Southeast Grazing Network Coordinator

AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST • Washington, DC

6d • $30 - $30 • Remote

About The Position

The Grazing Mentor Network (GMN) is a multi-state initiative that seeks to create a large peer-to-peer network made up primarily of beginning, small-scale, and underserved Producers and promotes the use of best management and regenerative grazing practices to improve environmental and economic outcomes in beef cattle production. The GMN is a five-year pilot program funded through AFTs Climate-Smart Beef Project and will focus on six states in the Mid Atlantic (PA, MD, VA) and Southeast (GA, AL, MS) with an objective of building a network of over 600 beef cattle producers across these states. Each state will have nine Mentor Producers, who will be the primary source of technical assistance to participants. Each state will have a Grazing Network Coordinator who will coordinate the activities of the Mentors in their state. The Grazing Network Coordinator is a part-time role (1100 hrs. per year) that will provide the primary link between American Farmland Trust (AFT) and Grazing Mentors in their respective state and will be responsible for coordinating all technical assistance programs, Mentor and Mentee applications and onboarding, data collection and reporting, and administrative compliance within the Climate-Smart beef project.

Requirements

• Live in one of the GMN states (PA, MD, VA, GA, AL, MS).
• Experience collaborating and coordinating diverse groups of beef cattle producers.
• Frequent instate travel required to meet Mentors and Mentees, and some interstate travel to attend training and workshops (travel costs will be reimbursed).
• Access to the internet and competency with email, word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Part time position with an average 20hrs per week, this position is remote with approximately 30 in-state travel days year 1, increasing to 45 in-state travel days in years 2-5 (milage reimbursed for use of personal vehicle). Attendance at a 3-day soil health workshop/training is also required each year.
• Strong compassion and empathy, and experience working with Historically Underserved audiences, preferably in agriculture and/or conservation.
• Both an independent and proactive worker and GMN member who will complete both individual deliverable and broadly collaborative deliverables on time.
• Flexible and willing to grow and contribute skills as needed to a growing and changing team.
• Experience building networks and managing networks though being (primarily) remote.
• Experience with training and developing educational materials.
• Experience with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) conservation programs and ability to provide technical assistance towards diverse audiences and to help producers enroll in these programs.
• Ability to communicate in an engaging and clear manner to a variety of audiences.
• Highly organized with excellent communication skills and the ability to juggle, navigate, and deliver on time.
• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Agricultural Sciences and/or Extension Education with an emphasis on beef cattle production, forage crop production, and grazing management. Relevant work experience in these fields can be substituted for these education requirements.
• 3-5 years of professional experience providing technical assistance and/or managing farmer groups.

Nice To Haves

• A background in extension education and outreach is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Development and Delivery of Technical Training Programs/Curriculum.
• Provide input for State/Region specific training programs within the GMN curriculum, including, but not limited to, regenerative grazing management and other best management practices that seek to enhance soil health, and achieve the goals and objectives as laid out in CLM-27 Climate Smart Beef Project.
• Assist AFT in the delivery and dissemination of these training programs to Mentors, Mentees, and other producers within their State/Region through participation in one-on-one and group trainings.
• Aid Mentors in delivering TA to their mentees, including traveling with Mentors within their state to visit Mentees.
• Identification, Screening, and Onboarding of GMN Mentors.
• Work with AFT personnel and partners to help identify potential GMN mentors within their State/Region. This may include contacting producer groups and organizations, existing grazing mentor networks, groups and organizations that support HUPs, and State and Federal agencies, academic institutions.
• Once identified, Mentor Coordinators shall assist with the onboarding of Mentor Sub-awardees into the GMN program. This will include managing, with the help of AFT technical and administrative personnel, the contracting and signup of Mentors under the Sub-awardee agreement, defining Mentor roles and responsibilities,
• Data Recording, Reporting, Management and Compliance.
• Coordinate CPA-52 efforts.
• Assist Mentors and Mentees with USDA-FSA signup and ongoing reporting as required under CLM-27.
• Assist Mentors and Mentees in signup for programs provided by partner NGOs such as AgriWebb, Indigo Ag, and EarthOptics, and provide ongoing support to ensure that required data is collected, reported, and that Mentees/Producers are receiving program benefits.
• Grazing Network coordinators will also be engaged in evaluation efforts where appropriate and may be asked to respond to evaluation surveys and/or participate in interviews.
• Administration of Correlated AFT Programs and Initiatives, and Opportunities with OTHER Agencies.
• Assist with the implementation of co-curricular AFT programs including, but not limited to, farmland protection, succession planning, and outreach to Historically Underserved Producers (HUPs).
• Promote financial assistance opportunities for best management practice adoption with other agencies.

Benefits

• Be a part of a purpose-driven, committed, knowledgeable, high-performing, experienced and fun team
• A diverse and inclusive work environment
• A cause and mission you can be proud of
• Competitive compensation & benefits
• Remote work opportunities
• Flexible scheduling

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees