The UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology is hiring a regional food systems specialist to support increased access and success of traditionally underrepresented and disadvantaged producers and food enterprises in the North Bay and Central Coast of California.
The Center for Agroecology is an organization, housed in the UC Santa Cruz Division of Social Sciences, that works to advance agroecology and equitable food systems through research, education, and public service. The Center manages the UCSC Farm and Chadwick Garden on the UC Santa Cruz campus, both internationally known sites for training and research in organic horticulture and agriculture. Students, faculty, and researchers use both the Farm and Garden as research and teaching sites. The 3-acre Chadwick Garden exhibits a diverse collection, including ornamentals, annual and perennial food crops, an extensive planting of fruit trees (including more than 120 apple varieties), and native California species.
The regional food systems specialist will be responsible for coordinating socially disadvantaged, small and medium-scale farm and supply chain stakeholders, in order to advance their economic resiliency. The incumbent will participate as a regional project staff lead within a multi-state Southwest Regional Food Business Center project led by the UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR). The position will also work to increase farm-to-institution market access for participating growers and enterprises. In collaboration with non-academic staff and professionals across the region, the incumbent will provide support in the design, development, implementation, coordination, assessment, and continuous improvement of the Southwest Regional Food Business Center's programs and services.
This position will play an integral role in supporting increased access and success of traditionally underrepresented and disadvantaged producers and food enterprises in the following counties: Mendocino, Sonoma, Contra Costa, Solana, San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Benito, Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.
Visit the job description listing to learn more about this position and apply. Apply by the initial review date of November 20, 2023.