Farm Services Coordinator II

Carolina Farm Stewardship Association Published: October 24, 2017
Skill Level
Senior Level, Mid Level
Job Type
Full-time
Categories
Farm / Organics / Admin/ Gen Mgmt / Consulting

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Description

~ Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA) is a member-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that helps people grow and eat local, organic food by advocating for fair farm and food policies, building the systems that organic family farms need to thrive, and educating communities about local, organic farming. ~

Our vision is a vibrant, sustainable food system that is good for consumers, good for farmers and farmworkers, and good for the land.

Position Overview

The Farm Services Coordinator II is a full-time salaried position (40 hours/week) with the CFSA and is responsible for offering training and technical assistance to operators of small, diversified farms.

This role will be responsible for helping small, diversified, sustainable farmers in the region meet market and consumer demands in order to increase their long term success. 

  • S/he will provide technical assistance to organic and transitioning producers by becoming a certified Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Technical Service Provider to write Conservation Activity Plans Supporting Organic Transition; Provide technical assistance to producers interested in transitioning to certified organic production;
  • Pprovide technical assistance to producers on implementing best practices in postharvest handling, washing, packing, storage, and transportation necessary to meet wholesale market product specifications; and
  • Identify obstacles producers face in organic production and postharvest handling in order to develop new resources to help address those obstacles.

The Farm Services Coordinator II reports to the Farm Services Director and will assist in the preparation of internal reports, compliance reports, grant billings, training material development and other tasks necessary to meet program goals.

Note: This position will require extensive travel throughout the Carolinas. Candidates working remotely from the Carolinas will be considered.

Responsibilities

General Administration (10%)

  • Assist with programmatic monitoring to ensure compliance, progress towards objectives and expected results, and work plan and budget adherence.
  • Assist with programmatic planning, grant writing, and reporting to support the Farm Services Program.
  • Increase recognition of and engagement with our mission, programs, and impact by engaging current members, recruiting new members, and increasing our understanding of farm member needs.

Training & Direct Technical Assistance (90%)

  • Conduct site visits and provide consulting to farm members and program participants that help them implement best management practices to increase the sustainability of their operations.
  • Certify as a NRCS Technical Service Provider (TSP) in order to write Conservation Activity Plans Supporting Organic Transition (CAP 138) for farmers.
  • Provide technical assistance to farmers interested in transitioning to certified organic production.
  • Provide technical assistance to farmers on how to implement best practices in postharvest handling, washing, packing, storage, and transportation necessary to meet wholesale market product specifications.
  • Collaboratively plan and deliver quality training programs with CFSA staff and external partners that are accurate, up to date, and research-based that meet the needs identified by farm members and program participants.
  • Document successful business models for organic, small scale, diversified farms and support producer’s adoption of those models.
  • Evaluate and document program impacts such as participant certification, knowledge gain, intent to change or adopt practices, and/or practice or behavior change.

Qualifications

Position Requirements:

  • B.S. in a horticultural or agronomic science field or 10 years of relevant work experience in organic/sustainable agriculture.
  • At least 3 years organic farming and post-harvest handling experience.
  • Strong familiarity with the National Organic Program regulations and conservation practices.
  • Familiarity with best practices in postharvest handling, washing, packing, storage, and transportation necessary to meet wholesale market product specifications.
  • Familiarity with industry-driven, on-farm food safety and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) buyer requirements.
  • Ability to concisely and simply communicate regulatory and resource conservation issues with farmers.
  • Ability to effectively handle multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and work independently and effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Ability to work well within a team and with individuals, both internal and external, from diverse backgrounds.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to travel throughout the Carolinas.
  • Proficiency with MS Office Pro applications.

Compensation: Salary range is from $36,000 - $45,700, commensurate with experience, with generous vacation, retirement benefits, as well as a monthly fringe benefit of $360. 

To Apply

  • Please click "Apply" below to email a resume, list of professional references and a cover letter explaining why you want to work with small, diversified farms.
    Be sure to type “Farm Services Coordinator II” into the subject line. 
  • You will receive an electronic confirmation of your email submission. 
  • Please, no phone calls. 
  • Applications are due by November 17, 2017.
  • Anticipated start date January 2, 2018.

~ CFSA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women and people of color. ~

When you apply for this position, please say you saw this job on Green Dream Jobs!!

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