JOB FILLED - Director Of Agronomic Services - Joe Produce | Produce Jobs, Produce Careers, Agriculture Jobs, Agriculture Careers

JOB FILLED - Director Of Agronomic Services

Job Description: 
Measure to Improve’s Agriculture Advisor will serve as the subject matter expert for farming practices focusing on healthy soils and climate smart/regenerative agriculture practices in the fresh produce sector. This role will serve as a key team member for the USDA-funded Climate Smart Commodities grant that will be awarded to the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) and their team, including Measure to Improve (MTI). This role will be the primary point of contact between the project team and the growers we intend to work with over the five years of the project. This position will also support and help expand Measure to Improve’s current clients and broader project portfolio as an in-house expert on regenerative farming.
 
Primary Responsibilities Include:
 
Serve as subject matter expert on regenerative farming for the USDA-funded project called A vibrant future: Pilot projects for climate-smart fruit and vegetable production, marketing, and valuation of ecosystem services which is funded through the IFPA. This will include working closely with growers in California and coordinating with Alcorn State to support growers in the Southeast US. This position will be the primary point of contact between growers adopting new regenerative practices and the project’s many other partners. 
  • Communicate regenerative farming practices to growers and the broader community of stakeholders
  • Establish robust data collection and reporting structures for on-farm data information in collaboration with academic and technology grant partners
  • Report on progress for each of the participating growers regularly
  • Develop training materials and conduct trainings for new on-farm practices
  • Conduct trainings for new on-farm practices
  • Provide technical support to growers in implementing regenerative practices
Help MTI build its portfolio of clients and services promoting healthy soils and climate-smart and regenerative ag
  • Advise clients on best techniques for regenerative agriculture (advise on cover crops, irrigation techniques, etc.)
  • Expand awareness of MTI and our services through industry networking, and proposal development
  • Build MTI Team reference resources on climate-smart and regenerative ag practices, research, and funding opportunities
  • Support the MTI Team as we build out our on-farm sustainability services
Qualifications: 
  • Must be passionate about the agricultural industry, fresh produce, and sustainability
  • 10+ years of on-farm experience in agriculture practices
  • Substantial experience in sharing knowledge and training growers in new, more sustainable farming practices
  • Comfortable with managing data and documenting meetings/calls with growers, in-field observations, and written answers to grower’s questions
  • Experience with residue and tillage management, alley cropping, water management, soil amendments (biochar, compost application), and other regenerative farming practices is highly desirable
  • Experience setting up, monitoring progress, and evaluating the outcomes from in-field experiments, research, and/or pilot programs for new inputs, technology, biodiversity, and/or irrigation practices is highly desirable.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong ability to build and maintain rapport and productive relationships with growers 
  • Should be a team player and eager participant in a collaborative work environment
  • Quick to grasp new, often technically complex topics or concepts
  • Creative problem-solving skills and willingness to work with and around the uncertainty that comes with helping organizations try something new
Education/Training:
  • Master’s Degree or advanced education/training equivalent in the fields of agronomy, environmental sciences, sustainability, or related field
  • Current CCA (preferred) or PCA certification; California Nitrogen Specialist certification a plus
  • Advanced training in irrigation systems is highly desirable
  • Prior experience using CropTrak or other digital data collection systems is desirable.
Other Qualifications: 
  • Spanish language abilities are a plus
  • Must hold and maintain a valid driving license and possess or have access to a personal vehicle to transport yourself to various work sites
  • Must have the ability to stand and walk over uneven, unpaved, and/or slippery grounds
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
How to Apply:
Submit a cover letter and resume with the subject line Director of Agronomy – YOUR NAME. 
 
Applications received by December 31 will be given priority consideration, but this position will remain open until filled. 
 
Please include in your cover letter additional detail on any relevant coursework or certifications.
Compensation/Salary: 
DOE
Confidential Job: 
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