Farm Energy Specialist

The National Center for Appropriate Technology is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time Farm Energy Specialist to work in Arkansas, Montana, Iowa or Pennsylvania. Farm Energy Specialists have a chance to use their engineering or agriculture education and experience to help American farmers. Specialists work directly with farmers to address their questions on how to make their farms more energy efficient or how to develop energy cropping systems. Minimum requirements include farm-based experience with a background and bachelor or master degree in engineering, energy efficiency or agronomy, animal science, soils or a related field in agriculture. The qualified candidate must have a demonstrated interest and experience in farm energy or bioenergy.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct energy audits on farms and analyze farm operations to make them more energy efficient
• Evaluate the renewable energy resources on farms, including solar, wind and biodiesel resources
• Design, evaluate and train clients on small scale processing equipment
• Work directly with farmers and farm groups to provide information on farm energy topics
• Research technical information on farm energy efficiencies, cropping systems and on farm processing equipment

QUALIFICATIONS:

NCAT values excellent communication skills as jobs involve public speaking, writing and proposal development. All jobs may require specialists to prepare publications, topical summaries, bibliographies, workshop materials and website postings while targeting a variety of audiences of varying degrees of technical knowledge. Requirements may also include disseminating information to farmers via e-mail, telephone and in person and working with other sustainable agriculture specialists to identify farmer needs and appropriate delivery methods. Specialists may also assist in project development activities and attend conferences, workshops, seminars and related events in support of project duties. Travel is required.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary range is $30,000 to $44,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits include paid vacation and holidays, health, life and disability insurance, a cafeteria and 401 (k) plan and a pleasant, professional office environment.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

This is an exciting opportunity to develop a career in sustainable agriculture. If you are interested in providing practical advice, have the right education and practical on-farm experience, please apply. Applicants will be accepted through Oct. 15, 2008 or until a suitable candidate can be identified. Early applications are encouraged and applications will be considered as they are received. All persons interested in being considered for the position must submit a cover letter highlighting their experience and skills relevant to the listed qualifications, a current resume and a completed NCAT application form.

Requests for an NCAT application form and inquiries about the application process should be directed to Therese McClafferty. Incomplete applications or reference to "see resume" on the application form will not be considered.

Send completed application material to:
Therese McClafferty
NCAT Personnel Office
P.O. Box 3838
Butte, MT 59702
theresem@ncat.org

Note: This general job description reflects the job duties, knowledge and skills typically needed for this type of position. It is not all-inclusive and other duties may be assigned to the position to facilitate a productive working environment.

It is NCAT's policy and organizational philosophy to ensure that all of our employment practices, including recruitment and hiring, are administered for all individuals without regard to color, race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or veterans status.