Organic Community Food Systems Consultant - Idaho

Rodale Institute • ID

314d

About The Position

The Organic Community Food Systems Consultant - Idaho will work primarily with tribal communities in Idaho and throughout the US Northwest and Northern Plains regions to preserve and restore indigenous agricultural methods and practices. This position reports to the Northern Plains Regional Consulting Manager and works 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 the Consultant’s assigned region for site visits, meetings, conferences, etc. Applicants should reside in the assigned region, but other locations may be considered pending experience.

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
• Experience working with tribal communities is required
• Knowledge of crops and production practices in assigned 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 is a must
• Excellent writing and verbal communications skills
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working/interacting with organic farming and/or land stewardship
• Working knowledge of the National Organic Program
• Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems

Responsibilities

• Provide Technical Assistance, Agronomic and Certification Support
• Support tribal communities in implementing indigenous land management practices that improve the health of the soil and landscape without the use of synthetic inputs
• Provide scientifically and culturally sound agronomic recommendations to community members and organizations regarding soil health, fertility, pests, weed control, and disease management practices, tillage, labor, seed sourcing, and more
• Provide technical assistance on organic certification and practices, especially the wild crop harvesting scope
• Work with the Organic and ROC Market Coordinator to connect farmers with market opportunities as requested by community members
• Conduct and support research efforts on chemical input usage and reduction practices, native plant growing practices, culturally relevant conservation practices, etc.
• Assist in the development of relevant project proposals and project implementation as mutually agreed upon with Pacific Regional Manager
• Host and attend community events including field days, workshops, listening sessions, outreach events, food outings, community gatherings, etc.
• Attend agriculture meetings, conferences, field days, and other events across the region and the United States to represent Rodale Institute
• 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 food sovereignty, especially within tribal communities
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree