The Organic Community Food Systems Consultant will support farmers and supply chain actors across Washington (as well as Oregon and Idaho occasionally) in the process of transitioning to Regenerative and Organic production systems. This position reports to the Pacific Regional Manager and works indirectly with the Research, Education, Communications, and Development departments at Rodale Institute to carry out our mission. This position is fully remote and will require frequent travel across the region for site visits, meetings, conferences, etc. Applicants should reside in the Pacific Northwest, ideally in Washington, but other locations may be considered pending experience.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities :
- Provide Technical Assistance, Agronomic and Certification Support
Guide beginning, conventional, and existing organic farmers in transitioning to, establishing, and managing organic systems. This includes assisting farmers in identifying a certifying agency, completing USDA Organic program paperwork and associated documentation, and preparing for Regenerative and Organic inspections
Provide scientifically sound agronomic recommendations to clients regarding crop rotation, soil health, fertility, pests, weed, and disease management practices, tillage, labor, seed sourcing, and moreCollaborate with Rodale Institute's Pacific Northwest Organic Center in the Skagit Valley to bring farmer and community voices to the design, implementation and utilization of Regenerative and Organic research initiativesWork with the Regenerative and Organic Markets Coordinator to connect all sizes of farms with market opportunitiesSupport and advise farmers on using research and experimentation on their farm to improve crop yields and increase profitabilityAssist in the development of project proposals and project implementationAssist in identifying new funding sources, grants and contracts; participate in proposal writing as requestedProvide culture bridging support (such as bilingual translation for English and Spanish or acting as a liaison to tribal entities, for example) to farmers, buyers, distributors, and partners with a focus on building strong connections between these entitiesSupport the planning and execution of events centered on farmers, buyers, and other stakeholders, with the goals of education, community-building and resource connectionPerform other duties as assigned by managementConduct Outreach, Network and Build CommunityAttend agriculture meetings, conferences, field days, and other events across the region and the United States to represent Rodale Institute and the Organic Consulting Program
Develop educational resources for farmers in a variety of media. This may include fact sheets, webinars, guides, presentations, etc.Support farms and organizations that develop specific priorities around addressing food insecurity and offer services to historically underserved populationsParticipate in regional efforts to holistically support food producers (e.g. by building wraparound support networks that include land and capital access, mental health services, cooperative development, business planning, childcare and health insurance or by growing equipment sharing libraries)Complete Administrative TasksMaintain complete and accurate client and project files, utilizing the team's CRM (Client Relationship Management) system and document management and storage systems
Develop reports of consultant activities as requested by external fundersManage Individual travel, conference, and education budgetsParticipate in Continuous LearningStay up-to-date on information concerning certification to ensure internal standards and policies comply with the USDA National Organic Program (NOP)
Seek out and attend educational workshops, meetings, and conferences. Maintain all required educational and position qualifications to full job requirementsComplete IOIA Organic Crop and Livestock Trainings within one year of hireAchieve Certified Crop Advisor status within one year of hireRequired Skills & Experience :
Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy or Soil Science, Food Systems, or related field with 2-4 years of farm experience. An equivalent combination of education or experience is acceptableKnowledge of one or more crops and production practices in the Pacific NorthwestMust demonstrate interest in the wide diversity of farming systems in the regionMust possess sound judgment, excellent reasoning, and decision-making skillsMust have excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projectsResponsiveness and attention to grower needs is essentialAbility to work well with others is required while creating a high-quality and respectful work environmentMust be able to work independently while supporting the efforts of an overall teamMust be able to work effectively in a remote environmentAbility to communicate with tact and diplomacy with a wide range of internal and external constituencies is a must, especially with farmers and other community membersMust be able to meet the travel requirements of the position and maintain a valid and unrestricted driver's licenseProficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPointExcellent writing and verbal communications skillsEffective oral communication skills in English and Spanish as well as effective written communication skills in EnglishPreferred Qualifications :
Experience working / interacting with an organic farmWorking knowledge of the National Organic ProgramExperience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems.Travel :
Frequent travel required across the assigned region for site visits, meetings, conferences, etc.Compensation :
$70,000 total per year for salaryMedical, dental, vision benefits and 403(B) retirement plan options are available. More information can be found via hyperlink : Employment - Rodale InstituteOther Expectations :
Be honest, respectful and take ownership of our work and mission.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity or handicap.
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