Agroforester

Job Posting - Agroforester

Position Description

This position will participate in agroforestry outreach, education, and financial and technical assistance programming in Appalachian Sustainable Development’s (ASD) Agroforestry Department, with the following areas of responsibility:

Responsibilities

Area 1 - Outreach to increase awareness (10%)

• Seek out and attend relevant conferences and outreach events as an ASD representative to grow awareness of ASD programming and agroforestry.
• Present and/or facilitate presentations on a range of agroforestry topics at outreach events, webinars, conferences, etc.
• Engage and support diverse communities in agroforestry, based on the needs identified in the .
• Assist in content development and delivery of the annual Agroforestry Marketing Plan, including but not limited to: ASD newsletters, e-blasts, social media posts, etc.

Area 2 - Education and training to improve knowledge (30%)

• Identify potential agroforestry demonstration sites in the Southeast for training, farm tours, and outreach, as needed.
• Lead the coordination and planning of the overall farm tour series.
• Conduct farm tours to provide real-world hands-on experience to producers and professionals in order to support agroforestry adoption.
• Teach at in-person and virtual agroforestry workshops and events in the Southeast, and other locations as-needed/ as funding allows.
• Cultivate lasting working relationships with professionals in mid-Atlantic and central Appalachian states (i.e. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD), Department of Forestry (DOF), extension, etc.).

Area 3 - Financial and technical assistance to facilitation adoption (45%)

• Promote agroforestry producer grants, and review applications to make award decisions, as needed.
• Provide agroforestry technical assistance to farmers via on-farm site visits, open office hours, and virtual 1:1 calls.
• Coordinate joint site visits with local conservation professionals for peer-to-peer support and learning, when funding is available.
• Work with grant applicants to refine their agroforestry farm plans to support appropriate agroforestry adoption. Assist applicants and grantees with site analysis and planning, including but not limited to: education and planning calls/meetings, context evaluations, goals setting, mapping, site layout, site prep and maintenance recommendations, budgeting, planting stock selection, etc. as required by the grant.
• Be thorough and diligent in analysis and communicate openly and honestly with producers, even when Agroforestry is not recommended.
• Refer and/or connect producers to other relevant resources, organizations, and grant programs when called for.

Area 4 - General ASD Responsibilities (15%)

• Attend bi-weekly ASD Team Meetings, Agroforestry Team Meetings, One on One Meetings with Supervisor, professional development training, as well as monthly Agroforestry Budget Meeting.
• Communicate time out of office via Google Calendar and Outlook automatic replies.
• Track all metrics and deliverables as required, and provide content for reports.
• Participate and support ASD events related to fundraising and marketing, as needed.
• Respond to requests from management and other program employees, as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent 3-4 years of experience) in/related to: Agroforestry, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies, etc.
• Familiarity with all agroforestry practices, including silvopasture, alley cropping, windbreaks, riparian buffers, and forest farming.
• Real-world experience with at least one of the following practices: silvopasture, alley cropping, or windbreaks.
• Excel in delivering agroforestry technical assistance to farms, including goal-setting, site assessment, conceptual and final designs, and implementation and management plans.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and conduct outreach and training events, with outstanding facilitation, public speaking, and evaluation skills.
• Demonstrated project planning and project management experience.
• Proven ability to build partnerships and collaborate with diverse teams.
• Superior listening, verbal, and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Outstanding organizational, record keeping, and data management skills, with an acute attention to detail.
• Proficiency with technology, including MS Office Suite, Google Drive, webinars, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in/related to the same fields as above.
• Well-rounded understanding of all agroforestry practices, with in-depth knowledge of one or more of the following: silvopasture, alley cropping, or windbreaks.
• Prior experience establishing and managing one or more of the following: silvopasture, alley cropping, or windbreaks.
• Proficiency with administering financial assistance / incentive payment programs for farmers.
• Experience working with state and federal natural resource conservation agencies.
• Familiarity with NRCS practice standards, NRCS conservation planning process, and USDA required documentation (i.e. CPA-52).
• Familiarity with Overyield, or similar land or site design software.
• Documented experience of grant management and reporting.

Location: ASD strongly prefers candidates to be located in our core coverage area of southwest VA or northeast TN near our Bristol, VA headquarters. A regionally remote position may be considered, depending on qualifications.

Compensation Package

• Option to join ASD health, dental, and vision insurance
• Option to join the ASD phone plan; includes unlimited talk/text at no cost to employee
• Paid time off, up to 144 hrs annually; accrual starts at 30 days
• 14 paid federal holidays
• Simple IRA with up to 3% match
• Mileage and relocation reimbursement

Working Conditions: Flexibility to work in a fast paced office or field environment, with the ability to lift up to 25 pounds, and walk/stand or sit at a desk for several hours. A valid driver’s license and car are required for site visit and event travel.

Salary and Status: Starting range of $60,000-$65,000/year commensurate with education and experience. Full-time (40 hours/week, Mon-Fri 8:30-5), with some evening or weekend events.

To Apply: Submit a resume and cover letter on Indeed; both must be included for consideration. Applications must be received by November 8.

Hiring Policy: ASD provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Candidates may be required to pass a background check and/or drug test as a condition of employment. While all applications are appreciated, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Pay: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bristol, VA 24201

Salary : $60,000 - $65,000