Organic Fruit & Vegetable Coordinator Job, NOFA-NY

Posted on November 14, 2011 by in Employment // 0 Comments

Organic Fruit & Vegetable Coordinator Job at NOFA-NY 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 800 farms among its 1600 members of farmers, gardeners, and eaters. They are seeking a half-time Organic Fruit & Vegetable Coordinator to work with the Education Director and other staff to lead the organization’s technical assistance and outreach to organic fruit and vegetable farmers. Estimated weekly hours are 20-31 hrs/week depending on available funding. Hours may increase as this position grows. The position requires a creative and organized self-starter with a background in and/or experience in organic fruit and vegetable farming. The person must be passionate and knowledgeable about organic fruit and vegetable farming and gardening and have project management experience. The Organic Fruit & Vegetable Coordinator is based in the NOFA-NY office in Rochester, NY and reports to the Education Director. Exceptional candidates who wish to work from a home office will be considered; monthly staff meetings in Rochester would be required for a telecommuting position.

Specific Responsibilities

•Responsibilities include providing technical assistance to organic vegetable and fruit producers, organizing fruit and vegetable technical workshops and field days, and responding to gardener and homesteader inquiries.

•In coordination with the Education Director, sets annual education and outreach goals for fruit and vegetable technical assistance, education, and outreach, develops strategies, and coordinates initiatives to meet these objectives.

•Coordinates all fruit and vegetable workshops for the annual NOFA-NY winter conference for 1,000+ attendees. Attends and helps staff the conference each year.

•Coordinates and staffs fruit and vegetable on-farm workshops for the NOFA-NY field day series across NYS.

•Provides some technical assistance to fruit and vegetable farmers and gardeners through phone and email.

•Manages the production of the Organic Farm Resource Guide, a guide to organic farm inputs.

•Manages the new NOFA-NY Bulk Order Program (to launch early 2013).

•Notifies membership of educational events via the newsletter, e-news, listserves, and website.

•Occasional public speaking.

•Writes grants to support fruit and vegetable education and technical assistance work.

Compensation

Competitive salary, dependent on experience. We offer a benefits package that includes 70% employer-paid medical insurance, 50% employer-paid dental insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan for half-time employees.

Qualifications

•Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field, required. Master’s degree in related field, preferred.

•Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of organic and sustainable agriculture and the educational needs of fruit and vegetable farmers. Experience: Minimum 5 yrs experience in organic fruit and vegetable agriculture, additional experience: event/program planning and working with volunteers.

•Required Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills; strong organizational skills; strong computer skills; Beneficial Skills: Familiarity with database programs, graphic design interest, Spanish language skills.

•Capabilities: High energy and enthusiasm. Ability to work well in a team and 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. Frequent statewide travel required during the growing season.

How to Apply

Position open until filled. Please send cover letter, resume, three references, and a short writing sample to director@nofany.org by November 18, 2011. Please indicate in your cover letter if you are able to work out of the Rochester office, or if you are applying as a telecommuting candidate.

NOFA-NY is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.