Sustainable Agriculture Specialist, Davis CA

Put your education and experience to work to promote sustainable agriculture practices and work with family farmers, small producers and limited-resource farmers! The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is a private non-profit corporation that works to promote sustainable technologies and systems, especially for the benefit of economically disadvantaged individuals and communities. NCAT is seeking a Sustainable Agriculture Specialist who wants to help farmers and ranchers understand, and transition to more sustainable practices. If you are a self-directed leader with strong knowledge of agriculture, and skills in communication and project development, this is a great opportunity for you! This regular, full-time position will be based at NCAT’s office in Davis, California.

·      The position requires a BA/BS degree in agriculture, agronomy, soils, horticulture, regenerative grazing, or a related field along with six years of farming and/or relevant experience or an MA/MS degree and four years of farming and/or relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience;

·      Experience and expertise in farming and providing technical assistance to farmers and ranchers;

·      Minimum of three years’ experience in developing new projects, writing proposals, and managing projects;

·      Must be fluent in written and spoken English and one of the following: Spanish, Hmong or Mien.

 

·      Commitment and passion for the NCAT mission;

·      Knowledge of California agriculture and related organizations and groups;

·      Strong knowledge of commercial agronomic production preferred: row crops, specialty crops, grains, forages, cover crops, or horticulture, market gardens or farmers markets, or regenerative grazing, and with farm business development;

·      Excellent communication skills, with experience giving technical assistance workshops to farmers, public speaking, presentation, writing, editing and research;

·      The ability to build relationships with farmers, ranchers, community organizations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations;

·      Grant and proposal writing skills;

·      Familiarity with integrated farming systems, concepts of sustainability and environmentally friendly agricultural practices;

·      Collaborate with limited-resource farmers and farmers from a variety of different cultural backgrounds;

·      The ability to recognize and pursue development opportunities;

·      Willingness to travel and work independently.

·  Provide farmers and ranchers with information and technical assistance on environmentally sound practices for agronomic and horticultural crops and livestock production by phone, e-mail, social media, workshops, and field demonstrations;

·  Seek out development opportunities, participate in grant and proposal writing process;

·  Build and strengthen relationships with partners and stakeholders;

·  Manage projects to ensure project work and deliverables are being met;

·  Work with Outreach Specialist to promote workshops and events organized by the California office;

·  Liaise with farm and agriculture organizations and groups that assist farmers, particularly limited-resource farmers;

·  Research, write and edit publications on sustainable agriculture topics to assist clients;

·  Create educational materials such as publications, videos, webinars, podcasts, and online tutorials;

·  Seek out projects and opportunities to provide training in Spanish, English, or other languages to immigrant farmers, new farmers and producers interested in developing more sustainable cropping and marketing systems; 

·  Collaborate with staff as a member of one or more technical teams in developing written materials and projects.

 

SALARY AND BENEFITS: $55,000 - $75,000 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 working environment.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applications will be accepted through November 2020, or until a suitable candidate can be identified. Early applications are encouraged. Applicants are encouraged to visit www.ncat.org  and www.attra.ncat.org to learn more about NCAT. All persons interested in being considered for the position must visit https://ncat.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=10 and start the application process. Part of the process is uploading a current resume, and a cover letter highlighting experience and skills relevant to the listed qualifications, as well as completing NCAT's online application. NCAT Applications can be accessed at https://www.ncat.org/jobs/ Incomplete applications or reference on the application to “see resume” will not be considered. Applications and more information about NCAT can be accessed by visiting our website at www.ncat.org. You may find an employment application under the Jobs tab. Questions about the application process can be directed to:

Kriss Sullivan, Director of Human Resources                         

e-mail: jobs@ncat.org

 

For additional information about NCAT please visit our website at www.ncat.org.