The Climate Smart Agriculture Technical Assistance Provider will support farmers in the planning and incorporation of climate smart practices for the purpose of obtaining A Greener World's Certified Regenerative label. The position will involve conducting site visits across the country to enrolled farmers, supporting the writing of a regenerative plan, and working with farmers to track greenhouse gas emission reductions. The majority of participating farmers are BIPOC or historically underserved. The TA Provider must have a willingness and ability for overnight travel, which may constitute a majority of time early on, and complete work while traveling. The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys working with farmers on agricultural practices and turning concepts and visions into written plans. The Climate Smart Agriculture Technical Assistance Provider will work under the supervision of the Climate Smart Project Manager.
Most important position responsibilities

• Provide Climate Smart Agricultural and Forestry Practices Technical Assistance. Support farmers enrolled into the Certified Regenerative pilot project through conducting initial site visits, assessing property for ability to be certified under AGW label, emissions reduction plan development, and providing recommendations to meet NRCS practice standards.
• Seek out, complete, and become independently proficient in NRCS conservation practice codes 590 and 528 (nutrient management and prescribed grazing).
• Onboard and coordinate Farm Ambassadors, a group of farmers who have already completed the Certified Regenerative process, to serve as paid mentors to farmers developing their regenerative plan.
• Develop strong communication with AGW Director of Compliance, AGW Director of Quality, and AGW Auditors to aid in better understanding of AGW standards and preparation of approveable regenerative plans and support compliance for farms throughout the certification process.
• Consistently and accurately use RAFI's technical assistance case tracking systems to collect farmer case intake, case progress, and project outcome data.
• Provide assistance with project development, financial review, and grant writing as requested.

Required skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Knowledge of and experience with NRCS programs, climate smart agriculture, or agriculture conservation practices. Experience with NRCS conversation codes 590 and 528 strongly preferred, or willingness to learn.
• Must be able to manage multiple technical assistance cases and assignments at once-including while traveling-with a positive, can-do attitude and minimal supervision
• Proven verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills that are effective with people of varying backgrounds and computer literacy. Experience with technical writing is a plus.
• Proven ability to work both remotely and in collaborative, team-based settings and must have the ability to proficiently function independently.

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Experience working on farms or conducting farm site visits, with an understanding of farmers' time constraints
• Experience working with historically underserved farmers
• Previous experience working in a nonprofit setting
• Spanish language proficiency

Compensation: Full-time salaried, exempt position. Annual salary of $57,394-61,225 depending on experience and skill set based on 40 hours/week. Generous benefits package includes paid time off, 401k, medical, dental, life insurance, and long/short-term disability insurance plans.
Location: Triangle or Triad region of North Carolina. Employees are expected to spend Mondays in our Pittsboro office weekly.
How to Apply: Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter and professional references at the link here. We will accept applications until the position is filled. In your cover letter, please state why you are interested in working for RAFI and share any skills or experiences you have that make you an ideal candidate for this position. Please no calls or emails.
About RAFI: Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI) challenges the root causes of unjust food systems, supporting and advocating for economically, racially, and ecologically just farm communities. We envision a thriving, sustainable, and equitable food system where farmers and farmworkers have dignity and agency; where they are supported by just agricultural policies; and where corporations and institutions are accountable to their community.
RAFI's Salary Rates: RAFI's salary policy is implemented based on the goals of fair, clear and transparent criteria for salary rates with clear standards that minimize the effect of negotiation skills or preference. RAFI's salary policy sets salary rates for positions based on the responsibility level that the position holds. Given this, RAFI does not negotiate salary rates.
COVID: RAFI-USA's workplace policies require all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 unless medical or religious exemptions are present.
Equal Opportunity Employer: RAFI-USA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental handicap, matriculation, or political affiliation.
Work Authorization: RAFI does not sponsor work visas; this position requires authorization to work in the United States.
Inclusive Workplace: RAFI-USA values an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are deeply committed to engaging the skills and leadership of people of color, LGBTQ persons, and other individuals from diverse backgrounds. Research shows that often women and people from underrepresented groups only apply to jobs for which they meet 100% of the qualifications. RAFI-USA is interested in attracting a diverse pool of candidates who want to contribute as a part of a dedicated, hard-working, collaborative team, driven by equity. You need not check every box. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply.