Technical and Scientific Coordinator

Get involved with a cutting edge entrepreneurial organization! If you are pursuing a career in sustainable agriculture, this may be the opening for which you have been waiting.

Protected Harvest is a non-profit organization that certifies farmers adherence to region-specific and crop-specific standards, as adopted by the board of directors. It provides auditors to inspect farms and facilities. The auditors submit a file for each grower to the Protected Harvest Certification Director, who reviews each file and determines, according to established baseline criteria, whether certification is warranted.

Through its certification services and eco-label, Protected Harvest intends to serve as a market-based stimulus to move a significant percentage of conventional agriculture along an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) continuum and encourage the widespread adoption of commercial scale sustainable agriculture.

Duties:
The Technical and Scientific Coordinator will collaborate with qualified organizations to develop region-specific and crop-specific verifiable environmental performance standards.

Standards are based largely on the implementation of Biointensive Integrated Pest Management (BioIPM) practices and the reduction of pesticide use. Performance measures for soil and water quality, wildlife habitat, and ecosystem health will also be incorporated. The Technical and Scientific Coordinator will:

• Oversee and direct the standards development process with multiple teams of collaborators, and develop a course of action so that all Protected Harvest standards are compatible and consistent
• Convene and direct peer review committees to strengthen and evaluate proposed Protected Harvest standards.
• Develop and execute fundraising plans to underwrite future standards development and new components to the standards, and to support specific research initiatives that are essential to the development of reduced-risk alternatives.
• Work closely with staff in researching, developing and marketing of new certification programs.
• Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in eco-labeling, certification, and sustainable agriculture.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• PhD in agricultural sciences or equivalent agricultural experience/scientific background.
• Minimum of 2-3 years experience in relevant field.
• Must have an extensive understanding of BioIPM systems and related soil and water quality issues, and an understanding of and commitment to the development of measurement methodologies for quantification of IPM adoption, pesticide toxicity, and environmental impact models.
• Understanding of federal conservation programs a big plus.
• Personal computer skills, including extensive knowledge of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to communicate effectively by phone, in writing and through personal presentation.
• Must be a self-starter, and be able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Travel is required.

Application Instructions:

Salary commensurate with experience; this is a one-year position, to be renewable or made permanent based upon available funding.

Candidate may work from home; flexible hours possible.

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references (including phone numbers) to the address or email below.

After January 16, 2004 you may email to ask if we are still accepting applications.

Protected Harvest is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Deputy Director Protected Harvest
1211 Brunswick Court
Arnold, MD 21012