The Senior Organic Consultant will support farmers and supply chain actors across California in the process of transitioning to organic or regenerative organic production systems. This position will work 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 California for site visits, meetings, conferences, etc. Applicants should reside in California, ideally in or near Ventura County, but other locations may be considered pending experience.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:- Provide Outreach, Technical Assistance, Agronomic and Certification Support
- Outreach and recruitment of existing conventional farmers to transition to managing farms in organic systems
- Guide beginning, conventional, and existing organic farmers in transitioning to, establishing, and managing organic or regenerative organic systems. This includes assisting farmers in identifying a certifying agency, completing USDA Organic program paperwork and associated documentation, and preparing for 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.
- Work with the Regenerative and Organic Markets Coordinator to connect farmers 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Desired Skills & Experience:- Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy or Soil Science, or related field with 8+ years of farm experience. An equivalent combination of education or experience is acceptable.
- Knowledge of crops and production practices in California, conventional systems perferred
- 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 is a must, especially with farmers and other community members.
- Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position, and maintain a valid and unrestricted 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.
Preferred Qualifications: - Experience working/interacting with on an organic farm.
- Working knowledge of the National Organic Program.
- Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems
Compensation & Benefits- This position is a full-time, exempt, salaried position with a range of $90,000 to $100,000 annually
- This position is eligible to participate in Rodale Institute's benefits programs
- Rodale Institute offers 100% paid medical premium for full-time employes and their dependents; sharing premium cost for dental & vision plans; a 403(b) retirement savings plan; life insurance and AD&D coverage; and 100% paid short and long term disability coverage
- Rodale Institute has a competitive time off program, plus 5 floating holidays for full time employees and 12 company paid holidays
Travel:- Regular travel throughout California is expected
- This position will work remotely from a home office
Other Expectations:- To be trustful and respectful to all staff and visitors
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