Transitioning to Organic Partnership Grand Traverse Conservation District
- Date Posted October 31, 2023
- Location Traverse City, MI
- Category Agriculture / Education
- Job type Full-Time
Based out of the Boardman River Nature Center in Traverse City, Michigan, the Grand Traverse Conservation District is a community-serving organization that cares for the people and places that make Northwest Michigan so special. We’ve been working for nearly 80 years to provide gateways to the natural world, restore natural areas, train future generations of conservation leaders, and support sustainable, local agriculture. Job description
POSITION IDENTIFICATION:
Transitioning to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) Technician; full-time; 40 hours per week; FLSA exempt position
POSITION SUMMARY:
To assist growers in transitioning to organic certification on their farms and develop the program as a statewide representative of TOPP. This includes outreach, education, on-farm technical assistance, completion of assessments with the landowner to facilitate practice changes, developing mentorship relationships with retiring farmers, providing and delivering educational opportunities both online and in person, and coordination with nonprofit, local, state, and federal agency resources to help in the process of reaching organic certification.
RELATIONSHIPS:
Reports to: Executive Director
Supervises: None
Works with: All Grand Traverse Conservation District staff; corresponding TOPP colleague at Washtenaw Conservation District and Michigan State University Extension (MSUE)
External Stakeholders: Farmers, Community Members
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Essential Functions:
- Work with farmers and mentors to provide technical assistance, training, one-on-one support, and resources to assist with the transition to certified organic farming
- Work collaboratively with TOPP Colleague at Washtenaw Conservation District to develop training material for farmers
- Deliver content through webinars and in-person trainings and meetings
- Coordinate mentorship pairings between new/beginning farmers and mentor farmers, working closely with MIFarmLink, MSUE’s Organic Farmer Training Program, and the Washtenaw Conservation District to facilitate such activities
- Performs or takes part in on-farm workshops
- Completes travel for trainings, meetings, and collaborative work
- Develops materials to effectively engage producers through outreach and education
- Promotes TOPP through displays, newsletters, group presentations, demonstrations, public service announcements, news releases, radio programs, and other means
- Works closely with partners to provide technical assistance necessary for producers to address specific hurdles to transitioning to organic
- Provides and submits timely reports and updates to GTCD, MSUE, Midwest Organic Services Association (MOSA) and other cooperating agencies
- Works cooperatively with GTCD staff and other agency personnel; supports District initiatives and activities as needed
- Attends and participates in regular staff meetings
- Plays an advisory role in the Great Lakes Incubator Farm (GLIF) program
- Completes other essential activities as required by the grant agreement
- Other related assignments as necessary
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The primary workplace is in a typical office setting at the Grand Traverse Conservation District office in the Boardman River Nature Center, or the Great Lakes Incubator Farm, in Traverse City, MI, with occasional travel to farms, trainings, and conferences throughout Michigan. Employee must be able to perform all job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:
Related Work Experience
- Two years’ experience in natural resources or agriculture fieldwork is desired
- Knowledge of and experience working with agricultural producers and practices is desired
Formal Education
- A four-year degree from an accredited college or university in agriculture, natural resources management, the liberal arts, or a degree in business or marketing with a keen interest or prior experience in agriculture
Skills & Abilities
- Excellent organizational skills, with attention to detail and high level of accuracy
- Able to communicate with a wide variety of individuals, comfortable with public speaking
- Must be self-motivated and able to work independently and as part of a team
- Proficient in use of PC, Google Drive, and Microsoft Office Suite
- Must have a valid driver’s license
COMPENSATION:
The Transitioning to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) Technician is a full time, 40 hours/week, FLSA exempt position. Salary: $45,200/year, based on grant funding. Benefits include paid holidays, 18 paid days off per year, retirement, and the Conservation District’s group health insurance package including dental and vision.
TO APPLY:
Please email completed application, resume, and cover letter stating your suitability for the position based on required knowledge and skills to the Executive Director, Koffi Kpachavi at koffi@gtcd.org. Please use the email subject line: TOPP Technician Application. Application materials may be found on the Grand Traverse Conservation District website: www.natureiscalling.org.
APPLICATIONS DUE BY EOD FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2023
The Grand Traverse Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate in employment, promotions, or compensation on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Compensation this position is : salaried, 35,568* - 50k Application instructions