Climate and Working Lands Member Engagement Coordinator – Working Lands Climate Corps Service Member
Organization Summary:
Minnesota Farmers Union is a progressive, grassroots membership organization that supports family farmers and rural development. Drawing on the base values of education, cooperation and legislation, MFU works with individuals at the county, state,
national and international level to sustain economically viable family farms, support new farmers, further agricultural education, increase consumer awareness and ensure that the needs and perspectives of family farmers are understood by policymakers.
About this role:
The position is part of the Working Lands Climate Corps (WLCC), a program of the American Climate Corps. The WLCC is a national service program offered by the Corps Network, the National Association of Service and Conservation Corps, Natural Resources Conservation Service/US Department of Agriculture, Americorps, and the National Association of Conservation Districts.
The Minnesota Farmers Union Foundation was selected as a host organization for the inaugural cohort of WLCC members. WLCC members will provide outreach and education around climate-smart agriculture assistance to farmers, ranchers, and communities. WLCC host organizations will work with state and county-level NRCS staff to facilitate conservation and climate resilience projects, track WLCC member activities, and train members for careers in Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry.
Job Description:
The Climate and Working Lands Member Engagement Coordinator will help to advance the Minnesota Farmers Union’s (MFU) Climate and Working Lands program. This individual will work closely with MFU staff, partner organizations, and farmer members across the state to facilitate educational initiatives, coordinate events, and support organizational efforts aimed at promoting climate-smart agriculture practices. Through farmer outreach, engagement, and education, as well as organizational coordination, the Coordinator will contribute to building resilient farming communities and fostering climate-smart agricultural practices on all types of production systems. The Coordinator will have the opportunity to develop their professional skills and network within the field of climate- smart agriculture while making a tangible impact on the agricultural landscape of Minnesota.
This is a one-year term of service.
Description of Duties:
- Collaborate with MFU staff, partner organizations, and farmers to organize and execute educational events, workshops, and field days focused on climate-smart agriculture
- Assist in the development and dissemination of educational materials and resources related to climate resilience and agricultural
- Engage with farmer members to understand their needs and concerns regarding climate change impacts and provide support in implementing climate-smart agricultural solutions.
- Assist in coordinating the Minnesota Working Group for Climate-Smart Commodities to facilitate information sharing, meetings, and resource identification among over 50 participating organizations.
- Support communications with a wide variety of stakeholders, through articles, website content, social media stories, and email
- Support partner organizations in delivering conservation technical assistance to farmers, including field visits, data collection, and climate-smart data
- Participate in professional development activities related to climate and working lands.
Experience:
- Knowledge of agricultural practices and familiarity with conservation
- Experience working on a farm is
- Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, environmental science, sustainability, or related field
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, including farmers, partner organizations, and community
- Demonstrated organizational and project management
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively and to balance multiple project tasks.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite – Word, Outlook,
- Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a working
- Must have a mobile phone with the ability to text and
Eligibility;
An AmeriCorps participant must—
- Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States;
- Satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria pursuant to 45 CFR 202.
Compensation:
Service members will receive the following benefits during their term of service:
- A living allowance of $30,600 distributed over the course of the term of
- Healthcare coverage
- Student loan forbearance and interest payments if the member
- Up to $7500 in professional development and training
- Upon successful completion, the member will receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $6,895.00.
To Apply:
Submit a PDF cover letter, resume, and three references to hr@mfu.org. No phone calls or visits please. Applications received before Aug 30 will receive priority consideration.