Job: Beginning Farmer Coordinator, NOFA New York

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA -NY) is the oldest and largest organization in New York devoted to organic and sustainable farming and gardening, and counts over 1100 farms among its 2200 members of farmers, gardeners, and eaters. We are seeking a Beginning Farmer Coordinator to work with the Executive Director and Education Team on a one-year pilot project to develop tools and coordinate learning opportunities for beginning farmers in New York.  This exciting project will include collaborations with the other NOFA chapters.  This position is for a one-year term (Oct. 2010-Oct. 2011), with the possibility to continue after first year if additional funding is secured.

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The position requires a self-starter who has a background in and/or experience in organic farming, event planning experience, and excellent organizational skills. The person must be passionate and knowledgeable about organic farming and have project management experience. Candidates who have participated in apprenticeship programs and/or who have served as farmer-mentors are preferred.  The Beginning Farmer Coordinator is based in the NOFA-NY office in Rochester, NY and reports to the Executive Director.  Exceptional candidates will be considered for satellite office within NYS, but monthly travel to Rochester for meetings will be required.  Please state if you are applying for the Rochester or satellite office in your cover letter.

Specific Responsibilities

• In coordination with the Executive Director, sets annual beginning farmer goals, develops strategies, and coordinates initiatives to meet these objectives.
• Coordinates all details for the pilot NOFA-NY beginning farmer project—both within NYS and regionally, coordinating monthly networking and information sharing calls among the NOFA chapters.
• Coordinates beginning farmer and apprenticeship field days and other learning opportunities.
• Manages the implementation of an online apprenticeship tool and coordinates with farmer-mentors and apprentices in New York.
• Manages the implementation of a farmer-to-farmer mentoring pilot project.
• Provides some technical assistance to beginning farmers through phone and email.
• Manages region-wide project evaluation, data analysis, and reporting.
• Notifies membership of educational events via the newsletter, e-news, listserves, and website.
• Occasional public speaking.
• In coordination with the Executive Director, contributes to future grant writing efforts to extend project funding after pilot project year one.

Compensation
Competitive salary between $30-35K, dependent on experience. We offer a full benefits package that includes 100% employer-paid medical insurance, 50% employer-paid dental insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required.  Master’s degree preferred.  Degree in agronomy, sustainable agriculture, rural sociology, or a related field preferred.
• Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of organic and sustainable agriculture and the educational needs of beginning farmers.
• Experience: Organic farming, event planning, and project management.
• Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills; strong interpersonal, supervisory, planning, and training skills; excellent organizational skills; strong data analysis skills; strong computer skills required; familiarity with database programs helpful, Spanish language skills helpful.
• Capabilities: High energy and enthusiasm. Ability to work well with a wide range of people, work well under pressure, handle multiple tasks at once, and adapt to changing situations on a daily basis.
• Conditions: Strong interest in and commitment to promoting the goals of NOFA-NY.  At times, frequent statewide travel required; valid license and car insurance required.

How to Apply

Position open until filled. Please send cover letter, resume, three references, and a short writing sample to director@nofany.org by September 24, 2010.
NOFA-NY is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.