Agricultural Outreach Coordinator

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

The Accokeek Foundation is seeking an Agricultural Outreach Coordinator to work on a partnership grant from the National Immigrant Farming Initiative, funded through the USDA Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers program. The National Immigrant Farming Initiative’s mission is to strengthen the capacity of immigrants to farm successfully and to advance sustainable farming and food systems.

The Agricultural Outreach Coordinator is a hard-working, resourceful, detail-oriented individual who will assist with agricultural production and outreach to various constituent groups. The Coordinator will assist with developing, and implementing, the Foundation’s agricultural training programs and will focus on cultivating, and providing outreach to, members of the immigrant community who are interested in becoming farmers. Funding for this position is through a partnership for the National Immigrant Farming Initiative The Coordinator will serve on the faculty of the Center for Agricultural and Environmental Stewardship (CAES) as well serve as assistant to the Managers of Sustainable Agriculture in daily agricultural production activities. The Coordinator will participate in training opportunities available to the Foundation’s Sustainable Agriculture Apprentices and other staff.

The AF is a progressive work environment and invests in the professional development of its staff. Essential functions include:

Agricultural Production

• Assist with farm production at the Ecosystem Farm
• Assist with management of the Foundation’s Heritage Breeds of Livestock Program
• Supervise farmer apprentices, part-time staff, and volunteers
• Assist with Management of the Ecosystem Farm CSA

Outreach and Education

• Receive and provide sustainable agriculture training at the Ecosystem Farm and the Center for Agricultural and Environmental Stewardship (CAES)
• Translate spoken and written training and other materials as needed
• Serve on faculty of CAES, helping to develop and deliver workshops and other programs that provide training necessary to enable immigrant farmers, and the agricultural community in general, to build successful farming operations
• Serve as a resource within the immigrant community, connecting disadvantaged farmers with information about USDA resources (FSA, NRCS, RMA, NASS) and other assistance

Professional Experience and Qualifications
Coordinator must be fluent in Spanish and English; must possess the ability to work independently on a variety of assignments with minimal supervision; and must have the ability to work with, and develop and provide educational training to, a diverse group of individuals who have an interest in agriculture. The coordinator must be able to perform the physical requirements of working in a sustainable agriculture operation. Minimum of 2 years experience working in agriculture, preferably sustainable agriculture; machinery operation experience; and computer skills (e.g., Word, Excel) desired.

The Coordinator must possess creative problem-solving skills, initiative, sound judgment, diplomacy and discretion, as well as the ability to maintain poise and professionalism under pressure. While the Coordinator must demonstrate excellent independent decision making skills, he or she also must take direction well, understand the significance of organizational culture, and support organizational standards.