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.