Beginning Farmer Education and Curriculum Coordinator, New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, Lowell MA

New Entry Sustainable Farming Project’s (New Entry, a project of TSNE MissionWorks) mission is to improve our local and regional food systems by training the next generation of farmers to produce food that is sustainable, nutritious and culturally appropriate and making this food accessible to individuals regardless of age, mobility, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.  In doing this work, New Entry provides critical training, career development, and economic opportunity to new farmers.

JOB SUMMARY

Develop new farmer education strategies and build curriculum to provide high-quality training to small-scale, direct market beginning farmers, both on and off the field, on multiple aspects of farm enterprise development.  Oversee educational programs, courses, and practical skills workshops for diverse adult learners. Work with farmer training team to develop educate and support new producers to achieve economically viable farm businesses through group learning, individual farm coaching, and financial technical assistance.  Support case management/technical assistance for participants in New Entry programs and services. 

This position has supervisory responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Expand curriculum and design new course development for core New Entry programs (Farm Business Planning Course, field-based practical skills workshops, distance learning program, specialty crop production, food safety, and direct marketing education courses);
Coordinate and teach farmer training courses/curriculum in collaboration with farmer training team, other farming organizations, and regional experts;
Provide technical assistance to producers related to course instruction;
Contribute to New Entry’s farmer “case management” system by completing farmer assessments and learning plans through course enrollment and through life cycle of farmers’ learning goals;
Facilitate effective technical assistance (TA) referrals and address ongoing TA needs;
Support the work plans, budgets, metrics and evaluation outcomes and other guiding documents for farmer training programs, including assisting with development of funding opportunities;
Attend conferences and events to conduct outreach and present on our work;
Assist other projects as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Agricultural training and experience in multiple aspects of farming and farm enterprise is essential.  Prior farm management / farm business ownership experience preferred;
Advanced degree or at least 3 years experience in adult education, curriculum development, and teaching to diverse learning styles;
Expert knowledge in agricultural business planning, crop production, marketing, financial literacy, financial management, and business planning;
Highly organized and strong attention to detail;
Strong leadership, public speaking, diplomacy, and case management / social skills;
Community organizing and cross-cultural experience helpful; prepared to build relationships with beginning, immigrant and refugee farmer participants;
Self-motivated and directed; works well within a rapidly-changing high performance environment;
Effective communications, interpersonal skills, and strong writing ability;
Working knowledge of a range of computer software (MS Office, social media), Salesforce experience a plus; Minimum of 2 years supervisory experience required;
Ability to meet strict deadlines;
Proficient with web-based collaborative tools;
Access to reliable private transportation necessary;
Flexible schedule needed, including evenings and weekends.

TO APPLY

Visit: http://tsne.org/beginning-farmer-education-and-curriculum-coordinator-ne...

We strongly encourage online applications and provision of a writing sample. We also accept applications by mail or fax. Apply by mail to: TSNE MissionWorks, Attn: Employment Manager, NonProfit Center, 89 South Street Suite 700, Boston, MA  02111; or send by fax to: 617.523.2070.

Lowell, MA