Local Foods Coordinator

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Closing Date: Type of Position: Researchers Workstudy Position: No Job Type: Regular Work Shift: Sponsorship Available: No Institution Name: Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees. The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture. The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration. As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button. If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact the Division's Office of Program & Employment Compliance at compliance@uada.edu. For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-671-2219 or 479-502-9820. Department: Horticulture * Associate Professor Department's Website: uada.edu Summary of Job Duties: The Local Foods Program Associate will support the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program by strengthening connections among local food producers, aggregators, distributors, and buyers to enhance the regional food supply chain. This position will focus on developing partnerships and coordinating sourcing efforts to supply local food into regional food hubs and institutional markets. The Program Associate will work within the Department of Horticulture as part of the Local, Regional, and Safe Foods (LRSF) Team, under the direction of Dr. Amanda Philyaw Perez, in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, and other key partners and organizations supporting the Arkansas food system. ________________________________________ Program Development and Coordination • Coordinate efforts among farmers, food businesses, food hubs, and institutional buyers to strengthen local and regional supply chains. • Support farmers and food businesses in utilizing RFSI funds for equipment, transportation, or infrastructure that enhances aggregation and distribution capacity. • Work with LRSF and partner organizations to identify sourcing opportunities for food hubs and other local food access points. • Assist in developing educational and technical assistance resources focused on business development, supply chain management, and local food aggregation. • Provide training, collaboration, and support to county extension agents and community partners involved in local food system development. • Coordinate site visits, technical assistance requests, and stakeholder meetings (in-person and virtual). • Track and evaluate program activities, data collection, and reporting requirements in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and USDA. ________________________________________ Local Food Outreach and Education • Develop and implement outreach and education strategies to increase awareness of local food systems, regional food hubs, and the benefits of sourcing locally. • Create and distribute educational materials, digital content, and promotional media highlighting Arkansas-grown products and producers. • Support and organize community events, workshops, and farm tours to engage diverse audiences, including farmers, buyers, educators, and consumers. • Collaborate with partners to deliver training on local food sourcing, food safety, value chain coordination, and market readiness for growers. • Represent the program at conferences, meetings, and community events to strengthen relationships and share success stories from the field. • Support garden-based educational program development. ________________________________________ Travel and Work Environment • Travel to farms, aggregation facilities, meetings, and conferences within and outside Arkansas (approximately 20% travel). • Work in office, field, and facility settings under varying weather conditions. • Must be a self-starter capable of independent work and effective collaboration within a multidisciplinary team. ________________________________________ Hiring Supervisor: Dr. Amanda Philyaw Perez, Associate Professor, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service Email: aperez@uada.edu Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications A Bachelor’s degree in agricultural education, horticulture, food systems, public health, food science, urban planning, or related field plus 3 years of related experience OR a related Master's degree is required. Preferred Qualifications Experience in local food systems, supply chain coordination, produce safety, or agricultural business development. Understanding of specialty crop production, food aggregation and distribution logistics, and food safety practices. Strong communication skills (written and oral), including experience in outreach, curriculum development, or public presentations. Familiarity with marketing, buyer engagement, or supply chain software and data tracking tools. Experience in on-farm or food hub operations is a plus. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, data management tools, and digital communications platforms. Ability to develop and deliver engaging presentations and outreach materials. Strong initiative, organizational skills, and ability to work independently and collaboratively. Commitment to fostering resilient local food systems. Additional Information: Salary Information: Commensurate with education and experience Required Documents to Apply: Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume, Unofficial/Official Transcript(s) Optional Documents: Special Instructions to Applicants: Recruitment Contact Information: Amanda Philyaw Perez, Associate Professor, 501-671-2228 All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS Please do not send to listed recruitment contact. Pre-employment Screening Requirements: Motor Vehicle Reports Check The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment. The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law. The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Constant Physical Activity: Driving, Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Pulling, Pushing, Reaching, Standing, Stooping, Talking, Walking Frequent Physical Activity: Driving, Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Sitting, Standing, Talking, Walking Occasional Physical Activity: Driving, Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Sitting, Standing, Talking, Walking Benefits Eligible: Yes The University of Arkansas System is a comprehensive, publicly-supported higher education institution composed of 18 unique campuses, divisions and administrative units that share the singular goal of serving Arkansas residents and others by developing and sharing knowledge to impact an ever-changing world. The UA System provides access to academic and professional education, and develops intellectual growth and cultural awareness in its students, staff and faculty. The system further promotes an atmosphere of excellence that honors the heritage and diversity of our state and nation. It provides students, researchers and professionals with tools to promote responsible stewardship of human, natural and financial resources in Arkansas and around the globe, and with workforce-relevant knowledge to enhance economic development efforts that improve the overall quality of life and societal well-being. 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