Tim Jacobsen: Jordan College Staff Retirement Spotlight

(December 28, 2021) -- Looking ahead to the retirement of research technician Tim Jacobsen at the end of this month, the Center for Irrigation Technology (CIT) shares its deep apprecation for sharing his wide range of agronomy experience and managing its field research for 21 years.

Jacobsen has made major improvements to CIT’s field research facilities by implementing procedures to minimize the variability in field conditions with the goal to maximize the potential for obtaining quality research data especially in soil management and health — an area that is often neglected.

"I am thankful for the opportunity to be involved with upgrading and improving CIT's research area," Jacobsen said. "It all started because my employer encouraged me further my education and suggested Fresno State, so I enrolled in the master's program in plant science." 

The Saratoga native started working on campus in May 1988 and has worked in various capacities for the internationally-respected center, and also assisted with many of its education and outreach programs.

He holds a plant science master’s degree from Fresno State and began work as a research technician as a student for faculty members Dr. Jeff Steiner and Dr. Gary Ritenour. After he graduated in 1991, he continued to work on campus for several years. He left campus in 1993 to work in the agriculture industry as a consultant and pest control adviser and consultant. He returned for follow-up stints at CIT that started in 2000 and again in 2015.

"The people with whom I work with are wonderful, and I couldn't imagine a better group," Jacobsen said. "I also enjoy the work and find it to be stimulating with ample opportunity for creativity."

Among the many programs he worked on, he helped develop a chemigation education program for the California Department of Pesticide Regulation that has been shared throughout the state. He was also a valuable initial contributor to the Advanced Pumping Efficiency Program that CIT manages for PG&E to encourage more sustainable practices and assist growers and other industry members. Both programs took the educational message across the state using mobile education centers that were designed and constructed at CIT.

Former CIT Director David Zoldoske said, “Tim is an outstanding agronomist and his field experience greatly added to CIT's research capabilities. He was always a team player, who worked well with staff and students. Furthermore, he would always put in the time to be sure the research plots looked professional and worked closely with clients to solve their research questions. Much of CIT's field research success can be directly attributed to Tim's contributions. He certainly will be missed.”

In retirement, Jacobsen looks forward to devoting more time to his grandchildren and a consulting practice.

"Agricultural research is a demanding profession, and I thank my dear family for their patience and support during the long summer months spent in the field," Jacobsen said. "I was fortunate to have Dr. David Zoldoske, Dr. Gary Ritenour, Dr. Charles Hillyer and Ed Norum as such a great source of encouragement and example of excellence."