Company description Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing regenerative organic agriculture through research, education and outreach.  For more than seventy years, we've been researching innovative techniques to manage pests and diseases in organic agriculture while providing nutritious food and adapting to and mitigating climate change.  Our findings, shared with farmers and scientists throughout the world, advocate for policies that support farmers, and educate consumers about how organic is the healthiest option for people and the planet. Job description

SUMMARY: The Organic Crop Consultant will assist farmers across Pennsylvania with the transition to organic agriculture practices and the organic certification regulations and processes. The consultant will report to the Lead Consultant and work indirectly with the research department, interpreting and translating soil analysis, crop production research and other organic research findings to farmers.

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Travel within Pennsylvania to consult with farmers
• Assist farmers with developing an Organic System Plan and associated documentation
• Respond to farmer’s questions regarding the certification process, organic crop production and organic farming
• Provide assistance to farmers in choosing a certifier, filling out the application, choosing inputs and preparing for inspection
• Provide accurate, crop specific production strategies to farmers
• Guide new or beginning farmers in establishing and managing their organic farms
• Assist and train farmers on using research and experimentation on their farm to improve crop yields
• Stay up-to-date on information concerning certification to ensure our organic standards and policies comply with the USDA National Organic Program (NOP)
• Assist farmers in updating Conservation Plans with private or government consultants
• Follow the Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) implemented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Work with the Lead Consultant to process client data and build an intake system
• Perform other duties as assigned by management

 QUALIFICATIONS:   

• Strong agronomic background
• Knowledge of crops grown in the Pennsylvania region
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills
• Written and verbal communications skills
• Strong organization and planning skills
• Hold a valid driver’s license
• Experience working on an organic farm preferred

EDUCATION: 

• Required Bachelor’s degree in the field of Agriculture, Agronomy or Soil Science

 TRAVEL:

• Extensive traveling across Pennsylvania to visit farmers
• Some out-of-state travel to meetings and conferences

 OTHER EXPECTATIONS:

• Trustful and respectful to all staff and visitors

Compensation this position is : salaried Application instructions DeadlineDecember 24, 2019