Elkus Ranch REC Director - Half Moon Bay, CA, Job ID 88854

Elkus Ranch REC Director – Half Moon Bay, CA, Job ID 88854

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

Job Description

Under the general direction of UC ANR leadership, the Director provides strategic, administrative, and academic leadership for research and extension activities, educational programming, facility operations, and community partnerships at the site.

The incumbent is responsible for planning, developing, and managing academic and outreach programs that align with UC ANR's mission of extending research-based knowledge to the public, particularly in the areas of youth environmental education, sustainable agriculture, natural resource stewardship, and community engagement.

The Director oversees the site's staff, budget, facilities, partnerships, and safety compliance, and represents UC ANR in local, regional, and statewide collaborations. The position ensures that all programs are inclusive, financially sustainable, and grounded in UC ANR's academic excellence and public values.

This is a leadership position within UC ANR's statewide Research and Extension Center system and requires broad decision-making authority, independent judgment, and collaboration across multiple academic, governmental, and community partners

This position is a career appointment that is 100% fixed.

The home department is the Elkus Ranch REC. While this position normally is based in Half Moon Bay, CA, this position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants living in the State of California at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University.

Pay Scale: $121,900.00/year to $176,900.00/year

Job Posting Close Date: This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 10/12/2026.

Key Responsibilities:

40%

Program Leadership and Development:

• Provide vision and direction for research and extension programming at Elkus Ranch.
  
  
• Design and oversee delivery of environmental education, 4-H youth, and community outreach programs.
  
  
• Foster collaboration with UC academics, local schools, community organizations, and government partners.
  
  
• Evaluate program effectiveness using UC ANR impact metrics and continuous improvement practices.
  
  
• Ensure that programs align with UC ANR's statewide strategic priorities.
  
  

25%

Operational and Administrative Management:

• Oversee staff managing day-to-day operations of the Elkus Ranch facilities, livestock, and grounds.
  
  
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget; ensure fiscal accountability and cost recovery.
  
  
• Direct staff in facility scheduling, maintenance, safety compliance, and visitor management.
  
  
• Coordinate with UC ANR administrative units on contracts, grants, and compliance matters.
  
  
• Develops and implements strategic plans for research focus areas, land use, and infrastructure investment. Evaluates programs using UC ANR metrics. Identifies funding, partnerships, and grant opportunities to sustain and expand Center programs. Participates in statewide REC leadership initiatives.
  
  

15%

Academic and Research Coordination:

• Support UC and county-based academics in conducting applied research at Elkus Ranch.
  
  
• Facilitate research-extension linkages by integrating findings into public programming.
  
  
• Manage site access, resources, and compliance for academic projects.
  
  

10%

Community and Stakeholder Relations:

• Represent UC ANR and Elkus Ranch to external partners, donors, and stakeholders.
  
  
• Cultivate partnerships with K-12 educators, non-profits, local agencies, and donors to support programming.
  
  
• Communicate the public value and impact of UC ANR and Elkus Ranch through reports, outreach materials, and public presentations.
  
  

10%

Supervision and Staff Development:

• Supervise career and limited-term staff, volunteers, and student interns.
  
  
• Provide mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities.
  
  
• Foster a positive, safe, and inclusive workplace culture aligned with UC values.
  
  

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in education, environmental science, agriculture, natural resources, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience managing educational, research, or outreach programs.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, facilities, and staff within a public institution.
• Demonstrated knowledge of agricultural production systems, research design, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of program evaluation, community-based education, and extension principles.
• Ability to work independently and travel within the region as needed.

Preferred Skills:

• Master's degree in education, agriculture, natural resources, or environmental studies.
• Experience working within the University of California or Cooperative Extension system.
• Familiarity with environmental education, livestock management, or youth development programs.
• Familiarity with UC policies, environmental compliance, and safety programs.
• Experience with fundraising, grants, or revenue generation for public programs.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
• 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.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
  
  

1. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
   
   

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  
  
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
    
    
    • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
      
      

To apply, please visit: https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucanr/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&JobOpeningId=88854&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=17&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant









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