Carolina Farm Stewardship Association Seeks Soil Health Technician

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

● A degree in soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource disciplines such
as agronomy, soil science, or plant science.
● 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.

The salary range for this position is $40,000-$50,000, commensurate with experience. In addition, CFSA offers generous vacation, retirement, and health insurance benefits.

CFSA is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse staff that honors the agricultural contributions of many cultures. People of color, LGBTQ+ people, and others from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. CFSA is committed to providing employees with
a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at CFSA are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. CFSA does not discriminate based on actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, medical condition, genetic information, age, marital status, or military or veteran status.

 

 

Please submit a resume, a list of professional references, and a cover letter explaining how your skills and experience will enable you to be successful in this position. Applications should be submitted as a single .pdf saved as your first and last name. Send the document to apply@carolinafarmstewards.org with “Soil Health Technician” in the subject line. You will receive an electronic confirmation of your email submission.