NORTH COAST SOIL HUB REGIONAL COORDINATOR https://www.marinrcd.org/about/staff/employment/

Employer: Marin Resource Conservation District
Work Location: Remote office, preferably based out of Bay Area; with field work in Napa, Marin, Lake, Mendocino, and Sonoma Counties
Position: Full Time, 40 hours per week, Non-Exempt, Full Benefits

Position Description
The Regional Coordinator will play a vital role in the achievement of the North Coast Soil Hub’s goals for accelerating producer adoption of carbon farming practices, assisting with climate- friendly plan development, and serving as an educational resource to a range of stakeholders. To effectively understand and communicate the needs and values of the Soil Hub, it is important that the Regional Coordinator has an agricultural science background, with a specific understanding of soil science and the economic and social influencers of agriculture. Beyond this knowledge base, the Regional Coordinator must be an effective communicator with a range of audiences, including producers, policy makers, potential funders, and the various technical advisors who will be key to a thriving Hub.

The Regional Coordinator will serve three general roles to support the Soil Hub's capacity:

1. North Coast Soil Hub Coordination – The Regional Coordinator will serve as the main organizer for the Soil Hub, facilitating regular meetings of Hub representatives. This individual will check in with local partners routinely and coordinate local and regional meetings to determine the specific needs of producers and technical assistance providers in the region. The Regional Coordinator will need to reach out to potential partners to expand and improve the capacity of the Soil Hub through fundraising opportunities. Additionally, the Regional Coordinator will work to connect technical assistance providers with those in need of assistance.

2. Outreach and Technical Support – There is a need to increase the technical capacity of the Soil Hub. This Coordinator will help facilitate a mentorship program in which Soil Hub partners can learn from each other and share resources, including staff, to support the mission of the Soil Hub. Other technical support will include organizing workshops and/or training courses for technical assistance providers in deficient areas. For the Soil Hub, outreach and education materials will need to be developed and standardized. The Coordinator will organize and support education and outreach activities for the farmers, ranchers, landowners, and other community members, including workshops, field days, and webinars. This individual will also manage the Soil Hub website, social media accounts, and send out a regular newsletter.

3. Awareness – The Coordinator will be in a unique position to educate farmers, ranchers, and the general public about the regional Soil Hub. This will be critical in multiple ways. First, the Coordinator will help build awareness of the work and needs of the Soil Hub with RCD Boards of Directors. This could include attending Board meetings, developing reports for the Boards, and hosting field days that help showcase the work of the Soil Hub. Second, greater awareness of the importance of agricultural lands in combating climate change is needed. On local and regional levels, the Coordinator will help bring awareness of the needs of farmers and ranchers and provide input on local Climate Action Plans. This could also occur on a state level, in collaboration with other Coordinators. Third, the Coordinator will work with CARCD and other statewide partners to inform funding needs for the RCDs and regional Soil Hubs. This is particularly important to promote the need for organizational, planning, and training funding, as well as dedicated general support/capacity funding for the RCDs. Funding is also needed for conservation practice implementation.

For a description of the Major Duties of this position, please visit the link at the top.

Qualifications

• This position requires the following skills.

  1. B.S., B.A., M.S. degree in Soil Science, Biological, Natural or Applied Sciences (e.g. Watershed Management)or equivalent education and experience. Knowledge of soil science, agriculture, rangeland management, weed management, GIS.

  2. Five years' experience working in the natural resources conservation field with an emphasis on conservation planning, soil science and ArcGIS.

  3. Excellent English written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency or fluency in Spanish, is a plus.

  4. Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills to communicate with private landowners, private contractors, government agencies, general public, and partner resource professionals; team-player. References required.

  5. Proficient use of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Google Suite, teleconferencing.

  6. Proficient in analyzing, interpreting, and synthesizing a variety of geographic data, including aerial photography, topographic maps, and GIS products.

  7. Experience and knowledge in technical writing. Provide writing sample upon request.

  8. Ability to identify regional plant species, including trees, shrubs, forbs, and grasses to species, is preferred.

  9. Passion for working in, and supporting, local agriculture.

  10. Valid California driver's license, automobile insurance. Must be willing to travel regionally within the Bay Area and Sacramento Valley region.

• Salary: $79,040 per year, eligible for annual 3% raises. First year funding is secured with an opportunity to extend position through fundraising. State of California Workers' Compensation Insurance, Social Security, 401K Retirement Package with employer match. This position receives all Marin County holidays. The District provides paid vacation, sick leave and medical benefits (health, dental and vision).