Midwest: Oregon Tilth, Inc. seeks Staff Inspector

COMPANY:  Oregon Tilth, Inc.

CATEGORY: Agriculture / Non-Profit

TYPE: Full-Time

Oregon Tilth is looking to fill a full time position as a staff inspector serving our clients in the Midwest region of the United States (IA, WI, MN, IL, MO, IN).  We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual.  This full time position will be responsible for conducting on-site inspections of both organic farms/livestock and organic handlers under various organic standards, primarily USDA NOP.  Individual will work with OTCO’s rapidly expanding Midwest clientele.  Applicants must be able to work on their own with significant responsibilities and work as a member of a team.  Traveling throughout the Midwest is necessary for this job.  It requires familiarity with basic computer software and person should be comfortable and efficient in learning new electronic systems.  Applicants should have ability to work within a regulatory environment and communicate effectively with the cultures of the region.

Click on link below for a complete job description:

http://tilth.org/about/job-openings/midwest-organic-inspector 

To apply please send letter of interest along with full resume to organic@tilth.org

Application deadline is May 20th, 2011

Massachusetts: Chefs Collaborative seeks two Summer Interns

For more information, please visit: http://chefscollaborative.org/about/job-openings/

Massachusetts: The Food Project seeks Grants Manager

Who We Are:
Youth. Food. Community. Three important issues that intersect in one place: The Food Project. From our urban farms to our national college campaign, we bring together youth and adults from diverse backgrounds who work together to build local and sustainable food systems. We believe that food is a unique vehicle for creating personal and social change. Nothing else ties us so intimately to each other and the planet we share, affecting our health, the climate, culture, and global poverty. If we—young and old from all walks of life—can unite to change the food system, we can change the world.

What We Seek:
The Food Project is currently seeking a collaborative and conscientious person with strong communication and organizational skills to become our Grants Manager. You will oversee and implement an ambitious schedule of proposal and report preparation, as well as coordinate the related activities of the Executive Director, the Director of Development and the North Shore Regional Director. You will plan, track and manage the relationship-building, grantseeking, and stewardship processes for all institutional grantmakers. You will be responsible for writing compelling, informative, and effective proposals and reports, and will oversee and work closely with our Development Associate, whose principal responsibility is writing grants and reports.

California: Ocean Air Farms seeks Interns

General Description: Ocean Air Farms is a 15-acre “mixed operation” farm located ten miles south of the California/Oregon border, and just two miles east of the ocean.

Ten acres of produce goes to our 80 member CSA in addition to 4 weekly local farmers markets. We serve our northern neighbors in Brookings, OR. and our community just south of us, Crescent City.  Both of which are within 20 miles from our farm fields in Fort Dick.  We grow a large range of temperate climate vegetables, culinary herbs, a dabble at fruit (strawberries, raspberries and a young apple orchard), and fresh flowers too that not only we enjoy but our honeybees do too.

In the remaining acreage we grow pasture where we raise Icelandic sheep for wool, and a variety of milking goats.  We also hand milk a cow for cream and the “extra” milk we use to feed up some bull calves for beef and pigs for pork. Every season we raise a flock of meat chickens (1-2 hundred on pasture).  We hope to reintroduce a small flock of laying hens on our farm in 2011 for personal consumption. 

Not only does the farm offer a lot of diversity, so does the surrounding area. Home of the “Wild Rivers Coast” there are lots of outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, biking, fishing, surfing and kayaking near by. The beautiful Smith River is 3 minutes away, old growth redwoods are all around our region, and the Tolowa State Dunes Park is just down the road from us.

Connecticut: Grand Aspirations seeks Participants and Volunteers

In the face of a falling economy, an energy crisis, fragmented and inequitable communities, and the growing threat of global warming, youth are coming together to create and implement solutions that address all of these challenges together.  These are solutionaries – youth leaders who work as innovative organizers across issue lines to build the green economy as an engine for local opportunity, climate and energy solutions, and social justice.

Every summer, youth gather in communities across the nation for the Summer of Solutions – a training ground for its participants and a launching pad for the solutionary vision.  With the support of local partnerships and a national network of fellow solutionaries, participants create self-sustaining projects that have a direct impact on their communities and that serve as models for others to build on.

The Summer of Solutions is a grassroots, volunteer-based, people-powered program, and we rely on people just like you for just about everything – from the project expertise, to the local partnerships, to the financial support for the young people dedicating their summer to build the solutions.

In Summer of Solutions, you will receive training in community organizing and sustainable community development techniques. You will use these skills to demonstrate the promise of energy efficiency, community-based energy, green industry, local food production, and/or smart design as described in the locations you choose.

Massachusetts: The Heritage Grain Conservancy seeks Interns

The Heritage Grain Conservancy, with sites at the UMass Farm and the Colrain Seed Farm, welcome interns to assist in research and field work. The goal of our project is to trial world landrace grains, especially wheat and rice, and to select and breed varieties to be well adapted to organic farms in New England, with stable yields in climate change weather extremes, with rich flavor, nutritional value.  Responsibilities include helping with:

-  practical field work, 

-  recording evaluation and harvest yield data, 

-  selecting and saving seeds of the most robust plants in the field trials

-  threshing with a pedal thresher, or be hand

-  baking trials to evaluate gluten strength, loaf volume, crumb texture, aroma and flavor.

This position is for 20 to 25 hours per week, flexible hours, beginning in early July when the wheat plants are ready for harvest until the harvest is complete in early August. Assistance in planting the fall wheats in the first week in September would also be great.

See: growseed.org/now.html  

Contact Eli Rogosa: growseed@yahoo.com

Michigan: C.S. Mott Group/Michigan State University seeks Academic Specialist for Healthy Living

Information about the position and directions to apply are located at http://jobs.msu.edu, as MSU Posting #4627.

Maryland: Urban Farm seeks Summer AmeriCorps*VISTA Assistant

An urban farm is seeking an assistant for an 8-week, full-time Summer VISTA Associate position. The position will develop and manage a medium-scale composting operation on the farm, as well as other soil and waste management issues. The integrated system will utilize windrows, front-end loaders, vermiculture, passive aeration, pallets, and other techniques. Responsibilities include: procuring composting sources, developing systems of quality control and soil analysis, and assisting in writing an operational manual for future farm staff. The compost assistant will also work on the farm with other farm operations one day per week. Applicants should be creative, self-motivated and organized, and have excellent communication and writing skills. Experience in soil and compost is highly recommended. All positions will occur June-August, and are compensated with a bi-weekly Americorps stipend as well as an educational award paid at the end of the term. Applicants must be 18 or over. Please e-mail a resume and cover letter totbrown@civicworks.com with the position title in the e-mail subject line.

Minnesota: Lakewood Health System seeks Local Food System Planning Graduate Intern

Reports To:                Associate Director Local Foods

Hours Per Week:       20

Duration:                    5 months (May – September)

Pay Rate:                    $17.08/hr

Job Description

Lakewood Health System (LHS) in Staples, Minnesota will address local economic and human development through the creation and implementation of a long-term local food purchasing program.  The local food system planning intern will be responsible for working with local farmers and LHS officials to create an implementable plan that addresses costs, prices, logistics and transportation, and incorporation of local products into LHS menu planning.

12th Annual International Agroecology Shortcourse in Santa Cruz now accepting applications

Agroecology and the Transformation of Food Systems: The California Model
July 10-22, 2011 

Please Apply Now!

You are invited to attend this year’s course, Agroecology and the Transformation of Food Systems: The California Model. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the transformation of food systems to the agroecological model from field to table, utilizing California food systems as a working case study of challenges and successes. California is a place where most investment in agriculture has centered on increased production as the main priority, and where local food systems, urban access to healthy food, and labor, water, and poverty issues are often considered to be secondary. At the same time, the state is also home to an incredibly diverse and vibrant sustainable food movement, full of people seeking to change how food is produced and consumed. The course will bring together the various components of the California food system to mobilize its transformation to an inclusive system that addresses multiple needs and goals. We will also learn from similar models of change from around the world.

Apply soon before the course fills up – applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. Cost to participate is $2250; the course fee is comprehensive and covers all tuition, lecture materials, accommodations, three meals per day, field trips and administrative fees.

View the Shortcourse Flyer at http://www.agroecology.org/Shortcourse.html

For more course information please contact Heather Putnam at shortcourse2011@canunite.org

Massachusetts: Mass Farmers Markets seeks Veggie Rx Coordinator

The Veggie Rex coordinator will work at two farmers market (at this time slated to be one in Lawrence MA and one in Holyoke MA). Additional work from home, and occasionally at the MFM office in Waltham is required.   The coordinator will oversee and implement an electronic redemption system for a grant funded pilot farmers market coupon program.  The Veggie Rx Coordinator position is part-time/temporary (average of 30 hrs.\week in season and 20 hrs.\week outside of the market season).

The Veggie Rx system began in 2010 as an innovative way to address health issues of youth who are at risk for dietary related diseases. In 2010 the Veggie RX money was dispersed using paper coupons. In 2011 the program will test an electronic system using Debit Cards issued by the coordinator as prescribed by physicians that can be swiped at the market. The hope is that the system will create more efficiency and easier tracking of the individuals purchasing history, as well as reimburse the farmers for sales in a more timely fashion.  The principle responsibility of the coordinator is to operate the electronic system using basic data entry skills, train farmers and managers at the trial markets, coordinate with the MFM office staff regarding farmer payment, and to maintain the equipment in good working order.  

Green Mountain College announces Master’s in Sustainable Food Systems

Green Mountain College announced today that it will offer a distance-learning master’s degree in Sustainable Food Systems (MSFS), which builds on the surging interest in food and agriculture issues in the U.S. and on the success of the College’s undergraduate major in sustainable agriculture. The MSFS program has received accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and GMC plans to launch its first cohort in January, 2012.

Over thirty undergraduate students already focus their academic work on food systems at the College. Four grants over the past three years totaling over $250,000 have enhanced facilities and supported faculty research capacity at the College’s Cerridwen Farm and the adjoining Solar Harvest Center.

“Agriculture is an essential component not only of our economy but of our life-support systems,” said Philip Ackerman-Leist, director of GMC’s Farm and Food Project and associate professor of environmental studies. “There is significant demand for interdisciplinary programs related to food, and we’ve built the capacity to offer a strong graduate level program.”

NYC: The Foodshed seeks Summer Interns

The Foodshed is a year-round, indoor farmers’ market on Atlantic Avenue in Boerum Hill. We are open every Sunday from 11:00-5:00.

Besides staples like fresh vegetables and fruit, meats, milk and eggs, the Foodshed will feature regional vendors offering value-added products like cheeses, yogurt, ice-cream, jams, honey, sauces and salsas, milled grains, breads and baked goods, pickles and other healthy ferments, juices, ciders, wines and beers.

The market is a place not only to shop but also to learn about the challenges and opportunities in creating a sustainable food system. Our goal is to create information displays to accompany vendor booths that describe the journey the food has traveled, the way it was grown, and how it was prepared.

At the Foodshed, citizens will encounter food as part of a larger system of weather and climate, work and production, transport and distribution, people and community. We hope to illuminate the true value of food with this market and inspire Brooklynites to keep moving towards a more just and sustainable food system.

The Foodshed is run in support of The Commons, a community and educational center on Atlantic Avenue in Boerum Hill.

Massachusetts: Boston Organics seeks Marketing/Customer Service Associate

Boston Organics is a small growing company that provides access to fresh, organic produce to promote and support healthy living in a mindful and sustainable way that respects the environment, supports local farms, local businesses, and fair-trade practices. At Boston Organics we value a positive attitude and team-work; treating customers, colleagues and vendors with the highest level of respect and service; and of course fresh produce of the highest quality.

We are seeking to fill 1-2 marketing positions. Depending on the candidate, it could be at the management or associate level.

Pennsylvania: Greener Partners seeks Market Staff at Community Farm in Collegeville

About Greener PartnersGreener Partners (www.greenerpartners.org) is a non-profit organization dedicated to building community through sustainable farming projects and farm-based education.  It is our mission to inspire individuals and communities to support and eat locally grown, seasonal food.Greener Partners operates several community-farms that serve as resources for local food and food-based education. Our educational programs for youth include Seed to Snack, The S.O.L. Food Project and farm camps.  We also offer workshops and activities for adults and families that educate about the “lost arts” from our agricultural and cultural past.

Position Description

Provide outstanding customer service at all times while working in a fast-paced locally-focused farm market.  Market located on certified organic farm. 

Virginia: Virginia Tech seeks Foodshed Project Coordinator

Review of applications begins:  4/30/2011

Position Summary:  This position will provide coordination and support for a USDA grant-funded project housed by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech. The position will generate positive, substantive impact on the development of sustainable food systems and agricultural economies in the region. Responsibilities include assisting the Program Director in coordinating communication among three (3) universities to execute the planned research and activities for community-based local food efforts; develop a framework for documentation, evaluation and analysis of information generated via meetings and research; write and proofread written correspondence, schedule meetings, make travel arrangements and assist in evaluation efforts of the initiative process overall.  

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Food Systems or Agriculture related field; Experience in concepts related to sustainable food systems; Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; Experience developing online training and tools; Experience working independently as well as in a team of diverse stakeholders, faculty, and undergraduate and graduate students from a variety of disciplines; Proficiency with multiple software programs such as Microsoft, Outlook, CMS, Banner; Knowledge of local foods and/or sustainable agriculture concepts and initiatives ; Experience with Project Management   

Massachusetts: The Boston Public Market seeks Farmers’ Market Intern

Overview:

The Boston Public Market (BMPA) is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to the creation of a year-round public market in downtown Boston.  The BPMA manages an outdoor farmers market in Downtown Boston on Tuesdays and Thursdays from May 26^th through November 22^nd.  We are seeking a Market Intern to assist with market operations throughout the season.

The Farmers Market Intern will assist the Market Manager with all aspects of market operations. This internship requires personal confidence and the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of people, including: customers, farmers, volunteers, health inspectors, police and city transportation departments.

The Intern’s general responsibilities include: coordinating market set-up and break-down each day, assisting vendors with sales, market counts, helping promote the market and BPMA’s ultimate mission of establishing a year-round public market in Boston, assisting with social media and general outreach to promote the market, operating and promoting the EBT (food stamps) program, and assisting with the market’s special events program.

Boston: Taza Chocolate seeks Farmers’ Market Lead

For more information, please visit: http://www.tazachocolate.com/ContactUs/Jobs

New York State: Steve’s Camp at Horizon Farms seeks a Culinary Expert

Steve’s Camp is a new and innovative program designed to empower high school youth from under-served communities in NYC to realize their potential through a unique camp experience.  The participants learn about sustainability and leadership by working on the farm, cooking healthy food, and having fun in the outdoors.  Steve’s Camp is located on 100 acres in Livingston Manor, New York, about 100 miles outside of NYC.  In addition to a farm that raises pigs, sheep, and chickens, the property also includes a large kitchen, dining hall, small garden, two bunkhouses, an all-purpose building, and a swimming pond.

We are looking for someone with culinary experience (either a chef or caterer) to run the kitchen.  This includes ordering local food from nearby farms and stores, keeping stock of food supplies, ensuring a clean and safe kitchen, and helping to plan and prepare nutritious meals for approximately 40-50 people each day with the help of campers and staff.  We hope to find someone who is passionate about cooking delicious and healthy food, enjoys working with youth, and is excited about living on farm for the summer!

Various: Grow for America seeks Interns

Advance the organic farming movement by connecting and educating the college generation through direct experience.Description
This will be the first official ‘Growing’ class of Grow For America and with it will come very interesting challenges and chances to learn. This organization is about two things: people and sustainable food.

This position is selecting highly motivated college sophomores, juniors and seniors for a summer position working on an organic farm selected by GFA. Our goal is to put the most talented college students in a position to learn and have the most impact on the organic farming industry. The summer is just the beginning.