Sustainable Agriculture Specialist – Agroforestry, Appalachian Region in Remote in Kentucky

Job Description

The National Center for Appropriate Technology or NCAT has been helping people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources since 1976. NCAT is a national, private non-profit organization providing trusted, individualized technical assistance, hands-on training opportunities, practical educational resources, and peer-to-peer learning networks on nationally acclaimed projects in food, agriculture, energy, and climate resilience. Headquartered in Butte, Montana, NCAT has offices in 11 states. NCAT works to foster and promote sustainable technologies and systems, especially for the benefit of economically disadvantaged individuals and communities. NCAT is committed to advancing racial equity and inclusion in its work and organization.

NCAT is seeking a full-time Sustainable Agriculture Specialist with professional knowledge in Agroforestry to support producers in the Southern Appalachian region to plan and implement agroforestry systems that improve climate resiliency, enhance biodiversity, sequester carbon, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Agroforestry Professional will primarily support the field operations of a large USDA Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities project, working closely with producers in Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia. The Specialist will provide technical assistance to producers, evaluate their operations, identify and prioritize on-farm agroforestry opportunities, and coordinate efforts with NCAT, the project team, and local partner organizations and agencies. This position provides an exciting opportunity to be part of a strong team to build an emerging program. The position requires a high degree of technical ability, attention to detail, advanced communication skills, and a strong ability to prioritize workload.

The successful candidates for this position will be required to set up and work from a remote office in the Appalachian Region and must be willing and able to travel frequently throughout their specified region to farms, events, workshops, and training as needed. (Candidates located near the NCAT office in Brea, KY have the option of an office located in that office space)

QUALIFICATIONS:
This position requires a Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in agroforestry, forestry, natural resource management, or related fields along with at least three years of experience in agroforestry or related fields. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered. Preference is given to candidates with demonstrated experience in agroforestry system planning, implementation, and management.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Commitment and passion for the NCAT mission;
Familiarity with ag-related organizations and government agencies; Commitment and passion for the NCAT mission;
Strong Knowledge of sustainability, regenerative agricultural practices, and agroforestry principles;
Demonstrable experience in understanding of particular agroforestry systems including riparian buffers, silvopasture, forest farming, and alley cropping;
Experience working with land managers and agricultural producers in implementing agroforestry systems, conservation planning, and climate adaptation;
Competence in GIS mapping (ArcGIS or other), data management, and software relevant to agroforestry planning and analysis;
Experience with COMET-Farm tool and principles, and the ability to apply this to carbon farm planning;
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite;
Knowledge of Appalachian ecology, native plants and wildlife, soils, and climate;
Excellent attention to detail and strong verbal and written communication skills;
Exceptional ability to build professional relationships and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders;
Ability to identify and pursue additional or alternative funding sources for priority projects and partnerships;
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
Self-directed, organized, and capable of meeting multiple deadlines;
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team setting;
Ability to coordinate groups and manage time effectively on multiple projects;
Physical ability to sit, walk, and listen for up to 8 hours per day;
Capability to conduct fieldwork in challenging terrain, weather, and climate conditions while carrying up to 30 pounds;
Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout the region, including flexible work hours, evenings, weekends, and some overnight travel.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Promote and support NCAT’s mission;
Provide regionally appropriate technical assistance to producers for agroforestry system adoption through in-person site visits, phone calls, emails, social media, workshops, and field demonstrations;
Collaborate with agricultural producers, NCAT staff, and technical assistance providers (e.g., NRCS, Conservation Districts, Watershed groups, and university extension agents) to develop agroforestry plans that align with farmer goals and integrate recommended agroforestry practices;
Collect data and prepare reports on agroforestry system implementation, biodiversity enhancement, carbon sequestration, and GHG reduction;
Create educational and outreach materials related to agroforestry, such as best practices, case studies, and training resources;
Assist in creating written and visual content for periodic progress reports;
Assist in organizing educational activities like field days, workshops, and agroforestry demonstrations;
Cultivate peer-to-peer learning communities for agroforestry practitioners;
Develop and maintain positive relationships with producers, coworkers, partner organizations, agencies, research institutions, and Tribes to facilitate program delivery;
Stay updated on the latest agroforestry research, best practices, and emerging techniques;
Stay informed about compatible agricultural and conservation programs available in the region and connect producers to these opportunities.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: This salary is $50,000 – $60,000 annually depending on location, qualifications, and experience. Excellent benefits include a flexible schedule, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, a cafeteria and 401(k) plan, and a pleasant, professional environment.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate can be identified. Early applications are encouraged. Applicants are encouraged to visit www.ncat.org and www.attra.ncat.org to learn more about NCAT. NCAT employees interested in the position should email Human Resources a letter of interest as soon as possible. All persons interested in being considered for the position should upload a resume and cover letter through BambooHR. Please submit a current resume and a cover letter highlighting experience and skills relevant to the listed qualifications. Resume and cover letters can be uploaded at https://ncat.bamboohr.com/careers Simply choose the position you are applying for and then click “apply for this job” to upload the required resume and cover letter. Questions about the application process can be directed to:
Kriss Sullivan, Director of Human Resources
e-mail: jobs@ncat.org

NCAT’s mission is to help people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources. Our work brings together diverse partnerships and communities to help reduce poverty and protect our natural resources. We strive to be a multicultural organization that embraces the rich dimensions of diversity such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical ability, religious or political belief and marital or veteran status. Diversity creates healthy communities. Special consideration will be given to applicants who are reflective of the communities that we serve. NCAT is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For additional information about NCAT please visit our website at www.ncat.org.

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Job Types: Part Time. Job Tags: Kentucky Farm Jobs.

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