Climate Smart Agriculture Technical Assistance Provider

The Climate Smart Agriculture Technical Assistance Provider will support farmers in the planning and incorporation of climate smart practices for the purpose of obtaining A Greener World’s Certified Regenerative label. The position will involve conducting site visits across the country to enrolled farmers, supporting the writing of a regenerative plan, and working with farmers to track greenhouse gas emission reductions. The majority of participating farmers are BIPOC or historically underserved. The TA Provider must have a willingness and ability for overnight travel, which may constitute a majority of time early on, and complete work while traveling. The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys working with farmers on agricultural practices and turning concepts and visions into written plans. The Climate Smart Agriculture Technical Assistance Provider will work under the supervision of the Climate Smart Project Manager.

Most important position responsibilities

Provide Climate Smart Agricultural and Forestry Practices Technical Assistance. Support farmers enrolled into the Certified Regenerative pilot project through conducting initial site visits, assessing property for ability to be certified under AGW label, emissions reduction plan development, and providing recommendations to meet NRCS practice standards.

Seek out, complete, and become independently proficient in NRCS conservation practice codes 590 and 528 (nutrient management and prescribed grazing).

Onboard and coordinate Farm Ambassadors, a group of farmers who have already completed the Certified Regenerative process, to serve as paid mentors to farmers developing their regenerative plan.

Develop strong communication with AGW Director of Compliance, AGW Director of Quality, and AGW Auditors to aid in better understanding of AGW standards and preparation of approveable regenerative plans and support compliance for farms throughout the certification process.

Consistently and accurately use RAFI’s technical assistance case tracking systems to collect farmer case intake, case progress, and project outcome data.

Provide assistance with project development, financial review, and grant writing as requested.

Required skills, knowledge, and abilities:

Knowledge of and experience with NRCS programs, climate smart agriculture, or agriculture conservation practices. Experience with NRCS conversation codes 590 and 528 strongly preferred, or willingness to learn.

Must be able to manage multiple technical assistance cases and assignments at once–including while traveling–with a positive, can-do attitude and minimal supervision

Proven verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills that are effective with people of varying backgrounds and computer literacy. Experience with technical writing is a plus.

Proven ability to work both remotely and in collaborative, team-based settings and must have the ability to proficiently function independently.

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:

Experience working on farms or conducting farm site visits, with an understanding of farmers’ time constraints

Experience working with historically underserved farmers

Previous experience working in a nonprofit setting

Spanish language proficiency