Agricultural Resources Committee (ARC) Coordinator

San Juan County is excited to invite candidates to apply for our ARC Coordinator position. This is a part-time position at 12 hours per week. First screening of applications will be Thursday, April 2nd. To be considered with the first group of applications, we recommend submitting your application on or before this date. 

Provide oversight and administrative support for the Agricultural Resources Committee (ARC) and acts as a point person for agricultural issues in SJC government. Work is performed independently under the direction of the San Juan County Manager. The ARC seeks to achieve its mission by advising SJC Council on relevant agricultural issues; identifying emerging opportunities; informing and educating elected officials and local citizens about the importance of agriculture; promoting programs, initiatives and policies that strengthen and expand the agricultural economy; and effectively advocating on behalf of local farmers. The employee has discretion within existing policies and regulations in the routine performance of duties. Work is reviewed through consultation, observation, and based on results achieved for quality, accuracy and accomplishment of goals.

1. Coordination of monthly ARC meetings; 
2. Assure compliance with legal requirements of the ARC (meeting notices, recording minutes, etc.);
3. Identify grant opportunities and assist in preparing and writing grant applications to support this position and other ARC activities;
4. Research and presentation of relevant materials for review by the Committee;
5. Coordination and submittal of annual work plan and budget for SJC Council;
6. Presentations to SJC Council and the public to educate and advocate for relevant programs;
7. Coordination of outreach events to engage and inform local farm and food community to identify priorities and concerns;
8. Research and recommendations of appropriate amendments to county policy and code;
9. Participation in local initiatives such as Voluntary Stewardship Program, San Juan Islands Agricultural Summit, San Juan County Food System Team, etc.;
10. Collaboration with local and regional agricultural organizations to identify and advance relevant and innovative programs, policies and initiatives;
11. Documentation of meeting discussions, actions, and decisions;
12. Maintain and update ARC website;
13. Work with SJC communications to post updates and relevant information. Maintain database of local farms;
14. Attend necessary job-related training to keep skills current and maintain certification. 
15. Acting within the scope of their responsibilities, work as a public employee and municipal officer with courtesy and professionalism, adhering to the highest standard of ethics in accordance with RCW 42.52.
16. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requires a Bachelor’s degree and one (1) year of related program experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position. Demonstrated ability to use computer, email, and word processing/presentation software. Valid Washington Driver’s License. Ability to travel between islands for meetings and site visits.
 
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge and commitment to strengthening San Juan County food and farm network;
• Knowledge of county programs and policies that affect agriculture including property tax programs, county code, land use designations, etc.; 
• Ability to effectively advocate on behalf of stakeholders;
• Ability to research and present successful models and approaches; 
• Ability to conduct outreach and interviews to compile input;
• Familiarity with the local agricultural network, including farms and businesses that source local foods, local and regional agricultural organizations;
• Knowledge of farming practices and the challenges facing farmers in SJC today, preferably including personal experience as a commercial or homestead farmer;
• Commitment to strengthening SJC’s local food system;
• Ability to present information to a diverse audience;
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work requires continuous sitting and operation of a computer including keyboard and mouse operation
• Frequent standing and walking
• Involves talking and hearing in person and on the phone 
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to differentiate colors and read computer monitor.
• Deals with deadlines, which may require flexibility of time.
• This position requires attention to detail and communication skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Works primarily in an office or home office environment although some travel to other locations may be required by boat and which may involve inclement weather conditions.

Salary : $47 - $61