Organic Farm Advisor - Remote, United States - Iowa Organic Association

Description

The Organic Farm Advisor will provide point-of-contact support for Iowa farmers looking for resources and guidance about organic transition and production. Additionally, the Organic Field Advisor will be responsible for leading the Organic Mentorship Program and conducting education and outreach to increase farmer knowledge and confidence in organic production.

The Organic Farm Advisor will provide point-of-contact support for Iowa farmers looking for resources and guidance about organic transition and production. Additionally, the Organic Field Advisor will be responsible for leading the Organic Mentorship Program and conducting education and outreach to increase farmer knowledge and confidence in organic production.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide technical guidance, support, and resources to Iowa farmers about organic transition and production; including information about National Organic Program (NOP) standards and organic certification, viable options for organic rotations, pest and weed management practices, organic markets, and USDA programs and products.
• Lead the Organic Mentorship Program by providing oversight and technical advice to cohorts, sharing resources, and organizing education activities (cohort check-in calls, field days, and webinars).
• Develop NRCS CAP138 and/or Organic System Plans for farmers in the Organic Mentorship Program.
• Collect and document project metrics, evaluations and materials.
• Travel across Iowa to meet with farmers, farming businesses and stakeholders to provide organic technical support and resources.
• Attend industry trade shows, conferences, programs, and events.
• Identify farmers, businesses, organizations, and other stakeholders to participate in and/or support IOA programs.
• Complete required trainings and keep current on organic standards, issues, and resources.
• Monitor and ensure program budget compliance.
• Submit timely and accurate program and grant reports.
• Attend Board and Committee meetings, as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Strong commitment to the mission, philosophy, and vision of the organization.
• Experience working on a farm.
• Knowledgeable about Iowa/regional organic crop rotations (corn, soybeans, small grains, and forages); knowledgeable about the NOP organic standards.
• Experience in developing and delivering educational activities (field days, webinars, workshops).
• Familiar with MS Office, Google Suite, YouTube, and database management
• Excellent professional written and verbal communication skills; must be outgoing and willing to talk to people on the phone and in person.
• Must be an Iowa resident.
• Must have a valid driver's license, transportation, and car insurance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• An understanding about organic farming, agriculture and/or local food systems in Iowa is desired.
• An understanding about organic livestock production is desired.
• Associates or Undergraduate degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Environmental Education, or similar field is desired, but not required, related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work remotely and independently.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent travel across the state of Iowa is required. Prolonged periods of sitting while driving.
• May be required to work outside, in uncontrolled environments, and exposed to adverse weather conditions.
• Able to traverse various types of terrain while in the field.

ABOUT IOWA ORGANIC ASSOCIATION

The Iowa Organic Association (IOA) is a statewide non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the advancement of Iowa's organic food and farming system. IOA was founded in 2006 and serves to represent all of Iowa's organic farmers, gardeners, food and farm businesses and consumers in building a more sustainable Iowa.

HOW TO APPLY

Please download and complete the job description available at , and submit to along with:

1. Resume and cover letter outlining your interest and skills related to this position.
2. Three (3) professional references

DEADLINE TO APPLY: JUNE 3, 2024