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Check out the latest jobs and opportunities in sustainable and ecological agriculture.
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July 31, 2015
The Sustainable Ag Jobs List is a service provided by the Ecological Farming Association.  
We do not endorse a particular organization or company.

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To send us a job posting, please email jobslist@eco-farm.org with the job title, description, and details in the body of the email. Please include links whenever possible. You will receive an automated response. Jobs are posted in the order they are received.

 

Opportunities in this email:

 
 
Temporary Program Assistant and Administrative Assistant

Ecological Farming Association
Soquel, California

 
Term of Temporary Employment: August 2015 – February 2016, potential for continued employment beyond February 2016, dependent upon funding.
Compensation: 20-30 hours/5 days a week, increasing to full time for EcoFarm Conference Production.  Temporary position is not eligible for health benefits.
Reports to: Executive Director
Location: The job is based at the Ecological Farming Association office, located at the Park Avenue exit off Highway 1, in Soquel, a few miles south of Santa Cruz, CA, close to the freeway and bus line. This position is office based.
 
Administrative Assistant Responsibilities:
The EcoFarm Administrative Assistant is the primary staff person responsible for keeping the office running efficiently on a daily basis. The ideal candidate is detail oriented, adept at managing multiple priorities with competing deadlines, and able to work professionally and respectfully within a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment. Experience managing databases, filing, finances, and bookkeeping, are key components to this position. We are seeking a systems-oriented individual with proficiency in developing and maintaining efficient filing systems, databases, financial records, and carefully tracking administrative procedures. Administrative Assistant supports all operations as necessary.
 
Core Office Responsibilities:
Administrative
  • Answer phones, take messages, and greet visitors
  • Monitor multiple email accounts; follow up on inquiries
  • Maintain office equipment and supplies and co-ordinate supply orders
  • Retrieve, sort and distribute mail
  • Database management and updating filing systems
  • Establish and maintain office procedures and records
  • Support the Executive Director and his work with the Board of Directors, the Conference Planning Committee, and the Farmers’ Association
  • Support staff, programs, and special projects, in particular, the annual EcoFarm Conference
  • Assist with booking travel and arranging meetings
Bookkeeping
  • Manage accounts receivable (AR) and accounts payable (AP)       
  • Review and prepare invoices       
  • Review employee timesheets for completeness
  • Process bi-monthly payroll
  • Prepare bank deposits
  • Manage online merchant accounts
  • Filing 
Required Experience
  • Proficiency with MAC OS or equivalent OS
  • QuickBooks, Excel, Word
  • Google Docs/Spreadsheets, Gmail, and Calendars
  • CiviCRM or other CRM and/or project management experience 
Preferred Experience
  • AV and IT equipment experience
  • Interest in ecological agriculture: developing healthy, safe and just food and farming systems 
Program Assistant Responsibilities:
The Program Assistant supports all operations as necessary.
  • Provides program support to the EFA Program Coordinator
    • Outreach, communications, mailings
    • Content and deliverables development
    • Meeting coordination
  • Provides EcoFarm conference support
    • Assist with EcoFarm logistics as needed
    • Support speaker coordination
    • Overall logistical support of Conference production 
To apply: Please submit the following to jobs@eco-farm.org:
  • A resume and cover letter that demonstrates your accomplishments as they relate to the job descriptions stated above.
  • Three professional references with contact information.
EOE: The Ecological Farming Association is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. Our policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex, religion, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.
 
Process: No calls please. We will contact applicants selected for interviews.
 
The Ecological Farming Association nurtures healthy and just farms, food systems, communities and environment by bringing people together for education, alliance building and advocacy.  To learn more about the mission and programs of the Ecological Farming Association visit our website at www.eco-farm.org.
 

 
Full and Part Time Positions
Land's Sake Farm
Weston, Massachusetts


Land’s Sake Farm in Weston, MA, is seeking to fill a Full Time Farm position immediately, as well as Part Time Farm positions for the fall.  We are a busy and complex community farm operation that grows for a good sized CSA program, a very busy farmstand, and a donations contract with the town of Weston. We also work with our education program to create opportunities for volunteers and young community members to have experiences on the farm. We strive to make Land’s Sake a welcoming, community-centered farm for all involved, including customers, shareholders, campers and staff. Learn more at www.landssake.org.

Full Time Position Details
We are a seeking a positive, dependable, hard-working, and fun individual to join our farm team as soon as possible. Responsibilities and tasks will include everything from harvesting,  to field chores such as fencing and irrigating, to weeding, to readying the farm for the winter. A typical full time week is 45-50 hours in the height of summer. Depending on ability and experience, this position may take on more advanced tasks like tractor work, project management and crew leadership. 

Applicants should be enthusiastic about learning, communication, having fun and working hard, and must be able to work independently as well as with a team. You can expect to work long hours in all weather conditions, and a can-do attitude is a must.

Compensation is negotiable and dependent on experience. Other employee benefits include all the free produce you can eat and discounts at the Farmstand. 

Qualifications include at least two years of farm experience (demonstrated leadership a plus), a sincere interest in vegetable production, a driver’s license and a clean driving record, and the ability to lift 50 lbs.

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and two references to jobs@landssake.org.

Part Time Position Details
We are a seeking dedicated individuals to join our Farm Team for the fall season (end of August/early September). Responsibilities and tasks will focus on harvesting and other field crew responsibilities, as well as fall specific tasks to prepare the farm for winter. 

Applicants should be enthusiastic about learning, communication, having fun and working hard, and must be able to work with a team. You can expect to work long hours in all weather conditions, and a can-do attitude is a must.

Compensation is negotiable and dependent on experience. Other employee benefits include all the free produce you can eat and discounts at the Farmstand.

Qualifications include a sincere interest in vegetable production, a driver’s license and a clean driving record, and the ability to lift 50 lbs.

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and two references to jobs@landssake.org.

Positions open until filled.Please feel free to contact us with any questions that you might have!
 

 
Network Coordinator
Pioneer Valley Grows
South Deerfield, Massachusetts


The PVGrows Network Coordinator is responsible for strengthening the PVGrows network, including managing membership outreach and networking, collaboration with the PVGrows Investment Fund, fundraising, and planning the annual Forum or other networking and educational events. The Network Coordinator works closely with an active Steering Committee. This is a part-time consulting position, approximately 12 hours/week. The Network Coordinator position is a consultant under contract with CISA, PVGrows’ host organization. 

Consultant Opening: Network Coordinator
Time frame: Review begins 8/10/2015, position open until filled

Pioneer Valley Grows is a collaborative network dedicated to enhancing the ecological and economic sustainability and vitality of the Pioneer Valley food system. PVGrows provides opportunities for stakeholders to connect, share, and match goals and expertise to promote the growth of our food system. From agricultural finance to policy formulation, from Farm to School to job creation and improved access to good nutrition, PVGrows helps partners build on each other’s strengths to effectively support a diverse and viable local food system.

PVGrows is driven by the participation and work of its members. It supports working groups and networking events, including a popular annual forum. The PVGrows Network is hosted by CISA and guided by an active independent Steering Committee. The PVGrows Investment Fund provides opportunities for investment by local residents in the regional food system and provides financing to farm and food businesses. It is administered by the Franklin County CDC with input from an Advisory Committee, and the PVGrows Network plays an important outreach and engagement role in supporting the Investment Fund.

Description
The Network Coordinator is responsible for strengthening the PVGrows network, including facilitating Steering Committee activities, managing membership outreach and networking, fundraising, collaboration with the PVGrows Investment Fund, and planning the annual Forum or other networking and educational events.  The Network Coordinator position is a consultant under contract with CISA, PVGrows’ host organization. The Network Coordinator works under the supervision of the PVGrows Steering Committee, with guidance from Margaret Christie, Special Projects Director at CISA.

Responsibilities:
  • Work with Steering Committee to develop and implement clear strategy and target goals for ongoing outreach and member relations to deepen and grow membership annually. Outreach goals include expanding membership in Hampden County and among local food business entrepreneurs and workers. Ensure that this plan is well coordinated with outreach efforts related to the PVGrows Investment Fund.
  • Catalyze PVGrows member engagement and action through support for new and existing Working Groups. Current working groups include Race in the Food System, Job Creation, and Land Conservation and Access.
  • Manage fundraising in cooperation with PVGrows Steering Committee, funders and host organization. Maintain relationships with existing funders, seek additional funding opportunities, and review membership strategy.
  • Support the PVGrows Steering Committee, including planning and facilitating monthly Steering Committee meetings and an annual retreat, managing recruitment of new members, and communication with committee chairs. Current committees include Operations, Fundraising/Membership, and the Forum Program Committee.
  • Foster strategic engagement between the PVGrows Network and the PVGrows Investment Fund. Work closely with the Investment Fund Coordinator to coordinate outreach and membership development efforts with the Investment Fund’s parallel efforts to do outreach to potential applicants and investors.
Required Qualifications:
  • Strong leadership and networking skills and experience;
  • Ability to work independently and with a team;
  • Organized and self-motivated;
  • Ability to work with people of various backgrounds including government agency staff, university researchers, farmers, business owners, and community members;
  • Experience managing interns and volunteers;
  • Strong written and oral communication skills in English (Spanish proficiency a plus);
  • Proficiency with office computing and equipment (MS Windows and Office platforms, use of Google drive);
  • Commitment to PVGrows’ mission to enhance the ecological and economic sustainability and vitality of the Pioneer Valley food system.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior experience with fundraising, membership management, and network facilitation;
  • Experience working in diverse communities in the Pioneer Valley or equivalent;
  • Experience in sustainable agriculture, food justice, and/or business development in the Pioneer Valley.
Hours and compensation:  Average 12 hours per week at $25/hour

Access to a computer and a car and some weekend and evening availability are required.

CISA/PVGrows is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please send cover letter and resume to Jennifer Williams.  Writing samples and references may be requested.  Review begins 8/10/15, position open until filled.

 

 
Development and Grant Officer
Berkeley Food Institute
Berkeley, California

 
Appointment: This is a one-year, 50% (20 hours per week) position, with possibility of converting to a career staff position, funding pending.
Application Deadline: Friday, August 14, 2015

To apply visit jobs.berkeley.edu and search for job #20226. Please submit a cover letter and resume as a single attachment when applying.

About the Berkeley Food Institute:
The Berkeley Food Institute (BFI) at the University of California Berkeley works to catalyze and support transformative changes in food systems, to promote diversity, justice, resilience, and health, from the local to the global. BFI envisions a world in which nutritious, affordable food is available for all and is produced sustainably and fairly – ensuring healthy people and a healthy planet. BFI’s is working to achieve this mission through interdisciplinary research, public education, policy, and community engagement in food and agriculture systems. BFI consists of a partnership between the College of Natural Resources, the Goldman School of Public Policy, the Graduate School of Journalism, Berkeley Law, and the School of Public Health at UC Berkeley. The Institute has more than 110 affiliated faculty and staff from diverse disciplines who work on a broad range of important food and agriculture issues.

Position:
The role of the Development and Grant Officer is to raise funds for the Berkeley Food Institute by designing, developing, and administering fundraising strategies and activities. The Officer will research and identify new donor prospects and grant opportunities through analysis of background information on potential donors; cultivate and solicit new donor prospects and steward donor relationships; develop materials and marketing plans, and organize related programs/events; and contribute to development of grant proposals and funder reports and communication.

Responsibilities:
  • Helps to plan and implement fundraising projects and programs, working towards BFI’s fundraising goals.
  • Conducts research and helps identify prospective funders, including foundations, government grants, alumni, businesses, and others; reports to BFI Executive Director about such opportunities.
  • Provides analysis of and information about fundraising prospects and develops reports on fundraising, prospects, and contacts with funders.
  • Helps to develop and implement fundraising and program strategies.
  • Helps prepare grant applications and reports and/or reviews and edits such reports.
  • Participates in short and long-range strategic planning.
  • Assists in developing marketing materials and information about BFI for fundraising activities and events, coordinating with BFI staff.
  • Assists in supervision of student assistants.
  • Coordinates closely with the Executive Director on other special projects related to fundraising.
Required Qualifications:
  • Thorough working knowledge and understanding and at least two years of experience in fundraising, grant and foundation programs, donor relations, and public relations concepts, principles, techniques, procedures, and practices.
  • Experience in writing successful grant proposals and writing funder reports.
  • Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, to interact with potential funders, and build and maintain effective working relationships with a broad diversity of people.
  • Thorough analytical and critical thinking skills.
  • Knowledge of and work experience in food and agriculture systems, and some familiarity with funders in this field.
  • Project management skills.
  • Familiarity with the UC Berkeley campus, including its vision, mission, goals, objectives, achievements, and infrastructure preferred.
  • Familiarity with applicable laws and campus rules, regulations, and policies preferred.
  • Skills to meet or exceed fundraising goals and objectives.
  • Skill to maintain confidentiality.
Education/Training:
Bachelors degree in relevant field and at least two years of professional experience in the field of fundraising and development.

Salary and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $22.80 – $34.91 hourly, commensurate with experience.

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant see: http://www.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf

For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct
 

The Sustainable Ag Jobs List was first created by EcoFarm Board Member Thomas Wittman.  Thomas also created the GE News service in 1991 to provide the latest news about genetically engineered foods and the movement advocating for labeling and public awareness.  To sign up for EcoFarm's other email lists, click here.
 
The Ecological Farming Association nurtures healthy, just food systems and communities
by bringing people together for education, alliance building, and celebration.  
To learn more, visit www.eco-farm.org.
 

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