Organic Community Food Systems Consultant

Job Description:

• 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 more
• Collaborate 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 initiatives
• Work with the Regenerative and Organic Markets Coordinator to connect all sizes of farms with market opportunities
• Support and advise farmers on using research and experimentation on their farm to improve crop yields and increase profitability
• Assist in the development of project proposals and project implementation
• Assist in identifying new funding sources, grants and contracts; participate in proposal writing as requested
• Provide 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 entities
• Support the planning and execution of events centered on farmers, buyers, and other stakeholders, with the goals of education, community-building and resource connection
• Perform other duties as assigned by management
• Conduct Outreach, Network and Build Community
• Attend 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 populations
• Participate 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 Tasks Maintain 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 funders
• Manage Individual travel, conference, and education budgets
• Participate in Continuous Learning Stay 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 requirements
• Complete IOIA Organic Crop and Livestock Trainings within one year of hire
• Achieve Certified Crop Advisor status within one year of hire

Requirements:

• 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 acceptable
• Knowledge of one or more crops and production practices in the Pacific Northwest
• Must demonstrate interest in the wide diversity of farming systems in the region
• Must possess sound judgment, excellent reasoning, and decision-making skills
• Must have excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects
• Responsiveness and attention to grower needs is essential
• Ability to work well with others is required while creating a high-quality and respectful work environment
• Must be able to work independently while supporting the efforts of an overall team
• Must be able to work effectively in a remote environment
• Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy with a wide range of internal and external constituencies, especially with farmers and other community members
• Must be able to meet travel requirements and maintain a valid driver's license
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Excellent writing and verbal communications skills
• Effective oral communication skills in English and Spanish as well as effective written communication skills in English

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