Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Carolina Farm Stewardship Association seeking to fill two positions; Organic Policy Coordinator and Lomax Farm Coordinator. Deadline Approaching

Carolina Farm Stewardship Association seeking to fill two positions; Organic Policy Coordinator and Lomax Farm Coordinator

CFSA Organic Policy Coordinator

The Organic Policy Coordinator is a full-time (40 hours/week) position with the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA) that may be based in CFSA’s Pittsboro, NC office or at a remote location within the Carolinas. The Organic Policy Coordinator works as part of the CFSA Policy Team to advocate for the interests of family-scale organic farmers with federal and state policymakers.

Job Summary:
The Organic Policy Coordinator position is a full-time, salaried position. In collaboration with the Policy Director, the Organic Policy Coordinator will research and analyze legislative and regulatory proposals that support organic integrity. The Coordinator will develop policy proposals that promote the interests of family-scale organic farmers and advocate for their passage and implementation with national and state policymakers. The Organic Policy Coordinator will identify and implement strategies and tactics to prevent dilution of the organic standards and ensure that consumers’ expectations of the standards—environmental stewardship, family-scale farming, fair labor practices, high animal welfare standards, zero tolerance for GMOs, freedom from chemical residues, and wholesomeness—are met.

Applications are due by March 6, 2017.

All the details and apply at https://www.carolinafarmstewards.org/jobs/

CFSA Lomax Farm Coordinator

The Lomax Farm Coordinator is a full-time (40 hrs. /week) salaried position with the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA). The Lomax Farm Coordinator is based at the Elma C. Lomax Incubator Farm in Concord, NC and is responsible for operational management of programs at the farm.

Job Summary:
The Lomax Farm Coordinator is responsible for supporting farming operations at the Elma C. Lomax Incubator Farm including production and non-production areas and will be responsible for the physical assets of the facility. The Lomax Farm Coordinator reports to CFSA’s Lomax Manager and may supervise volunteers.

Applications are due by February 24, 2017.

All the details and apply at https://www.carolinafarmstewards.org/jobs/



Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Faculty Specialist, Agricultural & Resource Economics, University of Maryland

Position Announcement: Faculty Specialist, Agricultural & Resource Economics, University of Maryland

The University of Maryland’s Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics seeks a highly motivated individual to provide legal analysis and develop extension programs for farmers, lawyers, and other agriculture professionals, on legal policy issues of importance to agriculture and natural resources in Maryland, Delaware, and the Mid-Atlantic region. Funding is secured on an annual basis, so reappointment is dependent on continued funding and satisfactory job performance.

Responsibilities:
•Provide legal analysis to the University of Maryland and University of Delaware by developing policy-oriented extension programs on legal issues of importance and emerging legal issues to agriculture, natural resources, food, and environmental in Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region.
•Work with the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics on research collaborations with faculty as well as graduate students.
•Work with Agriculture Law Education Initiative faculty and staff on extension and research collaborations.
•Work with University of Delaware faculty and staff on extension and research collaborations.
•Explore and utilize additional dissemination techniques including short online videos, webinars, and, social media (including but not limited to blog posting, Facebook, and Twitter).
•Occasional night and weekend travel and work is required.
•Other related duties as assigned by supervisor.

The Agriculture Law Education Initiative (ALEI) is a collaboration of the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB); the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources at the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP); and the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). ALEI is an initiative of the University of Maryland: MPowering the State, a strategic alliance between UMB and UMCP created in 2012 to significantly expand research, business development, and student opportunities at both universities.


For more information and to apply, visit the University of Maryland Human Resources website.

Monday, February 20, 2017

Position Announcement: Managing Attorney, Arkansas Agriculture Department

Position Announcement: Managing Attorney, Arkansas Agriculture Department

The position will have broad responsibilities that will include assisting with the regulatory and administrative functioning of the department which consists of the Arkansas State Plant Board, Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission, and Arkansas Forestry Commission.


The Managing Attorney is responsible for conducting legal research and writing legal documents for use in litigation, providing legal assistance to the agency, and supervising subordinate attorneys and legal administrative support staff. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.


Typical Functions Supervises and manages support staff and subordinate attorneys by interviewing, hiring, providing training, assigning workloads, and evaluating performance of incumbents. Provides legal services and advice to management and divisions on a broad range of matters. Represents the agency in negotiations. Represents the agency in litigation including all administrative and court proceedings. Interprets and analyzes all state and federal laws. Drafts new or revised policy and legislation. Conducts legal research. Drafts and prepares legal briefings and pleadings and responds to subpoenas. May develop and prepare budgets. Performs other duties as assigned.


For more information and to apply visit the Arkansas State Jobs website.

Monday, February 6, 2017

LL.M. Program in Ag & Food Law - Opportunities to Attend Tuition Free Plus Stipend

The LL.M. Program in Agricultural & Food Law is pleased to announce assistantship and scholarship opportunities for the 2017-18 academic year.  For more information about our academic program, see blog post at LL.M. Program in Agricultural & Food Law.

New LL.M. Assistantship Opportunities 


We will offer three new assistantship opportunities that provide for a full tuition waiver, plus a monthly stipend. Candidates selected for these positions are enrolled as full-time degree candidates in the LL.M. Program, with part time work duties designed to enhance their career development and build their professional resumes. Only face-to-face LL.M. candidates are eligible for these particular positions.

Advisor, The Journal of Food Law & Policy, The Arkansas Law Review, and Arkansas Law Notes
  • This position calls for an LL.M. candidate to help guide the three student-edited publications at the law school, the Journal of Food Law & Policy, the Arkansas Law Review, and Arkansas Law Notes. Duties will include advising the student Boards and assisting with the teaching of a specialized course in scholarly writing. This position will be designated to an LL.M. candidate with a background of service on a law review or journal and a demonstrated interest in academic scholarship. 
Adjunct Instructor, Political Science Pre-Law 
  • This position includes service as an adjunct instructor teaching a course in "The Judicial Process" within the Political Science Department in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. This class explores the the U.S. legal system and is designed for undergraduate pre-law students. It is taught in the law school. This position will be designated to an LL.M. candidate with a background in political science and/or jurisprudence, legal practice or clerking experience, and an interest in teaching.
Academic Success, Accelerated J.D. Program for Foreign-Trained Lawyers
  • This position will serve as a source of academic support to a small number (2-6) of candidates within the Accelerated J.D. Program for Foreign-Trained Lawyers. The students in this program are attorneys with their law license from a jurisdiction outside of the United States. More information on the Accelerated J.D. program is available on our website. Additional work under the guidance of the law school's Director of Academic Success will also be included. This position is designed for someone with an interest in building international connections and a small group teaching experience.
Additional graduate and research assistantships may be available. 

Additional Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities


All LL.M. candidates, including distance students are also able to apply for the Leland Leatherman Cooperative Law Scholarship, the Donald B. Pedersen Scholarships and the Benjamin Franklin Lever Tuition Fellowship. Visit our Costs and Financial Aid webpage for more information.

Qualified candidates will be matched to the appropriate assignment based on their background and experience. Interested applicants should:

1) Apply to the LL.M. Program 
2) Note an interest in one or more of the available positions by a statement included with the application packet. 

Contact us at llm@uark.edu or 479-575-3706 for more information.  

Sunday, February 5, 2017

Michigan State University Community & Economic Development Extension Educator, Mason, Michigan

Community Food Systems and Community/Economic Development Extension Educator Salary

Minimum base salary of $45,000 Benefits

Visit: https://jobs.msu.edu/ 
Posting Number: 4744
Application Deadline: March 10, 2017 

Community & Economic Development Extension Educator Position Overview

As a community food systems/community & economic development extension educator, this position seeks to build local capacity and enhance community participation on local food, community development and community vitality issues. Target audiences for education and capacity-building programs include local government officials, public officials, local leaders, small businesses and industries, local and regional food providers, marketers and distributors, community-based organizations and the general public.

Educational programs addressing community needs and local food opportunities may include establishing and working closely with local food policy councils, local leadership trainings, data-supported regional economic development education, local and regional food production system trainings, and community planning.

Specific responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
 Develop, conduct and evaluate innovative educational programs based on current and projected community needs within south-central Michigan.
 Assist in the development and growth of local food systems in MSUE’s District 8 & 12, and the integration of Michigan’s Good Food Charter.
 Assist in facilitating local and regional efforts that advance a “healthy community” agenda.
 Work with local and regional change efforts, including data-supported strategic planning and decision making to enhance community vitality.
 Assist in strategic planning and facilitation related to local and regional community and economic development efforts.
 Assist with coordination and delivery of the Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities annual conference.
 Fully participate in the Greening Michigan Institute’s Community Food System meetings, trainings and other activities. Engage with other MSUE work teams, as appropriate.
 Author educational materials on topics related to local foods, including mass media articles, fact sheets and/or Extension Bulletins.
 Maintain regular communications with appropriate local and regional food system players and community development organizations
 Support and promote and inclusive locally-based approach to education and outreach and encourages local participation and is aimed at building community-level capacity and empowering all interests.
 Design, coordinate, support and/or teach educational programs of benefit to local and regional decision-makers, including:
 Write grants, generate revenue and establish partnerships that leverage public, private and not-for-profit funds in ways consistent with MSU Extension policies, and which foster effective programming.
 Develop and follow a personal plan for professional development consistent with personal and organizational goals, participate in staff meetings and other program activities as appropriate and needed.
 Gather and report programming outputs and impacts, to demonstrate program effectiveness and to guide future program priorities for MSUE, the Greening Michigan Institute and the appropriate work group(s).

Qualifications:
 Master’s Degree in community sustainability, urban and regional planning, community and/or economic development, agricultural economics, sociology/rural sociology, and/or related field.
 Knowledge of local food system and/or economic, community and/or regional development theories and practices.
 Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
 Experience and proven ability working productively with a team.

Application Process:

Interested and qualified candidates should visit the Michigan State University jobs page at www.jobs.msu.edu to apply for posting number (insert number) under the MSU Extension postings.

For questions, please contact Dr. David Ivan, Director, MSU Extension Greening Michigan Institute (517-432-7602; ivand@msu.edu) or Gina Flores, MSU Extension Human Resources (517-353-9251; flores35@anr.msu.edu).

Saturday, February 4, 2017

LL.M. Program in Agricultural & Food Law

The LL.M. Program in Agricultural & Food Law is accepting applications for the class beginning in the Fall of 2017. 


For over 35 years, the University of Arkansas has been recognized as the leader in agricultural and food law education. With graduates working in 38 different states and at least 18 foreign countries, our network of alumni is unsurpassed. In addition to our resident faculty, our visiting professors include experts in specialized agricultural and food law topics from Washington D.C., Washington state, California, Iowa, New York, Georgia, North Carolina, and Vermont. Through live video-conferencing, we link with students and professors in other countries, giving our studies a true global reach. Our extensive curriculum reflects both the practical and the policy issues that impact agriculture and our overall food system.

Attending the Program through our face-to-face option allows students to experience the beauty and charm of Fayetteville, Arkansas, a picturesque college town nestled at the foot of the Ozark Mountains.  With a vibrant local food community and an award winning Farmers Market, the Fayetteville food and farm scene complements our academic study.  Fayetteville has been recognized among the best places to live in America by U.S. News & World Report (ranked third in 2016); was listed as one of the top 10 best college towns by Livability.com and was listed as one of the “Best Places for Business and Careers” by Forbes. With a low cost-of-living, a moderate climate, and abundant cultural opportunities, most our students find their living experience almost as rewarding as the studies.



Recognizing that not all of our students cannot join us in Arkansas, we also offer classes by distance instruction.  Distance students can video-conference into the classroom, participating as a member of the class from their home or office.  Classes are recorded for later viewing.  Online courses provide for carefully structured directed learning, often with videos, online participation, and occasional video-conferenced discussion groups.  All of our distance courses are designed with the assistance of the experts working with the University of Arkansas Global Campus, assuring the best quality instruction and design.



There is complete integration between our face-to-face and distance programs, with our distance students always welcome to come to campus and our online courses open to all.

For more information visit our website, follow our blog at agfoodllm, and follow us on Twitter @agfoodlaw.  Or call us at 479.575.3706;  email LLM.uark.edu.


Executive Director, Youth Garden Project - Moab, UT

The Youth Garden Project is seeking applications for an Executive Director.

The Youth Garden Project is a non-profit organization in Moab, Utah. Our work
focuses on growing healthy children, families, and community through
educational programs in a 1.5 acre garden and orchard. The organization has a
staff of four and up to eight seasonal interns.

Under the direction of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will be
responsible for the successful leadership and management of this dynamic
organization. The successful candidate will exhibit strong communication,
financial management, and fundraising skills.

Position Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership:
• Responsible for successful execution of operations and the implementation of
the strategic plan.
• Communicate with the Board of Directors regarding matters of governance and
organizational
activities.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and properly
maintain official records
and documents.
• Maintain confidential information concerning employees, donors, volunteers,
and program
participants and uphold a high standard of confidentially and ethics
throughout the organization.

Fiscal Management:
• Responsible for the financial well-being of the organization.
• Develop a comprehensive annual operating budget and a plan to meet income
and expense goals.
• Maintain sound financial practices, including healthy cash flows, strong
internal financial controls,
and ethical use of funds and resources.
• Work with the Associate Director to maintain fiscal record keeping
processes.
Fundraising:
• Create and implement a fundraising plan to meet annual budget goals and grow
the organization.
• Sustain relationships with current donors including, individuals,
foundations, corporations, and
government agencies.
• Seek new funding opportunities and build new relationships with potential
donors.
• Secure funding that will allow both short term and long term organizational
goals to be met.
• Apply for, manage, and report on all grants received according to each
funder’s guidelines.

Operations and Staff Management
• Responsible for the recruitment, hiring, and supervision, of all staff
positions.
• Partner with each staff member to create annual goals for their respective
roles, performance
measures, a plan to meet annual goals and opportunities for professional
development.
• Work with employees to oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation
of the organization's
programs and services.
• Manage contracts with companies providing employee benefits and represent
all employees and the
best interest of the organization when making decisions regarding benefits.
• Communicate and enforce organizational policies with employees, interns, and
volunteers.
• Oversee management and maintenance of YGP site, including all assets, and
off-site intern housing.
• Ensure compliance with all elements of current site lease.
Marketing & Public Relations:
• Develop and implement a marketing and branding plan that shares YGP’s story
with stakeholders and potential donors locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Strengthen the organizational brand through marketing and communications.
• Establish positive working relationships and collaborative arrangements with
community groups,
funders, businesses and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the
organization.
• Ensure that the mission, vision, core values, and programs are represented
to parents, agencies,
organizations, partners, government entities, and the general public.

Desired Skills and Experience
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and four years experience in a
leadership position.
• Three years fundraising experience, including securing gifts from individual
donors, corporations,
and foundations both locally and nationally.
• Proven ability to increase organization’s income streams through identifying
and securing new
donors and grants.
• Marketing and Public Relations experience with proven success in creating a
marketing campaign to
reach organizational goals.
• Experience with QuickBooks, facilitating budgets, and effectively creating
and using reports to
monitor financial activity.
• Strong, collaborative leader and team builder who can foster a healthy and
productive work environment, with experience successfully managing full-time
employees.
• Highly organized with ability to manage and prioritize multiple
responsibilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

Position Details and Benefits
This is a full-time, year-round position. Evening and weekend hours will be
required for some events, programs and meetings. Salary commensurate to
experience. Benefits include paid vacation and sick leave, group health
insurance plan, and IRA. Estimated Start Date: April 24, 2017

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for
three professional references to employment@youthgardenproject.org.
Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the
position is filled.

For more information visit: www.youthgardenproject.org/beinvolved.