The Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO) is seeking an outgoing, collaborative and detail-oriented program manager with research experience to join the staff team as Small Grains Program Manager.
EFAO is a membership organization that for over 40 years has helped farmers build resilient ecological farms and grow a strong knowledge sharing community through farmer-led education, research and community building. Momentum and support is growing for ecological agriculture, and this position will work to deliver a program to support small grain production in Ontario. For the 2022 intake, the program will focus on spring cereals and EFAO staff will collaborate with researchers at the University of Guelph to investigate different delivery methods for efficient per acre payments to support the adoption of small grains plus cover crops.
Reporting to EFAO’s Research & Small Grains Program Director, the Small Grains Program Manager is responsible for developing and managing EFAO’s small grains payment program and small grains farmer-to-farmer network.
EFAO is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. In pursuit of these values, EFAO actively encourages applications from members of equity-seeking groups, such as BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+.
Position Details
Position: Small Grains Program Manager
Location: Guelph, Ontario or option to work remotely from home office
Employment type: 30 to 37.5 hours/week (flexible)
Start date: November 1, 2021 (flexible)
Duration: 1 year contract with possibility of extension
Salary: $50,000 – $60,000/year FTE, depending on qualifications and experience (corrected to $60,000 to match the PDF application)
Application deadline: October 4, 2021 11:59 EST
Responsibilities include
- Oversee the planning and launch of EFAO’s Small Grains Program including writing educational materials and disseminating program intake details.
- Oversee administration of EFAO’s Small Grains Program including supporting farmer-participants and gathering information from farmers for outcome verification of practices.
- Provide and coordinate agronomic support for farmer-participants related to their small grain and cover crop production practices.
- Work closely with research group at University of Guelph to oversee the research components of the Small Grains Program including compiling data for analysis and helping with interpretation.
- Conduct outreach around small grains production as part of EFAO’s Small Grains Network by writing e-newsletter and print newsletter articles, and exhibiting at sector events.
- Organizing learning opportunities for supply chain stakeholders.
- In collaboration with EFAO’s Events & Resource Manager, organize and deliver farmer-to-farmer training opportunities around small grain production including workshops and field days (in-person and virtual).
- Explore opportunities to collaborate with other organizations to support ecological and organic field crop growers through education and farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing.
- Other projects and initiatives, as determined collaboratively with EFAO’s staff team
Requirements include
- Master’s degree in agriculture or equivalent experience in research, agriculture or related field.
- Experience conducting and managing research projects
- Knowledge of field crop production in Ontario, including small grains. An understanding of Ontario agriculture and related issues is an asset. An understanding of field crop production across the spectrum of practices (i.e. organic, conventional) is an asset.
- Strong writing skills, in both informal and formal settings. Experience in outreach and communications is an asset.
- Experience writing grant proposals and reports
- Ability to work efficiently and accurately, and a commitment to delivering high-quality work in a busy and dynamic work environment
- Creative problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail
- Self-motivated and outgoing, and willing to initiate contact with farmers, landowners and agriculture professionals
- Ability to meet deadlines and manage several tasks at once
- Some off-site and weekend work required
- Valid driver’s license required
- Connected with Ontario field crop farmers is an asset.
- Experience organizing educational events such as workshops is an asset.
- Experience with Wordpress and different social media platforms is an asset.
- Experience working or volunteering with non-profit organizations is an asset.
EFAO offers
- A family-friendly work culture
- Flexible work schedule
- Contributions to a Health Savings Account
- Generous paid time off
Application
EFAO is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and inclusion.
Please apply by sending a cover letter and resume or CV (in one PDF document) to Sarah Hargreaves at jobs@efao.ca by October 4, 2021 11:59 EST.