Build your Food & Ag Law Expertise

Consider joining us in the LL.M. Program in Agricultural and Food Law at the University of Arkansas School of Law. Our students attend either full- or part-time, on-campus or by distance. Many are experienced professionals. We provide an excellent value and an exceptional opportunity. Vist our website at law.uark.edu/llm or email us at LLM@uark.edu.

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Multiple Openings - Congressional Research Service

Analyst in Energy Policy 

The Resources, Science and Industry Division of the Congressional Research Service is seeking an Analyst in Energy Policy. The analyst will cover energy and minerals policy, focusing on leasing and development on federal lands, mining and extractive industries, and critical minerals. The candidate should understand all facets of these areas including economics and employment, technology, and federal revenues. The ideal candidate will demonstrate ability to develop expertise in new areas.

A full job description may be found here.

Research Manager - Natural Resources and Earth Sciences Section 

The Research Manager leads the Natural Resources and Earth Sciences Section of the Resources, Science and Industry Division in the development of policy research and analysis relevant to congressional needs.Issues include natural resources policy and implications in key areas including institutional, economic, regulatory, and scientific issues related to public lands; fish and wildlife; water resources; forestry, terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems; earth sciences; and natural hazards.

A full job description may be found here.

Analyst in Agricultural Policy - Congressional Research Service

The Resources, Science and Industry Division of the Congressional Research Service is seeking an Analyst in Agricultural Policy. The analyst will possess knowledge of the theories, concepts, processes, techniques, principles, and/or practices of agricultural research, extension, and education; agricultural production; programs and policies mitigating losses to agriculture from natural disasters; and U.S. Department of Agriculture programs addressing economic issues affecting rural America. This includes knowledge of the history, trends, and current status of agricultural policy and interrelationships of federal programs and policies with the positions of key state, industry, academic, and nongovernmental stakeholders. The ideal candidate will demonstrate ability to develop expertise in new areas.

This position requires the ability to utilize analytical methods and techniques to analyze policy issues for the U.S. Congress. Applicants should be comfortable with quantitative approaches in research and familiar with policy related to agricultural research, extension, and education; agricultural production; programs and policies mitigating losses to agriculture from natural disasters; and/or U.S. Department of Agriculture programs addressing economic issues affecting rural America. Strong writing and presentation skills, including the ability to synthesize complex analyses into easy-to-understand language for a non-technical audience, are required.

CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing policy and legal analysis to committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. As a legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS has been a valued and respected resource on Capitol Hill for more than a century.


A full job description may be found here.

Monday, November 19, 2018

Legislative Attorney (Constitutional Law) - Congressional Research Service

The Legislative Attorney prepares objective, non-partisan analytical studies and descriptive and background memoranda and reports on legal issues of national significance; provides personal consultation and assistance to congressional committees, Members, and staff on legal issues throughout the legislative process; and participates in or leads team research projects and seminars.  The incumbent is expected to develop over time the skills necessary to provide legal analysis and consultation to congressional committees, Members, and staff at increasingly sophisticated levels.
Candidates with research experience in and broad general knowledge of legal issues regarding constitutional law in particular and American public law in general; who demonstrate strong research, writing, and oral communication skills; and who possess a portfolio of high quality legal analytical writing are encouraged to apply. Experience as a judicial clerk will be beneficial.

The position’s primary focus is the broad area of constitutional law. However, given ALD’s relatively small staff and the breadth of issues ALD covers for Congress, candidates must also be capable of working in a number of different areas of the law and have the intellectual curiosity to seek out and maintain a broad portfolio of legal issues. Thus, applicants should also have knowledge of administrative law and statutory interpretation.
CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing policy and legal analysis to committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. As a legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS has been a valued and respected resource on Capitol Hill for more than a century.

CRS is well known for analysis that is authoritative, confidential, objective, and nonpartisan. Its highest priority is to ensure that Congress has immediate access to the nation's best thinking on legal and public policy issues of interest to its Members and Committees.

A full job description may be found here.

Friday, November 16, 2018

Executive Director - SAWG (Remote)

The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (Southern SAWG) is seeking to hire an entrepreneurial, visionary leader and fundraiser to serve as Executive Director. Southern SAWG’s mission is to increase the collective power of the sustainable agriculture movement in 13 southern states by building knowledge, awareness, and community among farmers and their key partners.
Southern SAWG has been a lead organization in the Southern region, working for the past 27 years to foster a more sustainable food and agriculture system throughout its member states – one that yields dignity and economic viability for farmers and farm workers, and provides safe and secure food for all, produced in harmony with nature. We are engaged in extensive outreach and education over a broad and diverse region, both geographically and demographically. Southern SAWG links more than 150 organizations and many individuals throughout the 13 Southern states of AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, & VA.
*Whereas the position is seen as remote, residence in one of our member states is required.  Due to our large geographical coverage, the staff and contractors of Southern SAWG operate out of their home offices.

A full job description may be found here.

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Executive Director - NOFA VT

About NOFA-VT
Founded in 1971, NOFA-VT has served as the Vermont voice for organic agriculture for commercial producers, homesteaders and gardeners. NOFA-VT works to support local, organic farmers and gardeners to increase certified organic land in Vermont, and make healthy food more accessible to all Vermonters, while building strong, agriculture-based communities. By developing public awareness, we grow markets for organic food. Through organic certification, technical assistance, research, policy and advocacy, we work to grow organic agriculture in Vermont.
About the Position
The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT) is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to serve as its Executive Director to lead the organization and continue to build an inclusive and energetic tent for Vermont’s agricultural community.
The Executive Director will be responsible for providing leadership and direction toward the achievement of NOFA-VT’s mission and goals; administering the operations and programs of NOFA-VT; executing the policies established by the Board of Directors; overseeing the preparation of meaningful reports reflecting the financial health of the organization; providing human resources leadership and supervising staff; and representing the goals and work of the organization to the wider community.
A minimum of 5 years of nonprofit management experience is required. A Master’s Degree or equivalent work experience is highly desired. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the complexities and challenges within the organic food and farming industry as well as knowledge of organic farming in Vermont is a plus. More information about the position can be found at: https://nofavt.org/about-us/join-our-team.
To apply, submit a cover letter outlining qualifications for this position, resume and three references to edsearch@nofavt.org by January 15, 2019.

Monday, November 12, 2018

Director of Food Equity - Ecotrust

Ecotrust seeks a new core member of our Food & Farms team to develop and drive forward food equity initiatives, manage our farm to institution body of work, develop staff, and oversee team operations. Joining the team at a time of transition and opportunity, the Director of Food Equity will report to and work hand in hand with the Vice President of Food & Farms to shape the strategic vision for the future of our food work, bringing fresh eyes to our farm to institution initiatives, and leading the program team in visioning and executing a stronger racial equity impact. The Director of Food Equity will be responsible for the operational success of the Food & Farms program, setting the vision and tone for team culture, management, and development, providing leadership around issues of food justice and access, stewarding programmatic resources, and ensuring strong program delivery and evaluation.

This is a full-time position covering the Pacific Northwest, based out of Portland or Seattle, and requires moderate travel.

Learn more about this position: Info session Thursday November 15th @ 10AM
Ecotrust’s Food & Farms team is hosting an informational session about this position at Ecotrust on Thursday November 15th at 10am. You can join us live in the Alder Room or call in via conference line to ask questions:
·       Click this link to join by computer audio/video: https://zoom.us/j/821875399
·       Dial this number to join by phone: (669) 900-6833
·       Meeting ID: 821 875 399
RSVPs encouraged. Please email avargas@ecotrust.org to let us know if you’ll be joining in person or remotely. If you will be unable to join, you may also submit questions to avargas@ecotrust.org ahead of time. We will record the session and post the recording to the Ecotrust website shortly afterwards.

A full job description may be found here.

Friday, November 9, 2018

Executive Director - National Farm to School Network

NFSN is seeking a dynamic, values-driven and collaborative leader as Executive Director. The Executive Director leads innovation and strategic growth toward accomplishing the mission of the organization. In partnership with the NFSN Advisory Board, Core and Supporting Partners and national staff, the Executive Director is responsible for implementation of the NFSN strategic plan through organizational programming and operations, ensuring long term financial sustainability and advancement of the farm to school movement. Responsible for shaping the vision and future direction of the organization, the Executive Director will seek opportunities for expanding partnerships and funders and for scaling up impact so that farm to school and ECE are a norm in all communities across the U.S. The ideal candidate will possess a commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, access and belonging, as demonstrated through career, educational and life experience. Location is flexible (anywhere within the U.S., with preference for proximity to Washington, D.C.). Estimated start date is April 2019. The deadline to apply is Jan. 7, 2019.

A full job description may be found here.

In addition, applications for the Policy Specialist position are still being accepted.

D.C. Federal Policy Associate - National Young Farmers Coalition

The National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) seeks a full-time Federal Policy Associate to grow our federal policy team and be an advocate for our policy work on behalf of young farmers and ranchers. The Federal Policy Associate will be based in Washington, DC and report to our Federal Policy Director.
NYFC represents, mobilizes, and engages young farmers to ensure their success. We envision a country where young people who are willing to work, get trained and take a little risk can support themselves and their families in farming. In order to achieve this vision, we are building a coalition of farmers, ranchers, and supportive consumers of all racial, ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds. NYFC strongly encourages women, LGBTQ individuals, military veterans, and people of color to apply.
Responsibilities will include:
  • Monitor, research, and analyze federal policy and legislation related to young farmers, and work with the Federal Policy Director to advance NYFC’s policy platform and legislative priorities;
  • Establish and maintain relationships with key Congressional offices, federal agencies, allied organizations, and private stakeholders to advance NYFC’s work;
  • Draft and present materials for NYFC’s new and existing policy priorities for lawmakers, stakeholders, and the media, including fact sheets, one-pagers, bill summaries, testimony, and presentations;
  • Work with NYFC’s grassroots and communications teams to help inform and mobilize NYFC’s network of young farmers;
  • Support NYFC’s policy program by assisting in program strategy, grant reporting, and other tasks.
Qualifications:
  • At least two years of experience in public policy, including a working knowledge of the Congressional policy-making process, the farm bill, and/or USDA programs and administration
  • Strongly identify with NYFC’s core mission, platform, and guiding principles
  • Demonstrated commitment to equity and experience working with diverse communities
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and verbal and written communication
  • Works well independently, with a team, and in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to think creatively about policy and program reforms that address structural barriers for young farmers and ranchers

A full job description may be found here.

Thursday, November 8, 2018

PhD and MS Research Assistantships in areas of Economics of Food Systems available at Colorado State University

Areas of Study:         
  • Economic impacts of policies supporting U.S. farm to school programs
  • Food security and dietary quality effects of urban food policies
  • Economic analysis of alcoholic beverage industry and related marketing

Deadlines: application deadline is February 15, 2018, start date is May - August 2018.


Contact: Chris Goemans, Chair of the Graduate Program, (970) 491-7261, chris.goemans@colostate.edu

The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics (DARE) at Colorado State University has openings for at least 3 PhD/MS students in different specialty areas within the broad umbrella of the economics of food systems. Specifically, we are recruiting for students interested in supporting the three following new/ongoing research areas:
 
·       Economic impacts of policies supporting U.S. farm to school program. An ongoing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) funded research project in the Department is evaluating: 1) farm and ranch profitability impacts of sales through these markets (preliminary results using state-level policy data shows that these policies matter); 2) spillover impacts to household purchases at retail grocery stores resulting from farm to school programs; and 3) changes in levels of students’ consumptions of fruits and vegetables based on local procurement. The selected student would augment this work by building a database of Federal, State, and Philanthropic grants supporting K-12 farm to school programming in the U.S. (including the possibility of a Washington DC based internship). Once built, the database will enable to research team to investigate how policies, and specifically grant dollars, impact the success of these programs.
Primary supervisors: Dr. Bonanno, Dr. Jablonski, Dr. Thilmany.  
 
·       Food security and dietary quality effects of urban food policies
As consumers become more interested in their food and its origin, urban communities are increasingly integrating food into mainstream planning and policymaking. We are looking for a graduate student to work closely with a team of inter-disciplinary researchers to understand how households’ food security and dietary quality may be affected by urban policies and programs. Part of this work, funded from the Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research (FFAR), will involve collecting data, and modeling household purchasing decisions, and their response to key proposed interventions.
Primary supervisors: Dr. Bonanno, Dr. Jablonski, Dr. Thilmany,  
 
·       Economic analysis of alcoholic beverage industry and related marketing
Alcoholic beverage industries have been experiencing tremendous growth and transformation to their marketing channels. This is especially prevalent within the craft beer industry, which has grown at an exponential rate over the past decade. Graduate students in this field have the opportunity to examine a variety of issues such as: the impact of state and federal policies on alcohol sales and distribution; changing market structure and marketing tactics; and the growth of related industries (e.g. input materials and retail distribution). Colorado State is well-positioned to support such research with its new established Liquid Arts Research Forum (LARF), a multi-disciplinary collaboration working with industry leaders.
Primary supervisors: Dr. Berning, Dr. Bonanno, Dr. Costanigro

Within each of these topic areas, the selected students will work closely with an inter-disciplinary team of faculty involved in applied research. The student will develop a skillset in the areas of applied policy analysis and micro econometric modeling. Additionally, the selected students may have the opportunity to perform both primary data collection as well as empirical analyses of secondary, restricted-access data. Direct interaction with diverse stakeholders will provide an opportunity to understand and evaluate the importance of applied research for effective policy recommendations. To learn more about these initiatives, please visit: http://foodsystems.colostate.edu  
Requirements: strong candidates will possess an innate curiosity and a passion for studying the economics of food systems. Students should have the desire and ability to develop their quantitative skills (including econometric), microeconomic foundations, and relevant policy analysis. Previous research experience, excellent written and oral communication, organizational skills, ability to work independently, and experience in any segment of the food system are desirable.
Graduate assistantship includes:
·       2-4 years of a competitive stipend, commensurate with the student’s experience and engagement in research
·       2-3 years of full tuition support
·       Full medical insurance
·       Potential for summer salary and travel funds to cover costs for academic conferences.
 
The student will be responsible for required graduate fees. CSU is an EO/EA/AA employer and conducts background checks on all final candidates.
The graduate program in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at CSU We offer rigorous coursework, coupled with training in applied research and an emphasis on close collaborations between faculty and students. Most of our students are directly involved in grants and projects in cooperation with government agencies and industry stakeholders.
Specific information about the program can be found at http://dare.agsci.colostate.edu/graduate/graduate-programs/

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Communications and Legislative Affairs Officer

Job Description

The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR), a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization established by bipartisan Congressional support in the 2014 Farm Bill, builds unique partnerships to support innovative and actionable science addressing today's food and agriculture challenges. FFAR leverages public and private resources to increase the scientific and technological research, innovation, and partnerships critical to enhancing sustainable production of nutritious food for a growing global population.

FFAR seeks a Communications and Legislative Affairs Officer to join the Foundation during an exciting time in the organization’s history. The Communications and Legislative Affairs Officer works across departments to elevate the FFAR brand by envisioning and executing new ways of sharing the Foundation’s goals and accomplishments with a variety of audiences.

Reporting to the Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs, the Officer plays a key role in building and strengthening relationships with stakeholders including reporters, Members of Congress, their staff, and representatives of organizations in the food and agriculture community, including commodity groups, research organizations, universities, scientific societies, government officials, associations and others.

The Communications and Legislative Affairs department updates the community through press releases, webinars, email communications, social media, in-person events and meetings, and an annual report. The Officer serves as the main point of contact for FFAR interviews and gathers multimedia to convey impact of FFAR grants.

The Officer will lead projects independently in some cases and support the Director in others.

Location: Washington, DC

Responsibilities

Communications and Public Relations
·         Collaborate with Director on press strategy and outreach
·         Pitch stories to the media and staff executive interviews with some internal and external support
·         Collaborate with Director on press release writing and distribution
·         Create and execute a digital media strategy including social media, email communications and website content
·         Participate in development of speeches, presentations, talking points, blog posts, and guest articles for executives and board members as needed
·         Manage relationships with design, media tracking and web design firms including management of marketing materials development

Legislative Affairs and Stakeholder Relations
·         Participate in monthly Governance and Federal Relations Committee calls
·         Proactively educate Members of Congress and their staff on FFAR-funded projects and impact in their districts
·         Liaise with Senate and House Agriculture Committee staff as needed
·         Work with Director to plan and execute events including Congressional staff briefings, research presentations and receptions
·         Work with Director, other colleagues and Executive Director to plan and execute quarterly stakeholder engagement events (virtual and in-person briefings)

Minimum Qualifications
·         Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public policy or related degree.
·         Three-six years of professional experience in a communications or legislative affairs role.
·         Exceptional writing and presentation skills.
·         Superior Excel and PowerPoint skills.
·         Professional social media experience and/or graphic design
·         Self-motivated, creative problem solver with ability to prioritize under multiple deadlines.
·         Enthusiasm for/interest in improving the food system through scientific innovation.

Application Instructions

The position is open for immediate hire. Interested candidates should send a resume and thoughtful cover letter describing your specific qualifications, interest in the position, and salary requirements to communications@foundationfar.org by November 19, 2018. Please specify Communications and Legislative Affairs Officer in the subject line of your message. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. Applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted. No phone calls please.

FFAR is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to veteran status, uniformed service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Monday, November 5, 2018

FASPE Law Fellowship

FASPE (Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics) is now accepting applications for its 2019 Law program

FASPE Law is a fully-funded, two-week fellowship program in professional ethics and ethical leadership that begins by examining the actions and choices of German lawyers in enabling Nazi policies. It then draws on this historical example to help Law Fellows both grasp their role as influencers in their field and in their communities as well as identify and confront the ethical issues currently facing lawyers and the legal profession. The program takes place in Germany and Poland at the sites of Nazi actions, allowing Fellows to benefit from the power of the place and immersive, contextual learning.

DETAILS
Program Dates: Saturday, May 25 - Friday, June 7, 2019.
Fully-funded: All program costs are covered, including travel, lodging, and food. 
Interdisciplinary: FASPE Law Fellows travel with Fellows in the FASPE Business and Journalism programs.
Itinerary: Fellows will travel to Berlin, Krakow, and Oswiecim (the location of the former Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz).
Eligibility: Applicants must be currently enrolled in a JD or LLM (or equivalent) program OR have received such a degree between May 2017 and January 2019. 
___
FASPE programs are non-denominational. Candidates of all nationalities, religions, and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 


To learn more about FASPE and to apply, please visit: http://www.faspe-ethics.org/how-to-apply/
For a list of previous Fellows, please visit http://www.faspe-ethics.org/fellows-by-year/
Completed applications are due by Friday, December 28, 2018. 

Sunday, November 4, 2018

Analyst in Environmental Policy - Library of Congress

The Resources, Science and Industry Division of the Congressional Research Service seeks an Analyst in Environmental Policy. The analyst will possess knowledge of the history, trends, and current status of environmental policy issues related to groundwater contamination prevention and response, interrelationships of groundwater contamination with federal programs, and aspects of surface water quality. The ideal candidate will demonstrate ability to develop expertise in new areas.

This position requires the ability to utilize analytical methods and techniques to analyze policy issues for the U.S. Congress. Applicants should be comfortable with quantitative approaches in research and familiar with issues related to groundwater contamination prevention and response, interrelationships of groundwater contamination with federal programs, and aspects of surface water quality. Strong writing and presentation skills, including the ability to synthesize complex analyses into easy-to-understand language for a non-technical audience, are required.

CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing policy and legal analysis to committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. As a legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS has been a valued and respected resource on Capitol Hill for more than a century.

A full job description may be found here.