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.

Friday, January 24, 2020

Center for Ecoliteracy - California Food for Kids

The Center for Ecoliteracy is seeking candidates for a Statewide Program Coordinator for our California Food for California Kids® initiative.

This position maintains key relationships with school districts and allied organizations across the state, cultivating, supporting, and sustaining active implementation of our California Food for California Kids programming. The ideal candidate will be adept at managing professional relationships and will enjoy periodic travel throughout California.

Click here to see the job post.

Please send a cover letter with your resume to jobs@ecoliteracy.org

Farm Commons

Farm Commons posted the following job notice:

We are welcoming a new part-time team member to join our close-knit group. The Legal and Community Research Associate Position offers individuals a powerful opportunity to remake farm business law as a force by and for our nation’s farmers, with a focus on the most innovative and direct to consumer operations. To build that future, we need someone with sharp legal research and community research skills, and who gets excited about convincing others to be a part of something big. If that sounds like you, please apply. Let us know in the cover letter why and how this opportunity is right for you.
Farm Commons is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers farmers to create solutions to their business law needs, within a community of support. We do this by fostering education, leadership development, and community-based problem solving. We work as a small but mighty team of remote staff who wake up each day ready to empower sustainable farmers nationwide to build resiliency through the law.
Position Description:
If successful, the Legal and Community Research Associate will achieve the following:
  1. Conduct community research programs that result in identification of opportunities to resolve persistent barriers to farm business resilience, while developing effective partnerships able to carry out the resolution into the future.
  2. Contribute to the development of participatory legal education and research as a concept by developing and implementing nontraditional programs for gathering and analyzing legal information and knowledge with community and business stakeholders.
  3. Strengthen Farm Commons’ service to the community by identifying community needs and mobilizing people and partnerships to address those needs.
In order to achieve the above results, the Legal and Community Research Associate will do the following:
  1. Engage in extensive community outreach to recruit and lead participants, partners, and stakeholders for collaborative research projects.
  2. Plan and conduct focus groups and other feedback activities; conduct market-based research including client and partner interviews to better understand the community’s intersection with legal issues.
  3. Conduct legal and community research, which may include reading statutes, regulations, and case law, gathering and reading contracts, consulting secondary sources, interviewing expert attorneys, and coordinating with the Staff Attorney as necessary.
  4. Work with the Executive Director to design project deliverables including white papers, guides, and strategy documents; write resulting resources and coordinate with the Staff Attorney as necessary to complete writing; coordinate with Farmer and Partner Development Manager to achieve outreach on deliverables.
  5. Align our work within the broader scholarship on community based and participatory legal research as a whole; align our work within the legal education market as a whole.
  6. Assist in the design and implementation of projects under the direction of the Executive and Associate Directors; document and facilitate program progress in the organization’s project management system.
Qualifications:
Qualified candidates will possess the following:
  1. Associate, undergraduate, or professional degree in a law-related field, including but not limited to a paralegal degree, law degree, or masters in legal studies as well as proficiency in legal research, analysis, and writing.
  2. Detailed experience in community-based research including surveys, focus groups, interviews and other methods of receiving input from communities, in the context of business/market research, community organizing/advocacy, or member services.
  3. Educational background or experience in agriculture, farming, and food systems.
  4. Proven ability to take initiative in developing programs that are goal-focused, results-oriented, and replicable with limited oversight.
  5. Substantial, demonstrated skills in assembling effective coalitions and partnerships from among diverse stakeholders such as attorneys, advocates, land owners, small business owners, and industry representatives.
  6. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to clearly and confidently deliver persuasive content and conduct workshop-style instruction.
Compensation:
Farm Commons posted the following announcement:  
This is a half time, 20-hour per week position at a pay rate of $26 per hour. Benefits also provided.
Successful candidates may be from any location in the lower 48 states, but a preference will apply to Midwest-based candidates.
Occasional travel will be required, including overnight stays of 2 nights or more around the country.
How to Apply:
To apply for this position, please send a cover letter and resume to Rachel Armstrong, rachel@farmcommons.org by February 14, 2020. Cover letters must detail whether and how the applicant meets the 6 qualifications stated. Letters should not exceed 5 pages in length. Please submit both the letter and the resume together as a single pdf document. Please write Legal and Community Research Associate into the subject line of your email submission. Confirmation of receipt will be sent within 3 days, but not after the deadline.

USDA AMS Positions


USDA AMS - Announcement

Now Hiring for Multiple Positions!
Join the passionate team that enforces the USDA National Organic Standards

The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) oversees the dynamic, growing organic industry. This small federal program has a big impact on farmers, businesses and consumers, enforcing the organic standards to continually strengthen the trust in an agricultural sector with increasingly complex global supply chains – from farm to table.

This week, we are hiring for three positions:

National List Manager
Accreditation Manager (multiple openings)
Audit Team Manager
These jobs are open to qualified members of the public. Apply online through www.USAJobs.com using the links below, or by searching for the announcement number, in red below.

NOTE: Relocation compensation may be paid. Selected candidates must be willing to relocate to the DC metro area. Please do not apply if you are not able to move to the DC area.

Deadline for applications: January 29, 2020. Each job will close when 75 applications have been received, which may be sooner than the deadline.



National List Manager
Click for Announcement: DE-10692587-20-NO
The National List Manager (Agricultural Marketing Specialist - Regulatory) serves as a technical expert focusing on the diverse materials petitioned and used in organic crops, livestock, and processing. The National List Manager researches, analyzes and presents technical and scientific information from many sources to inform policy related to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. This expert also interacts with stakeholders across the organic community interested in materials issues.



Accreditation Manager
(multiple openings)
Click for Announcement: DE-10698209-20-NO
Accreditation Managers (Agricultural Marketing Specialist - Regulatory) are key members of the team that accredits and oversees organic certifiers. Accreditation managers conduct quality system and regulatory compliance audits of certifiers, provide technical expertise to certifiers, and conduct a myriad of activities to make sure certifier control systems are working effectively. Applicants may qualify at the GS-12 or GS-13 level.



Audit Team Manager
Click for Announcement: DE-10693134-20-NO
The Audit Team Manager (Supervisory Agricultural Marketing Specialist - Regulatory) is a GS-13 who supervises a team of remote auditors on the NOP Accreditation Team. This leader evaluates and supervises auditors, plans and manages the audit schedule, prepares and directs the preparation of audit documentation, and supports the development of accreditation procedures.

IATP Seeking an Executive Director

IATP is hiring an Executive Director!

Organization Summary:

The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy has a 30-year history of pursuing policies and actions that benefit family farmers, rural communities and the planet. Our work extends from advocating for more democratic and economically just trade agreements, to advocating for strong climate policy that supports family farmers, to spearheading stronger community food systems. Our systems-based approach has made IATP unique in that we match high-level research and analysis with on-the-ground engagement to bring policies to fruition. Our technical expertise and credibility within a variety of fields has enabled us to serve as a convener, collaborator, and trusted source for NGOs, policymakers and public agencies around the world. Our location in Minnesota is fortunate and strategic, as the deep tradition of civic engagement in this state has allowed us a laboratory to test innovative solutions that have been replicated around the country and world.

Our Mission:

IATP works locally and globally at the intersection of policy and practice to ensure fair and sustainable food, farm and trade systems.

Responsibilities:

The Executive Director leads the organization and, under general direction of the Board of Directors, has overall strategic and operational responsibility for staff, finance and budget management, fundraising, programs, and execution of IATP’s mission and strategic goals. The Executive Director is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Qualities:

IATP is looking for a collaborative, values-driven leader who possesses an internationalist perspective, is passionate about agriculture and food systems and can skillfully manage a complex, dynamic organization. Successful candidates will have:
  • Stature in a relevant field
  • Demonstrated leadership experience in advocacy work
  • Experience and success in fundraising
  • Passion and ability for managing a dedicated staff
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking
  • Ability to engage with many different cultures, constituencies and audiences
  • Integrity, humor and intelligence
  • Experience working with a board

Benefits and Compensation:

Compensation for this position is based upon qualifications and experience. IATP offers excellent health insurance, Health Savings Account (HSA), paid vacation and holidays, sick leave, 403B retirement plan with employer match, employer paid life, AD&D and LTD insurance.

To Apply or Inquire for Further Information:

If you would like to have a preliminary, confidential discussion about the position, or have ideas of potential candidates to share, send an email to executivesearch@iatp.org and one of the search committee members will respond. To apply, please send the following materials to the ED Search Team at executivesearch@iatp.org:
  • One-page cover letter
  • Resume or CV
  • Salary requirements
  • References
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, but priority will be given to applications received by Sunday, March 1.

IATP is committed to the principle of equity. We actively encourage women, people of color and LGBTQ individuals to apply for this position and all positions at IATP.

IATP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, military status or any other characteristic as established by law.
 

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Harvard Food Law & Policy Clinic - Fellows

The Harvard Food Law & Policy Clinic is seeking a two Clinical Fellows. One position will start in winter/spring 2020 and one will start in summer 2020.

The Clinical Fellows work with faculty, staff, and students on a broad range of international, federal, state, and local food policy projects. Fellows have the opportunity for tremendous professional development as they will work closely with leaders in the food law and policy field, develop expertise in a particular issue area, become familiar with a range of policy advocacy strategies, and practice educating and mentoring law students in the clinic. Applicants for this position must have a JD degree, earned within the past three years.

Monday, January 13, 2020

National Young Farmers Coalition: Federal Policy Associate - Washington, DC

The National Young Farmers Coalition (Young Farmers) seeks a Federal Policy Associate to support our federal policy advocacy and outreach. We are looking for an organized and dedicated candidate to work as part of the federal policy team, leading the implementation of the newly-adopted Young Farmers federal policy setting process and independently managing several policy portfolios. Our ideal candidate will thoughtfully manage and organize complex events and processes; build relationships with Young Farmer members and with partner organizations in DC; and clearly represent Young Farmer interests as part of our advocacy work–all with a racial equity lens.

The National Young Farmers Coalition is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, political orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and veterans to apply.

For full job description and application details, please visit our website:

Bread For The World - Senior Domestic Policy Analyst

Washington, D.C.

Description:

  • Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad. By changing policies, programs and conditions that allow hunger and poverty to persist, we provide help and opportunity far beyond the communities in which we live. Bread for the World Institute provides policy analysis on hunger and strategies to end it. 
Duties:
  • Provides policy and strategic leadership and direction on assigned issues area.
  • Represents Bread, the President and Director of GR at coalition meetings getting groups to consensus.
  • Develops and proposes policy recommendations and implements legislative strategy on Capitol Hill.
  • Conducts research and analyzes issues to develop policy. Conceptualizes and designs original material for variety of audiences with a broad impact and explaining complex issues including: advocacy, research, website, and policy documents as needed. Maintains data for issue areas.
  • Develops and implements short and long term plans of action on the issue areas.
  • Regularly updates and educates Bread staff and others through oral and written documents and educational materials on short and long term strategies for Hill action. Keeps Bread informed of congressional members’ positions on the issues.
  • Serves as registered lobbyist to lobby Congress, the Administration, and others. Maintains effective relationships with same.
  • Recommends membership involvement by developing action-related materials used throughout the organization by various means (i.e., Organizing; Church Relations, Communications, Development, President).
  • Writes policy analysis for Bread publications and reviews publications for accuracy and policy consistency.
  • Builds coalitions and leads coalition task forces as needed.
  • Answers inquiries as needed by other departments.
  • Completes administrative requirements such as ensuring the accurate and timely entry of activities into the Raisers Edge database, timesheets, performance evaluations, and Visa reports in an accurate and timely manner.
  • Performs other duties as assigned. 
Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in public policy or related area is required. A master’s degree or other post-graduate degree is preferred. 
  • Six years of Hill or lobbying experience is required. 
  • Broad knowledge of domestic issues affecting people living in poverty and hunger in the U.S. 
  • Strong understanding of the budget, appropriations and authorization processes. 
  • Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, including ability to conduct research and in-depth analysis of complex factors related to Bread’s issues and to make data-driven recommendations and decisions.  
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, including ability to identify and engage target audiences and communicates complex ideas or issues tailored to the audience, using appropriate formats and media. 
  • Ability to lead teams, develop collaborative relationships internally and externally which require a high degree of diplomacy and judgment in order to address and resolve substantive conflicts or escalate concerns to senior management. 
  • Ability to work independently as up to 40% of performance and outcomes are typically subject to broad organizational review and up to 60% are subject to senior management review (such as the Digital Campaign Team and Strategy Council).  
  • Computer literacy.  
  • A commitment to and/or experience with grassroots organizations.
For more information, click here.

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Marler Clark - Application Period Extended

Join the most widely recognized food safety law firm in the United States in their office in Seattle, Washington:  Publisher’s Platform: Needed – Passionate Advocate – Opportunity Extended, Bill Marler, Food Safety News (January 8, 2020).

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

New York State Department of Civil Service - Director of Agricultural Development

Albany, NY

Description:

  •  If you are a forward-thinking leader with expertise in promotion and business development of food, agricultural products, or commodities then this is the right opportunity for you! As Director of Agricultural Development, you would exercise overall direction and supervision of Agricultural Development programs, activities and division staff. You would have direct administrative responsibility for the delivery of marketing and promotion and business development and support services to the food and agricultural industry. This position develops policy, formulates the staffing and oversees programs for carrying out the objectives set forth in Agriculture and Markets Law.
  • The position is conveniently located near the Albany International Airport at 10B Airline Drive, Albany NY 12235. This is a non-competitive, management/confidential position that offers a competitive starting salary of $109,956/year with excellent benefits. Benefits include but are not limited to NYS Pension Plan membership, Life Insurance coverage, and Voluntary Defined Contribution Plan.
Duties:
  • Provides leadership and direct supervision to the managers of the Division's Business Development and Support Services programs and the Marketing and Promotion programs.
  • Develops strategic internal and external policies to guide the implementation and administration of the Division's programs.
  • Develops new program initiatives or restructures existing programs to improve the Division's delivery of services to the State's food and agricultural industry are effective, efficient and adapt to changing needs of various agricultural sectors.
  • Assures that all Division program funds are properly accounted for and managed. Directs the design of systems and procedures to ensure the appropriate receipt and dispersal of program funds; including contract development and monitoring.
  • Oversees the broad responsibilities for statewide policy analysis, development, and coordination of marketing, promotion and economic development projects, programs, and initiatives for New York agriculture and food products in the New York City market region.
  • Represents the Department at conventions, trade shows, County Fairs, events, and meetings with industry, State and local government agencies and agricultural organizations in coordinating economic development initiatives.
  • Develops and recommends legislative proposals for the Department and reviews legislative proposals advanced by other agencies which could improve or otherwise impact on any of the program areas for which the Division is responsible.
  • Communicates the Department's positions on important issues related to the Division's areas of responsibility ensuring they are effectively communicated to interested parties including farmers, agribusiness's, advocacy organizations, other state, federal, and local agencies, state and local legislative bodies, the Department's executive management and the general public.
  • Oversees administrative management of the Division, including office organization, personnel, employee discipline and counseling, and budgeting and operational needs. ## Additional Comments Preferred Leadership Behaviors:
  • DRIVE INNOVATION: Generate new or unique solutions and embrace new ideas that help sustain our mission.
  • COLLABORATE WITH SYSTEM, CUSTOMERS, AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS: Develop and leverage relationships.
  • ACT LIKE AN OWNER: Deliver results, creating value for our Brand, our System, our customers, and key stakeholders.
  • INSPIRE OTHERS: Inspire people to deliver our mission, demonstrate passion for the purpose, and give people a reason to believe anything is possible.
  • DEVELOP SELF AND OTHERS: Develop self and support others' development to achieve full potential.
Requirements:
  • A bachelor's degree in any field with 15 credit hours of coursework in at least one of the following: agriculture, agricultural economics, agriculture business, accounting, auditing, environmental studies, forestry, finance, marketing, communications, public administration, economics, business administration or political science; AND eight years of experience in programs involving the marketing of food, promotion of food, promotion of agricultural products and commodities or the business development activities for food and agricultural businesses. Four of the eight years of experience must have included supervision of staff and programs.
  • Education Substitution: A master's degree in any field with at least 15 credit hours of coursework in at least one of the above areas may be substituted for two years of non-supervisory experience. ## Duties Description Department Summary: The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, through its various divisions and programs, promotes New York agriculture and its high-quality and diverse products, fosters agricultural environmental stewardship, and safeguards the State's food supply, land and livestock to ensure the viability and growth of New York's agriculture industries.
  • Preferred Qualifications: 
    • GROWTH MINDSET: Demonstrates curiosity. Welcomes failure as a learning opportunity.
    • EXTERNALLY FOCUSED: Understands the upstream and downstream implications of his/her work. Tracks and shares external trends, best practices or ideas.
    • PERFORMANCE DRIVEN AND ACCOUNTABLE: Has high performance standards.
    • FAST/AGILE: Removes barriers to move faster. Thrives under pressure and fast pace.
    • EMPOWERED: Brings solutions instead of problems. Challenges the status quo. Has the courage to take an unpopular stance.
For more information, click here.