PURPOSE:
Develop and strengthen relationships with small farmers and growers in four primary counties located in South-East Missouri. Provide guidance, advocacy and expertise to growers and ranchers while developing relationships with members of the communities served. The primary counties served are New Madrid, Pemiscot, Dunkin, and Butler. Surrounding counties can also be included in the job responsibilities depending on the home location and established networking base of qualified candidates.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Conduct farm visits, consult with farmers/growers, and provide research-based education, information and training.
- Develop a strong county-wide network of collaborators who can assist small farmers to be more successful.
- Develop and disseminate farming-related information Organize and coordinate training programs, small conferences, meetings, workshops, and events.
- Coordinate trainings and in-person visits involving Lincoln University State Extension Specialists Communicate and assist small farmers in promoting Lincoln University Extension and its programs.
- Submit monthly reports summarizing all farm activity Update client's information after every farm visit Respond to ISFOP Director's request for information and assistance.
- Help promote USDA programs, inform, and assist small farmers to access grant opportunities.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The ISFOP Director may assign additional responsibilities from time to time.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required: High school diploma or equivalent and 1-2 years of farming experience.
Desired: Interest and experience in agriculture and/or community gardening will be a plus.
Successful candidates must reside in or within 25 miles of one of the listed counties served.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES and PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
1. Experience working with diverse audiences
2. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
3. Ability to collaborate with key stakeholders in the community and around the State
4. Willingness to attend in-service education, training, conferences and professional development.
5. Ability to keep farmers informed of the latest innovations in agriculture and possible grant opportunities 6. Direct experience growing food and/or caring for farm animals.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- This role will involve moving in and about numerous farm locations with frequent obstacles encountered.
- Light sedentary office work Prolonged periods of standing and working outside in sun and heat.
- Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.
This is a 12-month, salaried position. Office location will be considered remote with the candidate's home being considered the Office Location.
- A communication fee is added to the monthly salary.
- Mileage reimbursement will be available for work-related travel using personal vehicles.
- University vehicles are available for use depending on availability.
- Professional development opportunities are encouraged and supporter.
For more information, email the Director at: OR call .
This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of Lincoln University. Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.