful completion of the three terms, the appointment will be converted to indefinite status.

For information regarding UCCE merit and promotion procedures, please refer to the ANR Administrative Handbook, Series 300, Section 315 at: http://danr.ucop.edu/admin-handbook/300

If the successful candidate is currently a UCCE Advisor, the candidate will be offered the position as a lateral transfer, retaining their current rank, step, salary, and definite or indefinite status.

BENEFITS The University of California offers comprehensive benefits including two days per month paid vacation, one day per month paid sick leave, and thirteen paid holidays per year. A variety of health and dental insurance plans are available, with employer contributions to the premiums. In addition, the University provides basic life and disability insurance, which may be supplemented at group rates. Workers’ Compensation Insurance is provided. The UC Retirement System is coordinated with Social Security and offers optional tax-deferred annuity plans. Automobile insurance is available. Sabbatical and study leaves are available. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website at: http://atyourservice.ucop.edu.

INTERVIEWS A search committee will review all applications and associated materials, and recommend individuals most suitable for the position. Selected candidates will be asked to come to Modesto, CA, for an interview and seminar presentation. Travel expenses for interviews will be reimbursed according to University of California policy.

of 4 HOW TO APPLY To be considered, applicants must submit the following four components of the Application Packet:

1. Cover Letter 2. ANR Academic Application Form, including a list of potential references. Provide a minimum of four (4) and a maximum of six (6) references, including: Title/Name, current addresses, email address, and telephone numbers. 3. Resume 4. College Level Transcripts: Original transcripts preferred, however, photocopies of original transcripts will be accepted.

References will be contacted for applicants selected for interview.

Application and associated materials will not be returned to the applicant.

A. To download the UC ANR Academic Application form, visit our website at: http://ucanr.org/cvr.joblisting

B. To Submit your applicant packet or to request a UC ANR Academic Application form:

UC ANR Cooperative Extension Central Valley Region - Cindy Inouye 9240 S. Riverbend Avenue Parlier, CA 93648

Voice: (559) 646-6535; FAX: (559) 646-6513 E-mail Address: [email protected] Internet: http://cvr.ucdavis.edu/

PLEASE REFER TO POSITION NUMBER #ACV 06-03R IN ANY CORRESPONDENCE.

The University of California prohibits discrimination or harassment of any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy (including childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or status as a covered veteran (covered veterans are special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, Vietnam era veterans, or any other veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized) in any of its programs or activities. University policy is intended to be consistent with the provisions of applicable State and Federal laws. Inquiries regarding the University’s nondiscrimination policies may be directed to the Affirmative Action/Staff Personnel Services Director, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 300 Lakeside Drive, 6th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612-3550, (510) 987-0096. January 2004