The Soil Health Technician is a full-time, exempt, salaried position responsible for providing technical assistance to farmers on conservation planning, organic production, transition, and certification. They will certify as a Natural Resource Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Technical Service Provider (TSP) to write conservation, design, and implementation plans supporting organic transition and soil health management.
The Soil Health Technician will require extensive travel throughout the Carolinas and may be based out of Pittsboro, North Carolina; candidates working remotely in the Carolinas will be considered. The position reports to the Farm Services Director and does not supervise staff members.
ABOUT CFSA
CFSA is a 43-year-old member-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to advocate, educate, and build connections to create sustainable food systems in the Carolinas centered on local and organic agriculture. Racial equity is a core tenet of CFSA’s outlook, and we are committed to serving and reflecting the diverse stakeholders in the Carolinas’ food system.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION (20%)
- Work with the Farm Services Director and Associate Executive Director for Programs to develop annual work plans that support CFSA's mission, goals, and strategic plan.
- Assist with programmatic monitoring to ensure compliance, progress towards objectives and expected results, and work plan and budget adherence.
- Increase recognition of and engagement with our mission, programs, and impact by engaging current members, recruiting new members, and increasing our understanding of farm member needs.
- Work with the Communications Team to develop content for the monthly electronic newsletter for farmers, The Grower’s Toolbox.
TRAINING & DIRECT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE (80%)
- Certify as an NRCS TSP to write Conservation Planning Activities (CPA) and Design and Implementation Activities (DIA) for Organic Transition and Soil Health Management.
- Conduct workshops and provide on-site training to farmers on conservation planning, organic production, and certification.
- Collaboratively plan and deliver quality training programs with CFSA staff and external partners that are accurate, up-to-date, research-based, and that meet the needs identified by farm members and program participants.
- Evaluate and document program impacts such as participant certification, knowledge gain, intent to change or adopt practices, and practice or behavior change.
• Minimum of three years of relevant work experience with at least two years of experience planning, designing, and installing soil health management practices and providing technical assistance to farmers on conservation and land management.
• Experience working directly with socially disadvantaged farmers.
• Strong familiarity with the USDA’s National Organic Program regulations and NRCS’s policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, including experience interacting and working with diverse communities, neighborhoods, and populations.
• Ability to write on current issues related to climate change and resilient agriculture.
• Ability to effectively handle multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and work comfortably in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to work well within a team and with individuals from diverse backgrounds.