Nutrition and Food Safety Program, USDA National Agricultural Library

USDA’s National Agricultural Library is actively recruiting a dynamic leader at the GS-13 level for the Nutrition and Food Safety Program. We are seeking an individual with vision to develop innovative information services for consumers, educators, policy makers, researchers and practitioners. Highly qualified candidates will have a strong network of contacts in the field; a track record in developing partnership opportunities; and the business acumen to manage a diverse $2 million program.

We expect the job announcement to be posted on or about Monday, April 14, and close two weeks later. That short posting time reflects the government's effort to hire talented people quickly.

Those interested in the position can check USAJOBS (www.usajobs.gov) for postings from the Agricultural Research Service and the National Agricultural Library beginning next week.

 

Food Safety Manager - Community Alliance with Family Farmers (California)

Community Alliance with Family Farmers 

Job Description 


Title: Food Safety Manager

Location: Watsonville, Davis, Sebastopol, or Oakland

Hours: 1.0 FTE Exempt Position

Start Date: May 1, 2014


The Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) is a non-profit organization whose

mission is to advocate for California family farms and sustainable agriculture. CAFF is a

membership organization guided by a board of directors that includes a majority of family

farmers as well as others who are passionate about food, farming and the environment. CAFF

advocates for family farms in Sacramento and DC, facilitates statewide networks, and runs

Regional Food Systems projects such as Farm to School projects, Buy Fresh Buy Local

campaigns, and Farm to Market around the state. Our main goals are to increase the economic

viability of California family farmers and to connect communities with their local producers. See

http://www.caff.org for more information.


The Manager of the Food Safety Program will continue to develop a food safety program at

CAFF that is focused on advising California specialty crop farmers on developing farm-level

food safety plans, particularly small- and medium-scale family farmers engaged in direct

marketing. Many such farmers have no experience with food safety issues. The position is not

simply a food safety auditor but is instead an advocate and advisor for California family farmers.

The Manager will become familiar with all relevant food safety GAPs and outreach programs,

including USDA and state programs, specialty crop-specific programs, private auditing firms’

programs, UC recommendations, as well as programs developed by the Produce Safety Alliance

at Cornell. In collaboration with project partners from the University of California and other

organizations, the Manager will conduct workshops for farmers throughout the state, conduct

personal one-on-one consultations and farm visits with the target specialty crop farmers, and

assist them with developing their own farm food safety plans. This position reports to the

Statewide Food Systems Director and collaborates closely with the Policy Director.


Essential responsibilities include, but are not limited to:


Program Management (75%): 

• Coordinate workshops on food safety for growers

• Collaborate with partners to deliver workshops on food safety

• Coordinate with regional staff statewide to provide food safety support in their regions

• Help growers develop on-farm food safety plans around the state

• Work closely with the Policy Director to stay informed of and provide input into food

safety policy advocacy efforts

• Collaborate with the Policy Director on delivering workshops on food safety policy

• Maintain meticulous records and manage program tracking; collect & document data for

program and funder reports.

• Manage relationships with partners

• Build and maintain relationships with farmers and buyers to keep up to date with their needs.


Program Development (10%): 

• Build CAFF’s grower membership; input contacts in Salesforce.

• Conduct outreach to potential partners/customers

• Participate in local collaborative efforts and develop relationships with potential partners

• Coordinate with management to strategize and promote CAFF fee-for-service offerings

as they are developed


Organizational and Administrative Responsibilities (15%): 

• Monitor program budget

• Write reports for funders as needed

• Coordinate invoices with vendors as necessary

• Participate in program and strategic planning as needed

• Conduct bi-weekly check in calls with Director

• Participate in quarterly managers’ and monthly RFS meetings

• Submit administrative and financial paperwork on time

• Handle administrative duties in the regional office with regional team as needed


Qualifications:

• Farming experience essential, specialty crop experience desirable

• On farm food safety program implementation in one or more specialty crops and/or

auditing experience, preferably both

• Interest in and familiarity with organic, biodynamic and sustainable agriculture

• Strong writing and verbal communications skills

• Willingness to travel often in state as needed

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant discipline

• A strong desire to defend the interests of family farmers

• Experience in Microsoft Office

• Confidence in public speaking

• Skillful in establishing and maintaining professional relationship and networks

• Ability to organize work, track progress, and maintain productivity independently

• Ability to collaborate and coordinate with other staff and partners throughout the state


CAFF’s policy is that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunity regardless of

race, color, religion, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation.


To Apply:

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact

information of three references to foodsafety@caff.org. The position will close April 25, 2014.

Policy Director - California Certified Organic Farmers (Santa Cruz, CA)

Policy Director
California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)
Santa Cruz, California

Overview
Since 1973, CCOF has been widely recognized as one of the nation’s top organic certifiers. Today, CCOF is the only full service organic certification and trade association supporting the growth of organic food and agriculture through its mission: certifying, educating, advocating and promoting organic. CCOF providespremier organic certification programs and trade association benefits to farms, processors, private labelers, retailers, restaurants, brokers, and supporting members including individuals, suppliers and service providers. CCOF currently certifies more than 2,600 organic food and agriculture operations covering 2,000,000 acres in 34 states and 3 countries.  For more information about CCOF, please visit www.ccof.org.

The Policy Director is a full-time, exempt employee based in Santa Cruz, CA.  The Director will have one of the most rewarding and visible leadership opportunities in the organic field, as CCOF continues toward its vision of being the leading voice for organic. The Director will hold a pivotal position in updating and implementing CCOF’s current five-year strategic plan (2011-2015). This plan currently directs CCOF to focus our energies and resources on (1) Ensuring the long-term relevance of organic as the premier eco-label, and (2) Growing CCOF to ensure the longevity, vitality and prominence of the organization. 
 
The Ideal Candidate
CCOF is seeking a skilled and experienced manager of people, programs and projects. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in policy/advocacy/regulatory affairs in a membership-based nonprofit environment.   The ideal candidate will have a deep knowledge and understanding of organic food and agriculture, certification and non-profit management.  An unbending commitment to CCOF’s mission and to organic as the premier eco-label are preconditions. He/she will be a big-picture thinker who is decisive and pragmatic. He/she will work collaboratively with staff, board, committees and other organizations.
 
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience:  
The ideal candidate will have the following:

• Minimum of five years policy/advocacy/regulatory experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Government or related field
• Significant management skills, including leadership, team-building and staff supervision, motivation and development
• Ability to set team priorities and organize, monitor and track departmental activities and projects to ensure completion of strategic goals and objectives
• Ability to think strategically and develop and implement plans in line with organizational goals and objectives
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated comfort and skill in supplying a public voice for an organization
• Unbending commitment to the organic sector and the benefits of organic food and agriculture
• Knowledge of organic certification is highly desired
• Proven ability to work in a dynamic environment with various stakeholders, sometimes possessing strong and conflicting opinions
• Willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done

Hiring Process 
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  Interested applicants please submit the following:

• Cover letter summarizing your interest in CCOF and the position, qualifications and compensation requirements
• Current resume
• List of three professional references

Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Submit all materials to employment@ccof.org 
 
Compensation
CCOF takes pride in offering competitive salaries and excellent benefits. The Policy Director’s compensation package will be based on qualifications and experience.
 
Job Responsibilities
The Director of Policy leads, manages, and oversees all local, state, federal and international policy and regulatory activities of CCOF Inc.  The Director reports to the Executive Director/CEO.
 
Leadership and Management

• Lead, manage, motivate and ensure the engagement of CCOF members in policy matters and organizational activities working with the Outreach and Policy Specialist
• Develop and coordinate all CCOF policy initiatives, including local, state, federal and international policies impacting organic certification and other CCOF policy priorities  
• Serve as a member of the Management Team
• Working with the Executive Director, create and implement the annual work plan and budget for Policy/Advocacy department
• Lead and coordinate CCOF comments on regulatory matters pertaining to organic, including those related to the National Organic Standards Board, National Organic Program and other federal and state agencies
• Staff the CCOF Government Affairs Committee (GAC).  Work with the Outreach and Policy Specialist and committee chair to develop agenda, facilitate meetings and distribute minutes
• Attend CCOF Inc. Board of Directors meetings and report on departmental work
• Responsible for informing legislative and regulatory bodies in California and Washington DC about the work CCOF does in the organic policy arena
• Responsible for supervising the Outreach and Policy Specialist, Policy Specialist, Policy Assistant, and contractors and interns as needed 

Policy/Advocacy

• Represent CCOF Inc. on state, federal, international policy issues.  Work with local, state, federal and international bodies to communicate our policy platform and message 
• Develop, manage and implement CCOF’s policy work in the organic sector including but not limited to: US Congress, National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), Organic Trade Association (OTA), National Organic Program (NOP), California State Organic Program (SOP), the California Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board and the AB 856 Implementation Subcommittee, and other appropriate international, federal, state and local bodies
• Advise Executive Director, Government Affairs Committee and Board on all policy issues related to organic certification and related organic issues, and on other high priority agriculture and/or food system issues that have a unique/significant impact on our members
• Evaluate governmental agency performance in organics, recommend actions that CCOF should take in order to ensure that agency performance supports the organic industry integrity and value system
• Represent CCOF on the Steering Committee of the California Climate and Agricultural Network (CalCAN) and ensure that CCOF fulfills its contractual commitments to the CalCAN coalition
• Work with Executive Director, Board and Government Affairs Committee, to effectively advocate for CCOF’s interest and members’ interests 
• Write policy content for the CCOF website, blog, magazine, e-newsletter, action alerts and other publications as well as for grant applications and other uses as required
• Coordinate CCOF involvement in legislative activities including but not limited to CCOF representation at meetings, in hearings, with written and/or verbal testimony, with written comments.  Recruit and train CCOF member volunteers to work on same
• Represent CCOF on committees, task forces, at conferences and seminars, as appropriate.  Work with the Executive Director, Development Manager, and other staff on agenda development for CCOF annual convention
• Draft, edit and distribute reports, position statements, correspondence and public comments as well as articles and alerts for CCOF publications and website
• Represent CCOF at strategic stakeholder meetings
• Organize tours as requested for elected officials and regulatory agency staff to educate them on organic practices and standards 

Direct Reports

• Outreach and Policy Specialist
• Policy Specialist (part-time)
• Policy Assistant (part-time)

Certification Leader, NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC

Location
Binghamton, NY

Category
Agriculture / Non-Profit

Job Type
Full-Time

Job Description

NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC, a USDA-accredited organic certification agency, is seeking a dynamic Certification Director to lead the organization into the next decade. NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC is a subsidiary of NOFA-NY, Inc. — the premier statewide organization growing a strong organic and sustainable agriculture movement in New York State. NOFA-NY has been certifying local organic farms for the past 30 years and NOFA-NY, LLC has been accredited by the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) since April 29, 2002.

 

The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to organic agriculture as well as experience in organic certification and staff management. The Certification Director oversees a high integrity certification agency that provides organic certification services to more than 650 organic farmers and handlers throughout New York State and surrounding areas. This position is based in NOFA-NY, LLC’s Binghamton, NY office, in the beautiful Southern Tier of NY.

 

Position Overview:

The Certification Director will work collaboratively with the Management Committee and Staff in the following areas:

Organizational Management – Oversee and support a certification staff of 9, as well as staff and contract inspectors. Report to Management Committee. Work collaboratively with the NOFA- NY, Inc. Executive Director and educational staff.

 

Quality System Management – Oversee compliance requirements for NOP Accreditation and ISO 65, including periodic reporting, audit management, monitoring regulatory changes. Establish and oversee proper implementation of internal policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance and improve efficiency of the certification process.

 

Financial Management – Lead and work with Financial Coordinator and Management Committee to develop an organizational budget to maintain and strengthen NOFA-NY, LLC’s financial stability while keeping organic certification as affordable as possible for our independent farmers.

 

Organic Certification – Work with staff to improve and refine the organic certification process and procedures so that they are in compliance with the NOP and meet the needs of our organic farmers and handlers.

 

Networking – Expand and strengthen NOFA-NY, LLC’s role as a leader in regional organic agriculture by building relationships with state and national organizations. Education and Experience:

Education: Minimum requirement of Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field; Advanced degree preferred (i.e. Master’s, MBA, JD)

 

• Desired Experience: 5 or more years of experience at senior management-level position overseeing program or departmental operations Required Qualifications:
•  
• Knowledge of third-party certification systems/program and experience working in organic certification

• Proven financial management record-keeping including experience managing an annual budget over $600,000

• Practical experience in senior management and proven ability to manage a professional staff

• Extensive experience with non-profit/small business administration

• Comprehensive knowledge and familiarity with database systems

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Flexibility for some nationwide travel to represent organization Preferred

Qualifications

• Experience working in quality system management, including ISO 17011 and 17065

• Knowledge of organic/sustainable agriculture and food systems, regulatory and administrative law

• Ability to build bridges among diverse communities, stakeholders and networks

• Vision of New York State as a leader in the certified organic farming movement

• Appreciation of New York’s rich agricultural history, culture and diversity

• Engaging and positive personality

Compensation:

Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience and comparable to those of organizations of similar type, size, and location.

 

NOFA-NY, LLC’s benefits package includes employer-paid medical insurance, dental insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan.

 

Vacation, personal, and compensatory time policies are generous. Some nationwide travel will be part of the job. Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience and comparable to those of organizations of similar type, size, and location. NOFA-NY, LLC’s benefits package includes employer-paid medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan. Vacation, personal, and compensatory time policies are generous.

 

Apply, and find the full posting here.

Ag & Food Law Employment - Examples of Current Positions

The following list of positions evidence the diversity of employment opportunities as well as the talents of our LL.M. candidates.  These are positions that are currently held by recent (2011- 2013) LL.M. Students/Alumni:

Associate Attorney, Bassett Law Firm (Fayetteville, AR)

Program Manager, Hunger Initiatives, National Council on Aging (Washington, D.C.)

Visiting Assistant Professor, University of Arkansas School of Law (Fayetteville, AR)

Associate Attorney, Stoel Rives LLP (Seattle, WA)

Executive Director, Ten Rivers Food Web (Portland, Oregon)

Corporate Counsel, Tyson Foods, Inc. Legal Department (Springdale, AR)

African Trade Development Specialist, Arkansas World Trade Center (Rogers, AR)

Fellow, Food Law & Policy Clinic, Harvard Law School (Boston, MA)

Staff Attorney, North Carolina General Assembly Research Division (Raleigh, NC)

Attorney, The Food Law Firm (Sag Harbor, NY)

Associate Attorney, Adams and Reese (Jackson, MS)

Senior Counsel, AdvoCare International, LP (Dallas, TX)

Associate Attorney, Browning, Kaleczyc, Berry, & Hoven P.C (Helena, Montana)

Apprentice, Green Meadows Farm (Grafton, VT)

Contract Management Specialist, Philips (Moscow, Russia)

Director, The Fisheries Law Centre (Vancouver, B.C)

Associate Attorney, Banks Law Firm PLLC (Little Rock, AR)

Professor of Law, University of Missouri School of Law (Columbia, MO)

Assistant U.S. Attorney (Little Rock, AR)

Food Safety Manager, Walmart Home Office (Bentonville, AR)

Associate Attorney, NC General Assembly Health & Public Assistance Section (Raleigh, NC)

Consultant, International Finance Corporation (San Francisco, CA)

Attorney/Partner, McFarland, Pyle and Stone (Portland, OR)

Senior Director, Environmental Health & Safety, Real Estate, Walmart Home Office (Bentonville, AR)

Senior Director of Customs & Industry Compliance, Retail Industry Leaders Assoc. (Arlington, VA)

Attorney, Lucas County Common Pleas Court (Toledo, OH)

Assistant to the Administrator, USDA Risk Management Agency (Washington, D.C.)

Counsel, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (Washington, D.C.)

Dean & Director, Institute of Agricultural & Food Law, Yeungnam University 

(Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea)

Associate, DLA Piper (St. Petersburg, Russia)

Senior Advisor and Counsel, US Senator John Walsh (Washington, D.C.)

Attorney, Farm and Food Law L.L.C. (Denver, CO)

Policy Specialist, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC)

March 24, 2014 

 

 

Position Announcement: Policy Specialist (Farming Opportunities & Fair Competition)

 

 Location: Washington, DC

 

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) is an alliance of grassroots organizations that advocates for federal policy reform to advance the sustainability of agriculture, food systems, natural resources, and rural communities. NSAC is currently seeking a Policy Specialist for family farm and sustainability issues, with specific reference to farm programs, crop insurance, livestock market competition issues, and federal agricultural research and extension policy. This position is located at NSAC’s DC office on Capitol Hill. The Policy Specialist, one of five Policy Specialists at NSAC, reports directly to NSAC’s Policy Director.

 

Position Description

 

NSAC’s Policy Specialist will help to:

 

• Develop and implement policies and strategies focused on farm opportunities and fair competition, especially as these relate to increasing access to crop insurance for sustainable and organic farmers, promoting sensible commodity and crop insurance subsidy reform, reforming crop and revenue insurance to promote conservation, ensuring fair and competitive markets, and generally supporting thriving family farms through these and other related policy areas
• Support sustainable food and agricultural system research by working on policy and funding for one or more USDA research programs, working closely with NSAC’s lead Policy Specialist on research and extension issues
• Advocate before the U.S. Congress and executive branch agencies, including especially the U.S Department of Agriculture
• Staff and help lead and manage NSAC’s Farming Opportunities and Fair Competition Committee
• Help manage and provide back-up support for NSAC’s Research, Education and Extension Committee
• Draft documents, including legislative language, policy papers, testimony, advocacy materials, rulemaking comments, press releases, blog posts, etc. on related policy issues
• Contribute to the organization’s annual planning and priority setting, budgeting, and fundraising
• Participate in the planning and execution of coalition-wide meetings
• Assist our grassroots team with grassroots and grasstops outreach related to this particular set of issues
• Cultivate partnerships with other organizations working in the policy arena and represent NSAC at various coalitions and collaborations in DC
• Represent NSAC at events and to the media

  

Qualifications 

 

An understanding and passion for sustainable agriculture, including family farm livelihood and opportunity in general and in particular, crop insurance, commodity, conservation, competition, and research issues

• Knowledge of the federal policy-making process
•  
• A minimum of three years Hill, government, or lobbying experience on agricultural policy preferred
• Experience advocating on farm program reform is preferred
• Background with grassroots advocacy campaigns
• Excellent written and verbal communications and public speaking skills
• Experience with print, radio, and online media preferred
• Experience with large, multi-organization grassroots coalitions
• Ability to both work independently and be a good team player
• Willingness to work around a demanding congressional schedule and administrative deadlines
• Willingness to travel domestically several times a year
•  
• Compensation and Benefits

 

Salary is on a non-profit scale and will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. NSAC offers an excellent employer paid benefits package and a lively and collaborative work environment.

   

Application

 

Please send resume, cover letter including an explanation of your interests in sustainable agriculture, salary history, and the names of three references to Jeremy Emmi at jemmi@sustainableagriculture.net. 

 

NSAC is an equal opportunity employer. We actively encourage people of color to apply for this position and all positions at NSAC.

Program Manager - Victory Garden Initiative (Milwaukee, WI)

Program Manager Position Open

(Also known as the Get-Growing Job - no need to wait for the food system to change - make it happen yourself.)

Victory Garden Initiative is a non-profit organization that builds communities who grow their own food, creating an ecologically sustainable, socially just and nutritious food system.

We are a small, dynamic and rapidly growing organization seeking the right set of people to take the organization from a local Milwaukee-based organization to a regional organization. This is an exciting time to get involved in the creation a local, sustainable, nutritious, socially just food system for all, by working with a leading Milwaukee food organizations.

Job Posting:  Program and Operations Manager, Full-time benefited position with competitive salary

Description: The Program and Operations Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating high quality programming for Victory Garden Initiative, bringing the organization’s mission and vision to fruition. The Program Manager works with other program staff to ensure all programs meet their goals and contribute to Victory Garden Initiative’s excellent reputation in the community.

Reports To: Executive Director

Essential Duties:

Program Management:

• Manages program budgets, writes grants, manages relevant grant reporting
• Responsible for program evaluation
• Participates in strategic planning and program development
• Sets program timelines and tracks progress of all programs and projects; reports monthly to the Board of Directors
• Maintains schedule of all classes and events
• Coordinates programs in conjunction with community members and committees and other staff members

Outreach:

• Develops outreach strategy and works with marketing staff and volunteers to market programs
• Trains volunteers and staff to conduct effective outreach

• Speaks on behalf of VGI to community groups, classrooms, etc
• Develops partnerships with community organizations and government agencies

Volunteers:

• Recruits new volunteers and ensures good volunteer experience
• Develops and implements volunteer training procedures

Characteristics:

• Ability to multi-task
• Attention to detail, well organized
• Excellent time management skills
• Nimble and flexible; adaptable to fast-changing work environment
• Comfortable meeting new people and developing relationships
• Excellent work ethic; ability to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to problem-solve and work independently, as well as be part of a team
• Infectious enthusiasm for Victory Garden Initiative’s mission

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Passion for social change, specifically with the food system
• Experience with gardening, cooking, and permaculture
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Valid drivers license and ability to drive a truck
• Experience working with diverse populations

To apply, send your cover letter, resume and three references to gretchen.mead@victorygardeninitiative.org by April 5th.

Multiple Position Recruiting Announcement - USDA National Organic Program

See original job posting here.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing
Service’s National Organic Program (NOP) is the team that develops and
enforces national standards for organically-produced agricultural
products. We support consumer confidence that products with the
USDA organic seal meet consistent, uniform standards.

The National Organic Program team:

 Investigates complaints alleging violations of USDA organic
regulations; conducts proactive compliance and outreach activities;
and enforces organic production, handling, and labeling standards.
 Accredits and oversees a network of third-party organizations, called
"accredited certifying agents," who certify organic farms and
businesses.
 Sets standards for organically-produced agricultural products. We
develop and update regulations and policies; and facilitate review of
new materials for use in organic agriculture.
 Collaborates with other USDA agencies and countries to establish
organic equivalency arrangements with other countries.
 Develops communication materials and outreach and training
programs to support the organic community.
 Administers organic certification cost-share grant programs.

In 2014, the NOP will be recruiting for multiple positions, including:

 Policy Analysts, Accreditation Managers, and Materials Specialists (all
may be listed in USAJobs under the job title “Agricultural Marketing
Specialists” – read the announcement for the more specific role)
 Compliance and Enforcement Specialists (may be listed as
“Compliance Officer”)
 Communication, Outreach, Training Specialist
 Program Analysts and Administrative Support