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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Staff Farmer Background: Georgia Organics is a dynamic and growing nonprofit working to integrate healthy, sustainable and locally-grown food into the lives of all Georgians. The organization has roots dating back to the 1970's as a growers' association and has served as the state's leading educator in organic and sustainable agriculture. The organization's vision is that sustainable, organic and local food can transform our communities to be more healthy, secure and economically-viable. Through innovative networks of sustainable family farms, gardens and businesses, Georgians will have access to nutritious, locally grown foods via schools, institutions, work places, grocery stores, markets and neighborhoods. Position Overview: The organization is currently seeking a full-time Staff Farmer to work from its office in the Virginia-Highlands neighborhood of Atlanta. This position will provide important outreach and support for farmers and gardeners to increase production of organic and sustainably-produced foods in the state. Responsibilities: 1. Serve as Georgia Organics primary resource to inform, educate and train new, emerging or existing farmers on organic and sustainable production. 2. Organize quarterly training workshops for growers on pertinent topics and assist in developing the grower training tracks at the Georgia Organics annual conference. 3. Coordinate Georgia Organics farmer-to-farmer mentoring program to pair experienced growers with new, emerging or transitioning farmers in rural and urban areas. 4. Partner with the University of Georgia and Fort Valley State University to train and educate extension agents on organic and sustainable production, marketing strategies, and local food economies. 5. Support the development of urban agriculture by providing technical assistance for community and school gardeners, urban farmers, backyard gardeners and community organizations. 6. Identify and support policy development that will create the necessary infrastructure and resources while addressing farmland preservation in growing the good food movement. 7. Work with partner groups such as Team Agriculture Georgia, Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, Federation of Southern Cooperatives and others to advance the mission of Georgia Organics. 8. Work with institutions and food distributors to support the procurement of sustainable and organic foods from local and regional farmers and communicate institutional opportunities to the farming community. 9. Pursue the development of a formalized farmer apprenticeship and internship program to train individuals and seed young growers as the next generation of Georgia farmers. 10. Collaborate with Georgia Organics Communication Director to provide topics, articles and news pertinent to the growing community and support messaging that will communicate the critical need for more sustainable and organic growers in the state. 11. Manage the online Farmers Network and Growers' Exchange and enhance web-based communication and education to the grower community. 12. Write and secure grants and funding that will further the development of Georgia Organics grower outreach and education mission. 13. Represent Georgia Organics at various events and serve as an organizational spokesperson. 14. Manage the Georgia Organics demonstration garden with the support of staff members and volunteers. Range of Desired Qualifications: On-farm experience with strong working knowledge of successful sustainable farm operations including on-farm nutrient cycling, cover cropping, crop and livestock management, biodiversity, water resources, soil fertility and direct marketing strategies. Knowledge of sustainable food systems and experience with both producer and consumer dimensions of sustainable food and agriculture. Experience with farmers and the conditions of the Southern region. Strong communication and writing skills. Superb management and organizational skills, attention to detail, and team-oriented ethic. Skills in planning and evaluating projects to ensure smooth progress. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Entrepreneurial approach to working in an environment with limited resources. Ability to travel throughout the state and region. Bachelor's degree required. Flexibility, a sense of humor and a commitment to the mission of Georgia Organics. Compensation: The Staff Farmer is a full-time position working approximately 40 hours a week and includes occasional nights and weekends. The salary range is $37,000 - $40,000 and is commensurate with experience. Benefits include health insurance, retirement investment options and generous vacation. Application Process Mail AND email resume and cover letter with a sent and postmark date of February 13, 2009 to Alice Rolls, Executive Director, Georgia Organics, P.O. Box 8924, Atlanta, Georgia, 31106. Email should be sent to [log in to unmask] with "Staff Farmer Position" typed in the subject line of the email. Georgia Organics is an equal opportunity employer. -- Dr. Teri Hamlin North Region Agriculture Education Georgia Department of Education 204C Four Towers University of Georgia Athens, Ga 30602 706-542-3679 / 706-540-0032 [log in to unmask]