The Organic Consultant will support farmers in transitioning to organic systems by providing agronomic advice, certification guidance, and technical assistance. The role also involves conducting outreach, building community networks, and managing administrative tasks related to client projects and funding.
As an Organic Consultant, you will support farmers and supply chain actors across Pennsylvania in the process of transitioning to organic systems, supporting the Institute mission of increasing organic certified acres. You will report to the Director of Consulting and work indirectly with the Research, Education, Communications, and Development Departments at Rodale Institute to carry out our mission. This position is fully remote and will require frequent travel across Pennsylvania for site visits, meetings, conferences, etc. Applicants should reside in Pennsylvania, but other locations may be considered pending experience.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Provide Technical Assistance, Agronomic and Certification Support
Guide beginning, conventional, and existing organic farmers in transitioning to, establishing, and managing organic systems. This includes assisting 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 Organic and ROC Market 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
Assist in the development of project proposals and project implementation, completing the deliverables that identified in the project.
Assist in identifying new funding sources, grants and contracts; participate in proposal writing.
Perform other duties as assigned by management
Conduct Outreach, Network, and Build Community
Conduct proactive outreach to farmers in the assigned area to determine what their needs are, roadblocks they may be facing in their organic process and assist accordingly with the goal of transitioning acres to certified organic.
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.
Complete Administrative Tasks
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
Stay up-to-date on information concerning certification to ensure internal standards and policies comply with the USDA National Organic Program (NOP)
Seek out and attend educational workshops, meetings, and conferences. Maintain all required educational and position qualifications to full job requirements.
Complete IOIA Organic Crop and Livestock Trainings within one year of hire.
Achieve Certified Crop Advisor status within one year of hire.
Desired Skills and Experience
Bachelor's degree in agriculture, Agronomy or Soil Science, or related field with 2-4 years of farm experience. An equivalent combination of education or experience is acceptable.
Knowledge of crops and production practices in assigned region.
Must possess sound judgment, excellent reasoning, and decision-making skills.
Must have 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.
Must be able to work independently while supporting the efforts of an overall team.
Must be able to work effectively in a remote environment.
Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy with a wide range of internal and external constituencies is a must.
Excellent writing and verbal communications skills.
Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position, and maintain a valid and unrestricted driver’s license.
Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working/interacting with on an organic farm.
Working knowledge of the National Organic Program
Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity or handicap.
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