Organic Crop and Conservation Specialist

~ The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), formed in 1971, is the oldest and largest state organic organization in the country. ~

The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association is a broad-based community that educates about and advocates for organic agriculture, illuminating its interdependence with a healthy environment, local food production, and thriving communities.

Position Overview

Located in rural Waldo County, the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) is seeking an Organic Crop and Conservation Specialist. MOFGA, a leader in the organic agriculture movement, is looking for a dynamic individual interested in working with Maine’s growing organic farming segment. The individual will work with other Agricultural Services Staff to provide support for all aspects of organic crop production, and assistance to farm operations across the state with organic certification.

MOFGA was the first organization in the country to provide technical assistance specific to organic farming and gardening. The Agricultural Services staff provides farming, gardening and marketing assistance to growers in Maine and beyond. The staff assists seasoned organic growers, helps new organic farmers get started, and educates conventional farmers concerning the benefits of organic methods.

The Organic Crop and Conservation Specialist is expected to provide Maine organic farmers and gardeners with knowledge needed to be successful in organic crop production, through direct contact and written materials. As a member of the MOFGA staff he/she will encourage the use of organic practices among Maine’s farming community, particularly through interaction with related farming associations, and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support on organic production practices to farmers in Maine
• Develop metrics for conservation plans and environmental assessment that support Organic Agriculture
• Provide support and training in programs that will help MOFGA Journeypersons, MOFGA members, and other new farmers to become certified organic
• Keep abreast of new technologies in sustainable agriculture by reading appropriate literature, attending conferences, and maintaining contacts with academic and extension communities
• Keep abreast of USDA National Organic Program and national sustainable agriculture and certification issues
• Research and evaluate sustainable agriculture products, particularly for their efficacy and their use under the National Organic Program rule
• Answer questions and provide advice regarding farming and gardening, pesticides, and related issues through on-site farm visits, phone conversations, mail, e-mail, articles and reviews for MOFGA’s newspaper
• Write how-to bulletins and fact sheets on particular crops, pests, and management systems directed toward an audience of farmers and gardeners
• Present at MOFGA, Cooperative Extension, Maine Department of Agriculture and other relevent meetings and events
• Provide program material for the Farmer to Farmer Conference, Agricultural Trades Show, the Common Ground Country Fair, and other educational events
• Carry out all of the responsibilities listed above in accordance with the mission, vision and values of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association

Qualifications

• Degree in Sustainable Agriculture or related field of study, MS or Ph.D. preferred
• Experience in organic farming and gardening
• Knowledge of National Organic Program regulations
• Familiarity with process of transitioning to organic production
• Familiarity with conservation programs for farmers
• Strong familiarity with related technologies and scientific disciplines
• Ability to read and interpret research reports
• A willingness to initiate contacts with new people and a high degree of motivation
• Ability to work creatively and take initiative to find solutions
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with staff, volunteers and the public

Compensation

• Compensation: salary for this position will be negotiated based on educational background, work experience and demonstrated areas of expertise
• MOFGA offers a full range of benefits (details available upon request) including paid vacation, a substantial wellness stipend in lieu of medical insurance, life insurance, paid sick leave, paid holidays and continuing education
• Starting date is flexible

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your resume, cover letter and references by email in a PDF by March 30, 2018 to David Colson, MOFGA Agricultural Services Director.