Virginia SARE State Program Assistant

The Virginia Association for Biological Farming is hiring a Virginia SARE State Program Assistant to provide educational support for sustainable agriculture in the Shenandoah Valley. Responsibilities include developing programs for farmers and professionals, enhancing agricultural practices, and improving sustainability and profitability. Candidates should have a relevant Master's degree or equivalent experience. This is a full-time position based in Blacksburg, VA, with responsibilities across several locations.
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Job no: 529911
Work type: Administrative & Professional
Senior management: Agriculture & Life Sciences
Department: School of Plant & Environmental Sci
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia, Harrisonburg, Virginia, Winchester, Virginia
Categories: Agriculture / Life Science

Job Description

The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences (SPES) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Virginia Tech seeks to fill a calendar-year administrative and professional position for the Virginia Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) State Program Assistant. The responsibilities are:
• To serve as a state program assistant to provide educational support and programming for Virginia SARE’s professional development program and Virginia State University’s Small Farm Outreach and Technical Assistance Program for the Shenandoah Valley region.
• To provide educational support to Virginia SARE’s professional development programming to build the capacity of Extension, USDA professionals (e.g., NRCS personnel), and mentor-farmer leaders to understand and implement sustainable agriculture research and educational programs.
• To provide research-based educational programs to small and socially disadvantaged farmers, landowners, veterans, and farm families in assigned counties of Virginia, specifically the counties in the central and northern Shenandoah Valley region, to improve their profitability, sustainability, and quality of life.

This is a full-time, 12-month, administrative professional (AP) faculty position. Position is 40 hr./week with benefits dependent on continued funding and annual performance review. Salary range:
Depends on professional education, experience, and demonstrated abilities.
Time and responsibilities will be split between the statewide Virginia SARE professional development program and serving regionally with the Virginia State University Small Farm Outreach Program (SFOP) in the Shenandoah Valley.

Required Qualifications

Master’s Degree (MA or MS) in a relevant sustainable agriculture and farm management-related discipline from an accredited college or university; or, have a Bachelor’s Degree (BA or BS) with at least three or more years of experience in a related field. Experience in agricultural production, soil and water conservation, marketing, extension education, and some knowledge of sustainable agriculture and community food system related issues;
Valid driver’s license;
Knowledge of website content management systems (e.g., Wix, Word Press, etc.);
Knowledge of major crops and livestock enterprises, production practices, and farm business management principles and practices;
Working knowledge of USDA farm programs including the loan process;
Skill in the use of personal computers, including word processing, spreadsheets, database management, presentation and graphic applications;
Skill in report writing, developing and delivering educational material to farmers;
Demonstrated ability to work with small and disadvantaged farmers; to plan, develop, and implement comprehensive agriculture education programs for adults in formal and informal settings; to establish and maintain close working relationships with a broad variety of individuals, groups, and organizations; to develop, market and promote program goals and objectives;
Demonstrated ability to communicate with individuals and groups that work with socially and economically disadvantaged people;
Ability to manage time and responsibilities to serve two complementary educational programs.

Stationed in Harrisonburg, with occasional work travel related to educational and professional development programs throughout Virginia. Some overnight travel required. Must be collaborative and collegial and committed to maintaining good relationships with cooperating organizations, agencies, and business colleagues. Work hours require flexibility related to travel and some weekend assignments. Be able to provide own transportation on a regular basis when a state vehicle is not available.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in agricultural production/marketing, soil health, cover cropping, and food systems related work;
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Publisher;
Demonstrated creativity, independence and high motivation;
Strong work habits, project management skills and the ability to work independently as well as with a project team;
Evidence of developing publications based on individual research.
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