Location: Minnesota, (hybrid)
Scope of work: Statewide
About Renewing the Countryside (RTC): Renewing the Countryside is a nonprofit organization that nurtures the economic prosperity, ecological health, and social connectivity of people, businesses, organizations and communities in the Upper Midwest. We work to create an organizational culture where people feel valued, are energized, and can generate innovative and forward-thinking solutions.
We work in the areas of sustainable food and farming systems, community development, and conservation and climate resilience on working landscapes.
About the Job: RTC is seeking a full-time coordinator for our Conservation & Stewardship Outreach project. This project aims to build capacity to support small and medium-sized producers, including: specialty crop and livestock farmers, organic, regenerative farmers and urban farmers, along with producers who have been historically underserved. Among the goals of this work is to increase participation in CSP and EQIP by these farmers so they are able to successfully implement projects that bring long term resilience. (Historically underserved producers include: limited resource, socially disadvantaged, beginning, or veteran farmers or ranchers.)
Project goals include (but are not limited to):
- Creating opportunities for sustainable agriculture to be a critical part of the solution to climate change, building the resilience of farms and ranches and providing numerous environmental and community co-benefits.
- Developing a “next generation” of farmers who engage in USDA conservation programs such as EQIP and CSP.
- Building trusted relationships with historically underserved and/or small to mid-sized, diversified family farmers, and creating pathways for them to take advantage of conservation programs.
Responsibilities/Activities:
- Create experiential and educational activities that increase on farm conservation measures.
- Connect urban and rural producers in ways that build long-term relationships that lead to increased interest in and commitment to land stewardship.
- Identify current challenges faced by family farmers in accessing USDA conservation programs, connect producers with resources and support and help identify and advance potential solutions.
- Develop an understanding of Minnesota’s conservation priorities and needs, including through partnership with NRCS and by attending State Technical Committee meetings.
- Build relationships with organizations and community partners needed to develop strong outreach to support a wide range of producers in their conservation needs.
- Identify producers who have successfully utilized NRCS conservation programming and connect them with prioritized producers.
- Provide outreach, education and technical assistance in ways that best meet the needs of farmers, including: mail, phone, surveys, one-to-one conversations, organizational presentations, and public meetings and events. Follow producers throughout the process from learning about conservation options through implementation.
- Track and report project activities as they relate to project goals and help coordinate evaluations.
- Work with other midwest partner project organizations to help develop case studies and a roadmap for conservation success and growth in the midwest.
Qualifications:
- Solid commitment to our values of supporting independent family farms and promoting conservation and stewardship.
- Ability to develop and maintain relationships with a diverse set of organizations and people.
- Possess an interest in and ability to work with a wide range of farmers. Experience communicating with farmers and knowledge of government programs is strongly preferred (but not required).
- Clear, precise, compassionate, nonjudgmental communication and active listening skills.
- Very strong written and verbal communication skills, and attention to detail.
- Reliable transportation and driver’s license (mileage is reimbursed)
- Willingness to work hours necessary for project success, including potential early mornings, nights, weekends, and trips that will require multiple days traveling.
- Proficient in computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Google docs.
- Demonstrated ability to successfully execute projects with minimal support or oversight, including setting goals, developing a realistic work plan, and reporting on work completed.
- Team player, sense of humor, and entrepreneurial positive can-do attitude
Compensation: Commensurate with experience. (Range of $55,000 to $65,000). Benefits include employer paid health insurance, paid time off, sick leave, holidays and retirement options with organizational match for qualified individuals. This is primarily a remote position but will require substantial travel in MN (including overnights). There is an opportunity to share office space in Hammond, MN or in St. Paul, MN if desired.
This is currently a grant-funded position for one year with the opportunity to extend to three years.
We are an equal opportunity employer. RTC celebrates diversity in all forms and aspects of our work. We welcome qualified people of all backgrounds and abilities to apply and will not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, disability, marital status, creed, or other non-job related factors protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
To apply:
Please send a cover letter and resume to Catie DeMets at jobs@rtcinfo.org Please use “Resume: Conservation & Stewardship Outreach Coordinator” as your subject line.
Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. For greatest consideration, please submit your application by December 6, 2024.