Rogue Farm Corps (RFC) is a non-profit whose mission is to train and equip the next generation of farmers and ranchers through hands-on educational programs and the preservation of farmland. RFC offers farmer training programs at the entry and advanced level that combine hands-on training at partner host farms with classes, farm tours, discussions, and independent study. These programs provide real-world experience on a diverse network of sustainable family farms that host program participants. Our Farm Preservation Program helps beginning farmers access land and capital, and creates tools and resources to help retirement age farmers plan for succession. For more information, please visit www.roguefarmcorps.org.

Please see this link for full position description and application instructions.

Employment Type: Exempt; 0.6 FTE (24 hours/week)
Location: Portland Metro Region (remote / work from home)
Start date: October 1-15, 2019
Compensation: Starting salary is $24,000. 

Our organization is committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourages applications from candidates of color.

Position Description

The Portland Chapter Coordinator manages RFC’s farmer training programs in the Portland Metro area. The Coordinator helps train and equip new farmers in the entry-level Internship and advanced Apprenticeship programs by planning and facilitating educational events, conducting evaluations, recruiting and retaining excellent partner host farms, and supporting program participants and host farmers to enhance the mentor/mentee experience. The Coordinator helps fill RFC program positions by assisting with recruitment, promotion, outreach, and screening of applicants. The Coordinator collaborates on fundraising efforts in the Portland Metro area with RFC’s Development Director. The Coordinator promotes a just, sustainable local agricultural system by collaborating with local food system allies and partners. The Coordinator collaborates with RFC staff to further RFC programmatic and organizational goals.

Specific Duties

1. Recruit host farm sites that meet RFC’s guidelines

2. Work with host farms to develop individualized on-farm curricula

3. Coordinate outreach efforts to recruit applicants

4. Process incoming applications including initial screening calls

5. Keep up-to-date online and paper records and files for all Portland Chapter participants and host farms

6. Help keep participants and host farms on track with their program fee payments

7. Adapt RFC’s core class curricula to the local agricultural community by collaborating with farmers, agricultural professionals, and other partners in creating educational program events.

8. Schedule and organize all classes, farm tours and other student events in the Portland Chapter.

9. Facilitate on-farm orientations at each host farm site soon after participants arrive

10. Help plan and facilitate a group orientation for new participants

11. Send weekly program updates to current participants and host farms

12. Help troubleshoot any issues that may arise with participants or host farmers

13. Help hold participants and host farmers accountable to RFC program agreements

14. Stay in regular contact with host farmers and remind them of good farming mentorship practices

15. Help facilitate all classes, farm tours and student events in collaboration with other local instructors

16. Conduct on-farm evaluation sessions with all host farmers and students twice per season

17. Collate all evaluation feedback and provide positive and constructive feedback to participants, farmers, and instructors

18. Act as a resource, confidant, supporter and mentor to all host farmers and students

19. Co-facilitate annual host farmer debrief meeting

20. Help host farmers create on-farm agreements for their RFC program participants

21. Support Education Director in arranging ongoing professional development for host farmers

22. Submit monthly chapter reports and reimbursement requests

23. Participate in regular online meetings with staff

24. Attend occasional conferences, trainings, meetings, and retreats

25. Seek out and conduct outreach opportunities in the community

26. Create and publish social media content

  27. Coordinate local fundraising events (with Development Director) and support other organizational events as assigned

Required Competencies

1. Commitment to RFC mission

2. Ability to communicate and build relationships with various partners and audiences including staff, experienced farmers, beginning & aspiring farmers, and other local food system organizations

3. Ability to facilitate a positive group learning environment and attend to individuals’educational needs and goals

4. Ability to use online applications including email, calendar, database, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and social media platforms

5. Ability to support conflict resolution processes

6. Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team environment

7. Exceptional facilitation and management of group dynamics

8. Organized record keeping skills with great attention to detail

9. Able to connect with and develop trusting relationships with people and communities of various backgrounds and identities

10. Good stress management skills

11. Ability to efficiently navigate the internet to find educational resources and materials

Preferred Qualifications

1. Knowledge of and/or experience with sustainable agriculture production systems

2. Knowledge of local food systems

3. Strong connections to communities of color and other underserved populations

4. Commitment to continuous learning

5. Experience managing programs and relationships with partners

Working Conditions

1. The Portland Chapter Coordinator can expect a flexible working schedule that includes some evenings and weekends. Requires approximately 24 hours/week, allowing for seasonal and weekly fluctuations. (Note: currently the Coordinator works approximately 2 Sundays per month from April - October to facilitate educational events.)

2. The Coordinator works remotely from other staff. A good internet connection is necessary. A home office is highly recommended as no office is provided.

3. Requires regular travel to Portland Metro area locations and occasional out of local area travel (travel reimbursements provided).

4. Must be self-directed, good with time management, and have experience working independently.

5. Must confirm monthly schedule with Education Director.

6. Approximate hours breakdown: 50% working independently, 20% in meetings, 30% traveling and facilitating events or activities. Percentages vary greatly depending on week and season.