Farm Incubator Program Manager Job, Oregon, 2012
SECTION 1. POSITION INFORMATION
Working Title: Farm Incubator Program Manage
Job Status: Averages 40 hour per week; flexible schedule; Salary DOE
Work Location: Initially at District office in Portland, Oregon; Eventually on site in Gresham, Oregon
Term Position: This is a temporary term position and is expected to end in 18- 24 months. It is possible that the position will be extended or made permanent at the end of that period.
Benefits: Sick leave and vacation leave are accrued from the first full month of employment, with paid vacation made available after six months. Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance premiums are paid by the District. Family medical/dental/vision insurance is available but must be paid for by the employee. A retirement plan is available if the employee makes contributions to it, with the District matching up to 6% of the employee’s salary. Liability coverage is provided to all employees, subject to the limitations of the Oregon Tort Claims Act, 30.260 through 30.300, and the Oregon Constitution.
SECTION 2. POSITION DESCRIPTION
GENERAL INFORMATION
This is a term position intended to fully develop and launch a Farm Incubator Program. Responsibilities include working closely with the Board of Directors and the Executive Director to build an effective program, formulate or refine policies and procedures, manage logistics and infrastructure, ensure legal compliance, fiscal responsibility and appropriate risk management.
This position will initially be located at the office of East Multnomah SWCD at 5211 N. Williams Ave then relocate to the incubator site at 28600 SE Orient Drive in Gresham and reports to the Executive Director.
SECTION 3. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
1. PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Work with Board, staff, partners and stakeholders to finalize design of the Incubator including both matters of policy and logistic/infrastructural arrangements.
Work with the Board and the ED to develop the necessary agreements, processes, rules and operating procedures.
Work with Board and staff to vet program details with key partners.
Work with other staff to develop an outreach strategy including writing press releases.
2. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Serve as primary point of contact regarding the Incubator.
Organize trainings, field days and workshops as appropriate.
Serve as liaison between key partners like OSU Extension and incubator farmers as needed.
Create and maintain a system of cooperative partnership among incubator farmers for shared equipment use, maintenance tasks and other areas requiring coordination.
Ensure that incubator farmers practice sound stewardship of the site including in particular ensuring that water quality in the creek is protected.
Field complaints and assist with problem solving – always with an emphasis toward encouraging self-reliance and community among incubator farmers.
Work with constituents, stakeholders and partners in a variety of fields to ensure strong partnerships where appropriate and to facilitate broad support of the Incubator
Keep abreast of programmatic and legal developments relevant to this work; inform the Board and ED as appropriate.
Develop and maintain ties with other farm incubator programs, learn from them and share our lessons learned.
Ensure that the facilities are properly maintained and that safety procedures are followed.
As required and appropriate perform maintenance and repair.
Other duties as assigned.
3. TEAM MEMBER: Work with District staff and Board members. Ensure that work and communications with partners are coordinated with the work of other programs and the Executive Director.
4. NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY: Deliver services without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. Perform all job duties in a manner that consistently demonstrates fairness, cooperation, and respect toward co-workers, clients, office visitors, landowners, and all others. All staff members must demonstrate an awareness of EEO policies and responsibilities.
5. SAFETY POLICY: Perform all job duties in a safe manner with guidance from EMSWCD and NRCS regarding federal, state, and local laws pertinent to job safety. Participate in safety training and staff safety meetings as scheduled.
SECTION 4. JOB REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Desired
Outgoing with excellent communication skills both oral and written.
Tactful, able to build effective relationships and partnerships with persons with a variety of backgrounds, personalities and political perspectives.
Understanding of and experience with agricultural leases.
A solid understanding of good agricultural stewardship and best management practices.
Ability to work effectively with a variety of people including Board, OSU Extension and District staff and diverse partner organizations.
Ability to ensure compliance with District policy, state, federal and local requirements.
Practical mechanical abilities including trouble shooting and repair of farm implements, equipment and irrigation systems.
Ability to develop outreach materials to inform a variety of audiences.
Ability to navigate conflict effectively, broker solutions and maintain effective working relationships.
Proficiency in Spanish highly desirable.
Possession of basic computer skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel
Qualifications:
A minimum of three years of experience managing an agricultural business.
Extensive practical farming skillset required including operation and maintenance of irrigation systems, fertility management, safe operation of tractors, grading and tillage implements.
Sound understanding of business planning, enterprise budgeting and marketing for agriculture.
Must be proficient in English (oral and written) for communicating with District Board members, District staff, partner staff, and office callers and visitors.
Requirements: To perform the duties of this position, the Coordinator must serve as an incidental motor vehicle operator. This requires the operation of a motor vehicle on both public and private roads during daylight hours and occasionally after dark, including inclement weather. A valid driver’s license is required. The Coordinator must have access to his/her own vehicle and must maintain insurance to comply with Oregon law. Mileage will be reimbursed. The position requires travel throughout the Portland metropolitan area and may require out of area and/or out of state travel.
See also “Physical Demands and Work Environment” section of this job description.
Must work as an integral member of the District staff by coordinating and sharing information and resources with administrative and program staff as needed to accomplish the objectives that have been identified.
The person in this position is likely to encounter complications, such as conflicting guidelines and policies among federal, state, and local governing bodies.
Must be versatile and skillful in responding to new and changing environmental conditions, regulatory requirements, and modification of previously agreed-upon plans and conclusions.
SECTION 5. WORK CONTACTS
Soil and water conservation district staff and board members; OSU Extension; Incubator farmers; Neighboring landowners; General public; Farmers and agricultural interest groups; Multnomah County; Metro Oregon Department of Agriculture; Land trust organizations; Watershed councils; Public natural resource agencies; Community nonprofit organizations; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Special Districts Association of Oregon; Academic partners; Attorneys; Media reporters, editors
SECTION 6. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
This work requires walking long distances across sloped, uneven terrain, mud and loose soils sometimes in inclement weather. This person will be required at times to operate heavy machinery, chainsaws and other tools, lift moderately heavy objects, repair and maintain a variety of infrastructural elements. This work will be done in a variety of weather conditions including heat, cold and rain.
The Program Manager will at times be required to work on a computer and by phone for long periods of time. They will be stationed at the District office initially. A workstation will be established at or near the incubator site. Both are smoke-free and drug-free environments.
Attendance at evening meetings is required. Occasional overnight travel to attend conferences and trainings may be required.
SECTION 7. REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE
A performance review will be given every six months. The review will be conducted by the Executive Director or by a personnel committee of the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District with input from the Board of Directors and other district staff as appropriate.
Any future pay increases will be based on annual performance reviews and program funding. East Multnomah SWCD is an at-will employer.
The East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District (EMSWCD) prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisals, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. It is further agreed that there will be no discrimination against persons with disabilities unless bona fide job-related reasons exist. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the District Office at 503/222-7645.
Application Instructions:
Please send cover letter, resume, and references to jobs@emswcd.org or mail (EMSWCD, ATTN: Farm Incubator Position, 5211 N. Williams Ave., Portland, OR 97217), or in person (office hours 8:30am-5:30pm M-F).
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