Job Listings Title:
Cooperative Extension Fire Advisor - University of California ANR

Post Date
8/6/2024

Expiration Date
11/4/2024

Details:
Position Overview
The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Fire Advisor at the Assistant rank.  The successful candidate will implement an innovative, extension education and applied problem-solving research program to help solve California’s wildfire challenges. The expected focus of the Fire Advisor is to address the needs, issues, and interests related to designing and maintaining communities in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI). Experience in planning, knowledge of construction materials, testing to support the fire resiliency of the built environment, fuels and vegetation management, or the use of fire as a tool for ecological or cultural benefits is desired. 

Location Headquarters: University of California Cooperative Extension Office – South Coast Research and Extension Center, Irvine, CA

Position Details
The Fire Advisor will work with and provide a point of connection for landowners, agencies, local governments and community members to work together toward fire resilience. The research will inform management and policy efforts in the county with potential throughout California. The intent is to have this position help build community fire adaptation and resiliency and reduce California’s social, physical, and ecological vulnerability to wildfire. 

Topics of interest for the position could include:

• Pre-fire and post-fire data to understand fire spread and ignition of materials in WUI communities,
• Firebrand generation from materials,
• Ignition of both vegetative and human-made fuels from WUI fire exposures of direct flame contact, radiant heat, and firebrands,
• Human behavior in WUI fires,
• Physical modelling studies of WUI fire behavior and structure ignition,
• Structure ignition mitigation strategies,
• New material development to harden structures to WUI fire exposures

The position will be part of the UC ANR network of Fire Advisors that is filling an important niche, providing critical capacity, coordination, and science-based momentum for an accelerated approach to California’s fire problem.  As such, the advisor’s work will also connect with UC ANR Forest and Rangeland Advisors, UC campus-based specialists and faculty, and with the UC ANR volunteer networks (e.g., UC Master Gardener, UC Master Naturalist, and UC 4-H).

This is an exciting opportunity to have meaningful impacts in the communities of Southern California. There are extensive opportunities for research and extension partnerships that link clients and resource professionals across multi-sectors with relevant science-based information and promote effective problem solving.  The advisor will join a team of highly motivated UCCE colleagues who are passionate about their work and are dedicated to making a difference within the communities and throughout California.  The potential for collaborative projects within the UC ANR system is nearly limitless.

Counties of Responsibility. This position is focused on Southern California – with the expectation the work is likely relevant to other parts of California as well.  There is an opportunity to work collaboratively across counties.

Reporting Relationship: The CE Advisor serves under the administrative guidance of the South Coast Research and Extension Director with programmatic input from the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Orange County Director and the UC ANR Fire Network Director.

Qualifications and Skills Required
Education: At time of appointment, a minimum of a master's degree is required in a natural resource, planning, materials science, wood science, construction management, or an engineering field with experience.  Preference will be given to candidates with experience studying the resistance and propagation of WUI materials, the social or ecological aspects of fire, or fire management. Experience in fire-related research is required, and experience in field and survey-based research skills and participatory research methods is helpful. 

How to Apply
If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose “applicants” (refer to position #21-07)

Closing Date:  To assure full consideration, application packets, including a candidate DEI and research statement, must be received by September 23, 2024 (open until filled)

Click here for detailed position description and application information