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
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