Senior Organic Consultant

Rodale Institute · Camarillo, CA · 3 wk ago

On-siteEducation$90k–$100k/yrFull-time

Provide Outreach, Technical Assistance, Agronomic and Certification Support
Outreach and recruitment of existing conventional farmers to transition to managing farms in organic systems
Guide beginning, conventional, and existing organic farmers in transitioning to, establishing, and managing organic or regenerative organic systems
Assist farmers in identifying a certifying agency, completing USDA Organic program paperwork and associated documentation, and preparing for organic inspections
Provide scientifically sound agronomic recommendations to clients regarding crop rotation, soil health, fertility, pests, weed, and disease management practices, tillage, labor, seed sourcing, and more
Work with the Regenerative and Organic Markets Coordinator to connect farmers with market opportunities
Support and advise farmers on using research and experimentation on their farm to improve crop yields and increase profitability
Aid in the development of project proposals and project implementation
Aid in identifying new funding sources, grants and contracts; participate in proposal writing as requested
Support the planning and execution of events centered on farmers, buyers, and other stakeholders, with the goals of education, community-building and resource connection
Perform other duties as assigned by management

Attend agriculture meetings, conferences, field days, and other events across the region and the United States to represent Rodale Institute and the Organic Consulting Program
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 offer services to historically underserved populations

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
Participate in Continuous Learning

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy or Soil Science, or related field with 8+ years of farm experience. An equivalent combination of education or experience is acceptable
Knowledge of crops and production practices in California, conventional systems perferred
Sound judgment, excellent reasoning, and decision-making skills
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
Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy with a wide range of internal and external constituencies is a must, especially with farmers and other community members
Able to work independently while supporting the efforts of an overall team. Must be able to work effectively in a remote environment
Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Excellent writing and verbal communications skills
Effective oral communication skills in English and Spanish as well as effective written communication skills in English

This position is a full-time, exempt, salaried position with a range of $90,000 to $100,000 annually
This position is eligible to participate in Rodale Institute’s benefits programs
Rodale Institute offers 100% paid medical premium for full-time employes and their dependents; sharing premium cost for dental & vision plans; a 403(b) retirement savings plan; life insurance and AD&D coverage; and 100% paid short and long term disability coverage
Rodale Institute has a competitive time off program, plus 5 floating holidays for full time employees and 12 company paid holidays
Regular travel throughout California is expected

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