Beginning Farmer and Rancher Job in Virginia

Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition Program Associate Job

The Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Program (VBFRCP) is a state-wide and coalition-based Extension program that aims to support beginning farmers and ranchers in establishing and sustaining viable agricultural operations and communities in Virginia.  Following a community-based and participatory development approach, the VBFRCP formed as a way to more effectively and comprehensively address the complex start-up needs of Virginia’s beginning farmers and ranchers. We are now seeking a full-time program associate to work closely with the Program Director at Virginia Tech and state-wide Coalition members to coordinate, support, and report on all aspects of VBFRCP activities. Primary responsibilities include managing the communication, coordination, implementation, and documentation effort of the state-wide Coalition; regionalized whole farm planning programs; and local farm mentor networks. Other key responsibilities include: curricula and online resource development and editing; state-wide outreach and managing existing social networking platforms; and contributing to progress reports and maintaining positive relations with Coalition members and granting agency. 

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Required Qualifications:  Bachelor’s Degree in an agricultural related field; Excellent outreach and communication (oral and writing) skills; Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with others; Will also need to work independently; Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to manage detailed and complex tasks with good results; Experience with training farmers/ranchers/growers in classroom and/or field settings; Experience working with a diversity of agricultural and food system stakeholders; and proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe, CMS, and social media platforms.

Preferred Qualifications:  Master’s Degree; Previous work experience with a land-grant university or Cooperative Extension System;  Experience with community development project management; Experience coordinating communication and facilitating meetings with stakeholders in multiple locations; Experience with interdisciplinary and community engaged scholarship; A working knowledge of Virginia’s agricultural context.

Employment Conditions:

Must have a criminal background check, Must have a driver’s license check

How to Apply for this Job at Virginia Tech:

First, please visit www.jobs.vt.edu

Locate Posting # SW0150052

Applicants need to follow the online system for successful application submission

Please include the following items along with a VT application:

1) Resume/curriculum vita

2) Cover Letter

3) List of references

4) Additional document (optional)

Anticipated Salary Range

· Band 4

· Range of $34,000 – $36,000 (Commensurate with Experience)

Posting Date: 01/16/2015  Review Begin Date: 01/30/2015