UC Cooperative Extension Specialist- Community Economic Development: Outdoor Recreation and Tourism (AP 25-36)

UC Cooperative Extension Specialist- Community Economic Development: Outdoor Recreation and Tourism (AP 25-36)

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

Application Window

Open date: December 9, 2025

Next review date: Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Saturday, Feb 28, 2026 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) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Specialist at the Assistant Rank.

California’s outdoor recreation economy is the largest in the United States. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, California’s outdoor recreation activities led the nation in value, accounting for 2.1 percent of the state’s GDP in 2023-approximately $81.5 billion, which encompassed more than 545,000 jobs and $38.1 billion in earnings. Activities include boating and fishing, cycling, climbing, hunting and shooting, winter snow sports, equestrian activities, recreational aviation, OHV/ATV use, recreational vehicles, and more. Sales of consumer goods, travel, and tourism expenses, as well as the cost of participating in outdoor recreational activities, all generate spending that contributes significantly to federal, state, and local tax revenue. This economic impact is particularly significant for rural gateway communities, where outdoor recreation and tourism-related activities comprise a substantial portion of local economic activity. Outdoor recreation economies are interconnected with multiple community domains, including strategic planning, workforce and economic development, infrastructure, small business support, housing, creative and knowledge economies, arts and culture, food and entertainment, youth development, and health and wellness.

The Specialist will balance opportunities and impacts of outdoor recreation and tourism, spanning infrastructure, natural resources, environmental stewardship, and sustainable, equitable economic development. With expertise across these domains and in facilitating collaborative approaches to community problem-solving, Cooperative Extension is well-positioned to help communities manage and leverage their outdoor recreation and tourism assets. This Specialist will work in a unique role at the intersection of community economic development and outdoor recreation and tourism through an innovative research and extension program. In collaboration with academics, public agencies, and partners from the non-profit and private sectors, they will build capacity across California to foster outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities, as well as their benefits to local economies. The Specialist will work closely with UC ANR’s Community Economic Development Program Area to develop statewide and local plans for sustainably enhancing California’s outdoor recreation and tourism industries.

UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Specialists develop and conduct research and educational programs tailored to specific clientele groups in communities outside of UC campuses. UCCE Specialists have programs primarily focused on mission-oriented research or creative work that supports the university’s efforts to extend knowledge, including outreach and community engagement. Mission-oriented research encompasses the entire research continuum, extending from basic research to the application of research results. This research is generally applied in nature and has as its goal finding solutions to problems facing society that are related to the mission of the UCCE Specialist’s discipline and the UCCE mission. UCCE Specialists publish the results of applied research in a combination of peer-reviewed publications and stakeholder-facing materials, including refereed journals, technical reports, and white papers, tailored to the needs of the audiences their programs serve.

The extension program disseminates knowledge and information to clientele groups to help them better understand and address problems and opportunities they face. The extension educational program serves the University’s public service mission. Educational program activities include, but are not limited to, collaborations with UCCE Advisors, other UCCE Specialists, campus faculty, program teams, workgroups, or clientele groups; developing and presenting educational materials; communicating to clientele through broadcast, print, or electronic media; participating in meetings with clientele; developing and presenting in-service training courses; organizing or participating in workshops, field tours, symposia or conferences. Much of this work is conducted in partnership with UC ANR’s locally based UCCE Advisors. The UCCE Specialist – Advisor and faculty partnership creates an applied research network that benefits both the University and the public at large. This position does not include formal classroom instruction at the University.

Location Headquarters. The Specialist will be based at the UC ANR headquarters, at 2801 2nd Street in Davis, CA, with the potential to explore opportunities at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (Go-Biz) headquarters in Sacramento, CA.

Position Details

This position will provide critical technical support to enhance community and economic development research, planning, and project implementation related to outdoor recreation and sustainable tourism.

Major duties and responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement a collaborative research, education, and outreach program to build and strengthen California’s outdoor recreation and tourism economy.

• Conduct applied research on topics such as:
o Best practices in Destination Management and sustainable tourism strategies
o Develop toolkits, case studies, and other tools that communities can use to maximize their outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities for collaborative partnerships, infrastructure, small business, and workforce development
o Innovative public and private financing and policy mechanisms for outdoor recreation infrastructure and small business development, community and economic development incentives and land use practices, community benefits, workforce development, and other measures
o Develop economic, workforce, visitor and tourism profiles and data tools and strategic planning methods to support local planning collaboratives, set baselines and track progress

• Provide research and data support for local partners to create baseline and performance assessments of economic, community, and environmental indicators that support understanding of tourism and visitor activities and profiles, industry and business conditions, outdoor recreation infrastructure and stakeholder assets, labor and workforce conditions, and environmental and natural resources impacts in the context of sustainable recreation and tourism.

• Develop and support strategic planning and capacity to implement sustainable recreation and tourism development projects, working with multiple community partners, state and federal agencies (particularly land managers and parks), private sector partners like Chambers of Commerce and Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) and industry associations, educational institutions, and community-based organizations, like outdoor recreation user groups and advocacy organizations.

• Work with tribal partners, Latino communities, and other underrepresented communities as partners in planning for sustainable recreation and tourism.

• Support fund development, grantmaking, incentives, and policy measures that promise to enhance regional business activity, improve quality of life (including placemaking, arts and creative economy, main street revitalization), and mitigate environmental impacts that result from activities in the tourism and recreation economy.

• Extend knowledge on outdoor recreation and tourism through different modalities and approaches, which may include extension publications, newsletters, web pages, blogs, policy briefs, UCCE Advisor meetings, on-site visits to partner locations, and clientele workshops.

• Collaborate with UCCE Advisors and Specialists, UC ANR statewide programs, institutes, program teams and the newly established Outdoor Recreation Institute to develop statewide and local plans for developing California’s outdoor recreation and tourism industries.

• Publish in relevant UCANR outlets and external peer-reviewed journals appropriate for the field of outdoor recreation.

Counties of Responsibility: This statewide position will support California communities and their outdoor recreation and tourism economies. This is an exciting opportunity to impact diverse stakeholders throughout the state.

Reporting Relationship: UC ANR will oversee the merit and promotion process, consistent with other UC ANR CE Specialists. It is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite at the UC ANR headquarters in Davis, CA.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Education: A minimum of a Ph.D. (or international equivalent) in community economic development, business, tourism and recreation, outdoor recreation, economics, public administration, public policy, urban planning, rural sociology, landscape architecture, natural resource management, environmental studies, or a closely related field is required at the time of appointment. Applicants who have not yet earned a Ph.D. must be within 12 months of completing their degree to be considered for the position.

Key Qualifications

• At least two years of professional experience in program administration and with multi-stakeholder partnerships
• Professional experience in community economic development or outdoor recreation and tourism
• Strong publication record in academic journal literature, as well as community-oriented fact sheets, research briefs, white papers, etc.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• The ability to collaborate effectively with private, public, and non-profit sector stakeholders
• Experience working in cross-disciplinary, multi-stakeholder public private collaboratives, including technical assistance, capacity building, and partnership-related work, such as strategy planning and project identification.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan programs, manage teams, and implement an applied research and outreach program, including setting measurable goals and objectives.
• Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability, and property damage insurance on the vehicle used are required. Must possess or obtain a valid California Driver’s License to drive a university vehicle.
• Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series per the UC Academic Personnel Manuals. Applications need to document research, extension, and/or teaching experience applicable to the academic title and document appropriate scholarly achievements relevant to this position.
• We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. at the time of hire.
• A background investigation will be required for the successful candidate, including fingerprinting and a criminal history clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This position is subject to the requirements and compliance of the California’s Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA). Employment within UC ANR is contingent upon securing written acknowledgement to comply with California law.
• As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer. “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy [https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH]
  UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students, and Third Parties [https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination]
  APM-035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment [https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf]

Desired Experience

• Experience in integrated research and educational projects, and extension to diverse audiences
• Familiarity with California’s outdoor recreation and tourism economies
• A track record of applying for and securing extramural grant funding
• Experience in rural and Gateway communities and natural resource-based and outdoor recreation tourism-based economies
• Applied data analysis in standard and novel approaches to community and economic planning and strategy, such as tourism visitor data, industrial and workforce profiling, economic impacts, baselining and performance measures with government and proprietary data.

Skills Required

To be successful, UCCE Specialist positions require skills in the following:

Technical competence

• Conduct and report needs assessments to identify priority issues or problems relevant to the clientele groups being served.
• Develop and implement effective applied research and educational programs to address the identified priority needs of the clientele that are consistent with UC ANR’s Strategic Vision and Initiatives.
• Conduct applied research related to outdoor recreation and tourism and rural Gateway communities in California.
  Communication
• Disseminate appropriate, science-based information to inform clientele, using extension methods that are responsive to clientele needs and appropriate for the audience and situation.
• Maintain and promote UCCE’s credibility by providing science-based knowledge.
• Evaluate programs and report accomplishments, results, and potential or actual impacts to scientific and lay audiences through a variety of outreach methods e.g., peer-reviewed publications, internet, workshops, and newsletters.

Collaboration & Teamwork

• Build collaborative working relationships with UCCE Advisors, UCCE Specialists, Academic Coordinators, and program staff across UC ANR, via participation in program teams and workgroups.

Lifelong Learning

• Participate in professional organizations and collaborate with state government and agencies related to outdoor recreation and tourism in California.
• Demonstrate commitment to ongoing growth – both professionally and as a person.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: The beginning salary will be in the Assistant Cooperative Extension Specialist Rank Step 1- $90,600 to Step 6 – $118, 500 annually. Rank/step placement in this series is based on applicable experience and professional qualifications. For information regarding the Cooperative Extension Specialist series salary scales, please refer to https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/policy-covered-july-2025-scales/t29.pdf

The Cooperative Extension Specialist position is a two-year renewable term appointment. Performance in this position is evaluated annually, with merit actions being evaluated every two years. Upon completion of a successful review, you may be reappointed for another definite term. Our intention with this definite-term appointment is to be reappointed based on positive performance reviews and the continuing need for the position.

This position is eligible for indefinite status, subject to terms noted in Section 315 of the ANR Policy and Procedure Manual (PPM) [https://ucanrpolicy.ellucid.com/manuals/binder/48]. If the successful candidate is currently a UCCE specialist with indefinite status, the candidate will be offered the position commensurate with applicable experience and professional qualifications with eligibility to retain such 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 paid holidays. This position is eligible for sabbatical leave privileges as per the terms of University policy. UC ANR is part of UC’s Family-Friendly Policies. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/

About UC ANR
UC ANR is a division of the University of California system that bridges the gap between local issues and the expertise of the UC system by providing research-based information, educational programs, and technical expertise to the public in areas such as agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, and youth development. UC ANR is part of a nationwide Cooperative Extension network, which began in the early 20th century to connect research from land-grant universities with the everyday needs of people in communities across the United States. Today, we collaborate with farmers, ranchers, diverse communities, youth and adult educators, and policymakers to address local and statewide issues related to food systems, water, climate change, and sustainable agriculture through a statewide network of campus-based researchers, county-based Advisors, and community educators. Our mission is to cultivate thriving communities, sustainable agriculture, resilient ecosystems, and economic prosperity in California and globally through equitable generation and sharing of collaborative, science-based solutions. Over 180 UCCE Advisors conduct applied research and extension education from county-based UCCE offices serving all 58 counties from 70+ locations. 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 resources UC has to offer. Our vision is that UC ANR will be valued in every California community for meaningful engagement and making a positive difference in people’s lives.

*Learn more about *

• UC ANR [https://ucanr.edu/] and UC ANR Mission Statement [https://ucanr.edu/site/division-agriculture-and-natural-resources/about-us]

• UC ANR administers Statewide Programs and Institutes [https://ucanr.edu/site/statewide-programs-research-and-extension-center-operations/programs] that focus research and extension on solving priority problems that engage ANR academics and UC faculty in integrated teams

• UC ANR Program Areas and Program Teams [https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-anr-program-areas-and-program-teams] help unify, communicate, and advocate for our work.

• UC ANR uses Public Value Statements [https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-anr-planning-and-accountability/condition-changes] to communicate how our work makes a difference to the public.

• UC ANR academics are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR’s commitment to UC ANR’s Civil Rights Compliance Policy [https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-anr-human-resources/office-civil-rights]

• UC ANR is committed to supporting inclusive excellence and is guided by UC ANR Principles of Community [https://ucanr.edu/site/division-agriculture-and-natural-resources/principles-community] We strive to create an environment where all individuals, regardless of background, feel valued and respected and have equal opportunities for growth and success.

How to Apply
If interested in this position, please visit: [https://recruit.ucanr.edu/] and choose “applicants” (refer to position #25-36). An in-person finalist interview may be required as part of the search process.

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by January 29, 2026 (open until filled).

Questions? 
Contact Mikyla Perez at mailto:mikperez@ucanr.edu 

University of California Cooperative Extension
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity 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 status under state or federal law.

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.

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

•Cover Letter

•Statement of Research and Extension – 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.

•References – Please provide 3 references including names, titles, emails and phone numbers.

•College Level 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.

Reference requirements

• 3-6 required (contact information only)

About UC Agriculture and Natural Resources

The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. 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.