The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) has been promoting sustainable living for over 40 years. Established in 1976, we are a national nonprofit with a mission of helping people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources. NCAT was originally created during the oil crisis of the 1970s to develop inexpensive energy-saving strategies for low-income communities. In 1987, as a natural outgrowth of our alternative and sustainable energy work for farmers and ranchers, we expanded our mission to include sustainable agriculture. Every day, we help individuals find solutions that will ensure our children and grandchildren inherit a world with cleaner air and water, efficient and renewable energy production, and healthy foods grown with sustainable techniques. We have a well-deserved national reputation for providing research-based technical assistance and information in the fields of sustainable agriculture, sustainable energy, and community development. In recent years, our agriculture work has also focused on small-scale intensive farming, urban farming, and local foods; assistance to small farmers, beginning and new farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, and veterans wishing to become farmers.

Headquartered in Butte, Montana, NCAT has regional offices around the country that ensure hands-on assistance is available for farmers, ranchers, individuals, government agencies, and business owners. Offices are located in Fayetteville, Arkansas; Davis, California; Keene, New Hampshire; and San Antonio, Texas. We developed and manage dozens of projects related to agriculture, food, energy, and green community development. We have more than 70 staff members, many of whom are national experts in their respective fields. They include engineers, architects, and experts in organic farming, small acreage production, urban agriculture production, entomology, agriculture economics, soil health, diversified crop and livestock operations, and other agricultural specialties. In addition to their formal education, many of our staff members also have hands-on experience because they are agricultural producers themselves.

We manage more than 50 projects that touch thousands of lives every year through activities such as training farmers, demonstrating renewable energy technology, weatherizing houses, and researching sustainable-agriculture challenges. NCAT is the only national organization providing personalized, one-on-one technical assistance to thousands of individuals, businesses, and organizations interested in the areas of sustainable and organic agriculture and sustainable and renewable energy, and we have a special focus on helping low-income Americans. We provide services to individuals, organizations, businesses, and government agencies across all 50 states, using web-based technology such as websites, webinars, video, and electronic mail; phone help lines and in-person visits and presentations; and snail mail. Our website traffic last year for all of our sites exceeded 1 million unique visitors.

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is a private non-profit organization whose mission is to help people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources. NCAT is seeking a Horticulture Specialist to work on local and national sustainable agriculture projects.  NCAT works to foster and promote sustainable technologies and systems, especially for the benefit of economically disadvantaged individuals and communities. NCAT’s work includes nationally recognized projects in agriculture, food, and energy.

The Horticulture Specialist will be a regular, part time-time position, around 20-25 hours per week, and will be based at NCAT’s Fayetteville Arkansas office. The specialist in this position will instruct a class for the Center for Arkansas Farms & Food (CAFF) Farm School. NCAT specialists work with sustainable agriculture and appropriate technology concepts. The specialist in this position will develop resources and compile information to assist clients in areas such as horticulture and vegetable production. This position will provide an outstanding opportunity to work with a dedicated and professional staff on local and national levels.  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• The equivalent of a BA/BS degree plus a minimum of five years of related experience or training in horticulture, vegetable production or an agriculture related field or a minimum of 7 years related experience.
• The successful candidate will have the ability to work independently, as part of an NCAT team, and work well with partners and clients. Candidates should have excellent verbal and written communication skills. The ability to prioritize work assignments, multi-task, and disseminate information are required for this position.
• The position requires familiarity with planning, preparing, and teaching courses. As well as experience with diversified vegetables, small fruits, cut flower production, greenhouse production, and community outreach and development.  Previous experience working with community service, project coordination, or non-profits is preferred. Occasional travel may be required. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Commitment and passion for the NCAT mission;
• Strong interest and knowledge of diversified vegetables, small fruits, cut flower production, greenhouse production, produce safety practices, and organic certification;
• Knowledge of Arkansas agriculture, Center for Arkansas Farms and Food (CAFF) Farm School and related organizations and groups;
• Excellent communication skills, with experience in public speaking, presentation, writing, editing and research;
• Familiarity with integrated farming systems, concepts of sustainability, environmentally friendly practices and organic production methods;
• Strong organization, planning and teaching skills;
• The ability to build relationships and collaborate with farmers, ranchers, community organizations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations and other partners;
• The ability to recognize and pursue development opportunities;
• Must be familiar with concepts of sustainability and appropriate technology, databases, and public information products;
• High level of computer literacy including use of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook;
• Ability to work independently and in team settings.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, prepare and teach a year-long beginning farmer course for the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food (CAFF) Farm School during the times and dates specified by the academic schedule;
• Further develop and assess Farm School curriculum, coordinating with field instructor, guest presenters, and the CAFF educational advisory committee;
• Provide timely and accurate assessment feedback to students;
• Plan, supervise, and evaluate students' progress;
• Maintain related student records, evaluations, and progress reports;
• Provide farmers and ranchers with information and technical assistance on environmentally sound practices for agronomic and horticultural crops and vegetable production. This information may be provided via phone, postal mail, email, or in-person hands-on training;
• Develop relationships and collaborations with farm and agriculture organizations and groups that assist farmers, particularly limited-resource farmers;
• Create educational materials such as publications, videos, webinars, podcasts, and online tutorials on sustainable agriculture topics to assist clients;
• Provide farmers and ranchers with information and technical assistance on environmentally sound practices by phone, e-mail, social media, workshops, conference presentations, participation on panels and field demonstrations;
• Pursue development opportunities, participate in grant and proposal writing process;
• Manage projects to ensure project work and deliverables are being met;
• Work with other specialists on outreach to promote workshops and events organized by NCAT and its partners;
• Collaborate with staff as a member of one or more technical teams in developing written materials and projects.