Organic Farm Transition Coordinator Job in North Carolina

Organic Farm Transition Coordinator Job in North Carolina The Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA) is hiring an Organic Transition Coordinator to run an exciting new grant-funded project to increase the number of farmers transitioning to certified organic in the Carolinas. Type: Part-time Salaried Position Expected Start Date: Feb.15, 2012.  CFSA offers generous vacation and personnel policies, and health insurance benefits. Application Deadline: January 15, 2012. ABOUT CFSA: CFSA is a non-profit membership organization that works to create a local and organic food system in North and South Carolina.  We help people in the Carolinas grow and eat local, organic foods by advocating for fair farm and food policies, building the systems family farms need to thrive, and educating and organizing farmers and the communities they serve.  Based in Pittsboro, NC, CFSA is the oldest and largest sustainable agriculture organization in the Southeast. We have a thirty-two-year record of successfully uniting farmers, consumers and businesses to build a just, healthy food and farming future. To learn about the job and how to apply click "read more"

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JOB SUMMARY:

The Organic Transition Coordinator is a part-time salaried position that will implement the organic transition program in 2012. The Organic Transition Coordinator will: visit with organic, transitioning, or producers interested in transitioning to certified organic production to identify obstacles producers face in the transition process; identify resources and training needs to address obstacles; develop and publish guidance documents to support transition to organic production; provide training and consulting to producers interested in transitioning; develop and publish guidance documents on various organic production topics, and work with the Conservation Program Manager to prepare internal reports, compliance reports,  grant billings, and other tasks necessary to meet program goals.

The Organic Transition Coordinator will report directly to the Conservation Practices Manager, and supervise no staff.  The coordinator may work remotely from anywhere in the Carolinas, however, the position will require extensive travel throughout the Carolinas.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

– Visit farms and consult with organic/ transitioning producers to identify obstacles producers face in the transition to organic production.

– Identify resource and training needs to address obstacles producers face in transition to organic production.

– Develop guidance documents to support transition to organic production.

– Provide training to organic/transitioning producers on how to transition to organic production.

– Provide direct consulting assistance to 10 producers transitioning to organic certification.

– Publish guidance documents on methods of organic fertility management, organic pest control, and promoting on-farm biodiversity.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

– B.S.  in horticulture or related field, with specialized study or demonstrated experience in organic/sustainable agriculture.

– At least two years farming experience.

– Strong familiarity with and enthusiasm for organic production systems.

– Familiarity with USDA National Organic Program Regulations.

– Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

– Engaging presenter with experience working with farmers.

– Proficiency with MS Office Pro applications.

– Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

– Ability to travel extensively throughout the Carolinas.

CFSA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women and people of color. To apply, submit a resume, list of professional references and a cover letter explaining why you want to work to promote local, organic agriculture to apply@carolinafarmstewards.org by Jan 15, 2012, including “organic transition coordinator” in the subject line.  You will receive electronic confirmation of your email submission.  No calls, please.