The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is seeking a qualified candidate to work as a Sustainable Agriculture Specialist. NCAT is a national non-profit organization that is mission driven to help people use sustainable technologies to reduce poverty, promote healthy communities and protect natural resources. This is a great position for the right person with agriculture experience and education. If you are interested in promoting sustainable agriculture practices and working with family farmers, small producers and limited-resource farmers this is a wonderful opportunity. The position is based in NCAT’s office located at the Glide Ranch in Davis, California. For information about NCAT and its projects, please visit our websites at www.ncat.org and www.attra.ncat.org.

QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum requirements are BA/BS degree and 3 years farm-based experience or MS degree and 1 year farm-based experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in agronomy, soils, integrated pest management, horticulture or related field. Fluency in written and spoken Spanish is required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: The position requires excellent communication skills, including public speaking, presentation, writing, editing and research skills. You must also have strong computer and information management skills. Experience in outreach and working with limited-resource farmers and with farmers from a variety of different cultural groups would be beneficial. The position requires familiarity with California agriculture and with related organizations and groups. Other desirable experience and skills include: experience in grant writing and proposal development; experience in commercial horticulture or agronomic production; experience with market gardeners or farmers markets; familiarity with integrated farming systems, concepts of sustainability and environmentally friendly practices; and experience in marketing, project development and leadership; experience with farm business development; experience with video development and production.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide farmers and ranchers with information and technical assistance on environmentally sound practices for agronomic and horticultural crops and livestock production.
• Liaison with farm and agriculture organizations and groups that assist farmers, particularly limited-resource farmers.
• Research, write and edit publications on sustainable agriculture topics to assist clients.
• Seek out projects and opportunities to provide training in Spanish and English to immigrant farmers, new farmers and producers interested in developing more sustainable cropping and marketing systems.
• Collaborate with staff as a member of one or more technical teams in developing written materials and projects.
• Actively seek out funding for new projects and develop ideas related to sustainable agriculture into fundable projects.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: The starting salary range is $40,000 to $55,000 depending on your skills, qualifications, and experience. NCAT provides benefits that include paid vacation and holidays; health, life and disability insurance; a 401(k) plan and a creative teamwork environment.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applications will be accepted through September 7, 2014 or until a suitable candidate can be identified. Early applications are encouraged and applications will be considered as they are received. All persons interested in being considered for the position must submit a cover letter highlighting their experience and skills relevant to the listed qualifications, a current resume and a completed NCAT application form. Requests for an NCAT application form and inquires about the application process should be directed to Jerrid Burk. Incomplete applications or reference on the application to “see resume” will not be considered. Send completed application materials to:

Jerrid Burk
NCAT Human Resource Specialist
P.O. Box 3838
Butte, MT 59702
e-mail: jerridb@ncat.org

NCAT values diversity and encourages minority and women applicants to apply. For additional information about NCAT please visit our website at www.ncat.org.

For convenience this announcement is also available in PDF format.

NCAT Application

NCAT values diversity and encourages minority and women applicants to apply. For additional information about NCAT please visit ourhome page.

It is NCAT’s policy and organizational philosophy to ensure that all of our employment practices, including recruitment and hiring, are administered for all individuals without regard to race, sex, creed, color, national origin, age, religion, marital or veterans status, disability, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.