JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: Program Coordinator, Sacramento Valley Beginning Farmer Training & Incubator Program
Application Deadline: October 12th, 2011, or until filled
Start Date: Nov. 7th, 2011 (approximate)
The Center for Land‐Based Learning (CLBL) inspires and motivates people of all ages, especially youth, to promote a healthy interplay between agriculture, nature and society through their actions and as leaders in their communities. We serve close to 1,000 high schools students per year through two model high school experiential programs, and an additional 2,500 youth and adults at our Farm on Putah Creek educational site near Winters, CA.
Background: In October 2010, the Center for Land‐Based Learning was awarded a $500,000 grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Specialty Crops Block Grant Program to create and implement the Sacramento Valley Beginning Farmer Training & Incubator Program. During the spring and summer of 2011, CLBL conducted a needs assessment survey of farmers and prospective program participants in the region. We have also completed a curriculum review of over 130 other beginning farmer training opportunities nationally to help inform the design of the new program. The Program Director was hired in May 2011 and, in partnership with collaborating organizations and farmers, is building the training program structure and content and developing plans for the farm business incubator. The Beginning Farmer Program’s Advisory committee has had two full meetings and its members represent organizations, farms and businesses that offer support and resources to the program. Classes for the training program are scheduled to begin in mid-late January 2012 and qualified program graduates will have the opportunity to lease incubator plots starting in the summer.
Job Description: CLBL is hiring a full-time Program Coordinator, based at our main office at 5265 Putah Creek Road, Winters CA, at the Farm on Putah Creek. This position will be responsible for assisting the Program Director and partners in implementing the new training program and farm incubator site(s). The Coordinator position will be an engaging combination of program coordination, student training, and farm management, with primary responsibility for overseeing the plots of ground leased by the program to its beginning farmer graduates. If you have a background in both production agriculture and education, this is an opportunity to help others get a jump start to their farming careers.
Mandatory requirements: The Sacramento Valley Beginning Farmer Program Coordinator must be able to interact effectively with the Program Director, student farmers and established growers, and agricultural organizations and businesses in the region. The Coordinator should be organized, work well as part of a team and independently, and have a demonstrated dedication to promoting and engaging in sustainable agriculture: Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Ecology, Community Development, or other closely‐related field; A minimum of two years of professional experience coordinating programs; A minimum of three years of on-farm work experience; Experience in all aspects of farm production for small to moderate-sized diversified vegetable production, including crop planning and rotations, cover cropping, irrigation, appropriate machinery and equipment use, and post-harvest handling; Experience working with direct marketing and/or CSAs, wholesale or institutional markets; Knowledge of Sacramento Valley agriculture and production systems; Excellent communication, social and writing skills
In addition, the ideal candidate will also have: A background in either formal or informal educational programs, including working oneon-one and with small groups of students or adult learners; At least one year of experience as a farm manager or primary operator; An ability and willingness to be flexible; Experience with diverse farming populations and/or some Spanish language capability; Experience with organic certification and production; Moderate to advanced computer skill, especially with MS Office, web browsers, social media, and email; Willingness to work odd hours and weekends as required. Time at the incubator plots to assist beginning farmers will include week day evenings and some weekend hours.
Salary: This is a full-time position with a starting salary range of $40,000 to $50,000, commensurate with experience. Full benefits (health, dental, vision, flex plan, and 401K) are included after three months of employment.
How to Apply: Direct inquiries, cover letter and resume to: Jennifer Taylor, Program Director – jennifer@landbasedlearning.org
We highly encourage you to visit our website at www.landbasedlearning.org
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