Apply by 8/30/2024 for priority consideration.
Job posting will remain open until position is filled.
Mission
The Organic Association of Kentucky (OAK) advances regenerative organic agriculture in Kentucky to improve the health of the environment and communities by growing ecological resilience, economic viability and socially just futures for Kentucky farmers. As a stakeholder-driven organization, OAK provides educational programming, technical assistance and market-based activities to support thriving farms and food systems across the region.
Position Overview
Are you knowledgeable about soil health and conservation and have experience developing conservation management or production plans? OAK seeks a Soil Health and Conservation Specialist to work one-on-one with Kentucky farmers to develop soil health and climate adaptation management plans. The primary responsibilities of the Soil Health and Conservation Specialist are to engage with farmers enrolled in OAK’s Climate-Smart Project, provide technical assistance, complete an annual farm sustainability assessment with farmer clients, develop and deliver written conservation management plans aligned with USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) practice standards, assist in on-farm data collection, verify implemented practices and participate in outreach about the project.
The Soil Health and Conservation Specialist is a new position that will work with OAK’s statewide network of farmers and project partners as part of OAK’s U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities project. Overall, this project will support the production and marketing of climate-smart commodities through activities that provide technical assistance and voluntary incentives to Kentucky farmers to implement practices that improve soil health, sequester carbon and provide environmental co-benefits. The project prioritizes participation of small farms and historically underserved farmers, and measures and reports on the impacts of these practices while also supporting the development of regional demand for climate-verified products.
The Specialist will operate out of a home office, with regular car travel for events and farm visits throughout Kentucky, which could include occasional in-state overnight travel. Anticipated travel is 50-60%. Additionally, all employees are required to attend 3 annual in-person staff meetings and OAK’s annual in-person Organic Farming Conference, which takes place each January in Kentucky. This position will report to the Climate and Conservation Project Manager. Employees must comply with OAK’s Employee Handbook and Policies.
Equal Opportunity Employer
OAK welcomes your application. Employees shall be selected entirely on a nondiscriminatory basis with respect to age, ancestry, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status and all other categories provided nondiscriminatory treatment by law, statute or ordinance. If you feel passionate about OAK’s efforts and believe that you have the skills to contribute to the growth of the organization in the identified program area and related activities, please apply to join OAK today.
Responsibilities
- Provide production technical assistance in the following priority areas: taking soil samples and interpreting results; developing forage management and prescribed grazing plans; consulting on agroforestry and integrating perennials into the farming system through silvopasture, alley cropping and hedgerow establishment; developing nutrient management plans; creating crop plans incorporating cover crops, crop rotations and conservation cover; identifying complementary conservation practices; making referrals and more as determined by the supervisor and the needs of farmer stakeholders. Management plans will comply with USDA NRCS practice standards.
- Document and facilitate all details when working with farmer clients and providing technical assistance, including and not limited to: supporting completion of an annual farm sustainability assessment; providing timely technical assistance follow-up and intake; creating detailed written management plans to enrolled farmers; documenting services provided; tracking timely execution of communications and services while working with up to 50 clients annually.
- Report and track ongoing activities and client progress.
- Design and deliver technical assistance and provide program outreach that is inclusive of historically underserved farmers.
- Collaborate with staff on the Climate-Smart Team to identify production education topics, develop resources and support outreach for the project.
- Work with the OAK Communications Team to collect farmer profiles and creatively contribute to social media accounts and newsletters in ways that strengthen educational messaging and convey program services and highlight successes.
- Contribute 100% time to the Climate-Smart Project, with the majority allocated to direct technical assistance, and some participation in education and outreach activities.
- Handle confidential information with discretion.
- Serve as a contributing team player who willingly supports organizational efforts in alignment with the strategic plan and who models the organizational values.
- Complete monthly timesheet and expense report, attend weekly staff calls, supervisory meetings, team meetings, staff retreats and other staff social gatherings and participate in providing feedback on annual work plans.
Qualifications and Competencies
- 3+ years experience working with farmers, managing an agricultural operation, or providing agricultural or conservation technical assistance.
- Bachelor of Science degree in related agricultural field.
- Knowledgeable about USDA NRCS and familiarity with climate-smart conservation practices.
- Experience with organic practices and conservation management suitable for diversified vegetables and fruits to corn, soybeans and small grains to livestock.
- Demonstrated commitment to exemplary equity focused approach; a commitment to maintaining a supportive, functional, service-oriented workplace.
- Experience working with farmers.
- Strong listener who approaches new communities with humility and curiosity and is able to build trust over time.
- Effective written and verbal communication that can both deliver technical production plans for program content and reports while also supporting successful relationships.
- Highly organized with strong time management skills and ability to prioritize based on organizational mission, program goals and timelines.
- Ability and commitment to steward comprehensive program documentation and ensure working files are updated in a cloud-based system.
- Ability to engage with a work plan and carry out project tasks both independently and as part of a team with a high standard of excellence while maintaining confidentiality.
- Familiarity or comfort with using or learning Google Drive, Asana for project management, Canva for design and content creation.
- Ability and interest in working from a home office or similar remote work environment.
- Valid Kentucky driver's license, access to vehicle for regular work related travel and proof of current car insurance.
- Kentucky residence required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Masters Degree in Horticulture, Soil Sciences, Agronomy, or related focus.
- Conservation Planning Certification from USDA NRCS.
- Certified Crop Advisor.
*The job post is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of every activity, duty or responsibility that is required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change slightly or be added depending on the needs of the organization.
Compensation
This is a full-time exempt position funded by a five year grant, with the potential to continue dependent on available funding. Annual salary is based on qualifications and is negotiable based on relevant experience within the range of $45,000-$55,000. Benefits include health insurance reimbursement; SIMPLE IRA retirement match; flexible scheduling; paid holidays; and a generous leave policy. A work computer is provided and work-related travel expenses are reimbursed.
How to Apply
Submit an application for this position by completing the form below.
- Provide complete information to the questions.
- Upload a PDF of your cover letter tailored to this position at OAK
- Upload a PDF of your resume.
- Use this naming convention for file uploads:
- First Name_Last Name_Cover Letter
- First Name_Last Name_Resume
Initial interviews will be conducted remotely via Zoom. Three professional references will be requested and are required upon scheduling a second interview. Apply by August 30, 2024 for priority consideration. Job postings will remain open until the position is filled. Anticipated start date for this position is September/Ocotber 2024. If you have any questions, please contact jobs@oak-ky.org. Learn more about OAK at www.oak-ky.org.
Submit your application below.