Seasonal Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Livestock Grazing in Remote
Job Description
Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Livestock Grazing
Appalachian Region
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 Livestock Grazing to support producers in the Southern Appalachian region to plan and implement sustainable and regenerative grazing practices that improve soil health, enhance forage production, and promote climate resilience. The Grazing Specialist will primarily support the field operations of a large USDA Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities project, and work closely with producers in Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia. This position will also provide technical assistance, evaluate grazing operations, facilitate the adoption of innovative grazing strategies, and coordinate these 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 building an emerging program and requires a high degree of technical ability and attention to detail, advanced communication skills, and a strong ability to prioritize workload.
The successful candidates for these positions 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 Bachelors (BA/BS) degree in agriculture, animal science, or related fields along with at least three years of relevant professional experience, or an equivalent of education and/or experience. Previous work experience in sustainable grazing practices, rotational grazing, and livestock production systems is preferred.
DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
· Commitment and passion for the NCAT mission;
· Familiarity with sustainability, regenerative agricultural practices, and principles of sustainable grazing management;
· Experience working with livestock producers to develop and implement grazing plans that optimize productivity and environmental stewardship;
· Competence in pasture management, forage identification, and forage quality assessment;
· Experience with COMET-Farm tool and principles, and the ability to apply this to carbon farm planning;
· Proficiency with grazing modeling tools and software;
· Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite;
· Knowledge of Appalachian ecology, native plants, 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 on-farm 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 NCATs mission;
· Provide regionally appropriate technical assistance to livestock producers for implementing sustainable grazing practices through in-person site visits, phone calls, emails, social media, workshops, and field demonstrations;
· Collaborate with livestock producers, NCAT staff, and technical assistance providers (e.g., NRCS, Conservation Districts, university extension agents) to develop grazing plans that optimize livestock performance, forage utilization, and ecosystem health;
· Collect data and conduct monitoring to evaluate the impacts of grazing management on soil health, forage productivity, and ecosystem services;
· Create educational and outreach materials related to sustainable grazing practices, such as grazing plans, grazing charts, and case studies;
· Assist in creating written and visual content for periodic progress reports and press releases;
· Organize educational activities like field days, workshops, and grazing demonstrations to showcase best practices;
· Cultivate peer-to-peer learning communities for livestock producers to share knowledge and experiences;
· Develop and maintain positive relationships with producers, coworkers, partner organizations, agencies, and research institutions to facilitate program delivery;
· Be up to date on the latest research, best practices, and emerging techniques in sustainable grazing management;
· 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.organd www.attra.ncat.orgto 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
NCATs 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.
(Updated 8-22-23)
Job Type: Full Time
Pay: $50,000.00 – $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Vision insurance
Schedule:
8 hour shift
Work Location: Remote
How to Apply
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