Agronomist Sustainable Agriculture Specialist

Put your education and experience to work to promote sustainable agricultural practices and work with farmers, ranchers, small producers and limited resource farmers. The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is a private non-profit corporation that works to promote sustainable technologies and systems, especially for the benefit of economically disadvantaged individuals and communities. NCAT has run the ATTRA sustainable agriculture program for over 30 years. NCAT is seeking a Sustainable Agriculture Specialist with expertise in agronomy and soil health who wants to help farmers and ranchers understand and transition to more sustainable practices. If you are a self-directed leader with strong knowledge of agriculture, and skills in communication and project development, this is a great opportunity for you! This position can be full-time or part-time and location is flexible within the continental U.S.

·      The position requires a BA/BS degree in agriculture, agronomy, soils, or a related field along with a minimum of six years of farming and/or relevant experience or an MA/MS degree and a minimum of four years of farming and/or relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience;

·      Experience and expertise in farming, with a focus on row crops, grains, forages, and/or cover crops using soil building regenerative practices, and providing technical assistance to farmers and ranchers;

·      Minimum of three years’ experience in developing new projects, writing proposals, and managing projects.

 

·      Commitment and passion for the NCAT mission;

·      Expertise in commercial agronomic production preferred: row crops, grains, forages, cover crops, and farm business development;

·      Strong knowledge of regenerative and sustainable agriculture, soil health, and knowledge of related organizations and groups;

·      Excellent communication skills, with experience giving technical assistance workshops to farmers, public speaking, presentation, writing, editing and research;

·      The ability to build relationships with farmers, ranchers, community organizations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations;

·      Project design experience with grant and proposal writing skills;

·      The ability to recognize and pursue development opportunities;

·      Familiarity with integrated farming systems, concepts of sustainability and environmentally friendly agricultural practices;

·      Collaborate with limited-resource farmers and farmers from a variety of different cultural backgrounds;

·      Willingness to travel and work independently.

 

·  Provide farmers and ranchers with information and technical assistance on environmentally sound practices for agronomic and horticultural crops and livestock production by phone, e-mail, social media, workshops, and field demonstrations;

·  Seek out development opportunities, participate in grant and proposal writing process;

·  Build and strengthen relationships with partners and stakeholders;

·  Manage projects to ensure project work and deliverables are being met;

·  Work with NCAT/ATTRA’s Outreach Specialists to promote workshops and events;

·  Liaise with farm and agriculture organizations and groups that assist farmers, particularly limited-resource farmers;

·  Research, write and edit publications on sustainable agriculture topics to assist clients;

·  Create educational materials such as publications, videos, webinars, podcasts, and online tutorials;

·  Seek out projects and opportunities to provide trainings to new farmers and producers, including immigrant and black, indigenous, people of color farmers, interested in developing more sustainable cropping and marketing systems; 

·  Collaborate with staff as a member of one or more technical teams in developing written materials and projects.

 

SALARY AND BENEFITS: $22,500 - $60,000 depending on full or part time status, qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits include paid vacation and holidays, health (must work 30-40 hours/week), life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, and a pleasant, professional working environment.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applications will be accepted through December 2020, or until a suitable candidate can be identified. Early applications are encouraged. Applicants are encouraged to visit www.ncat.org  and www.attra.ncat.org to learn more about NCAT. All persons interested in being considered for the position must visit https://ncat.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=12 and start the application process. Part of the process is uploading a current resume, and a cover letter highlighting experience and skills relevant to the listed qualifications, as well as completing NCAT's online application. NCAT Applications can be accessed at https://www.ncat.org/jobs/ Incomplete applications or reference on the application to “see resume” will not be considered. Applications and more information about NCAT can be accessed by visiting our website at www.ncat.org. You may find an employment application under the Jobs tab.

For additional information about NCAT please visit our website at www.ncat.org.