Cascade Ag and Natural Resources Conservation Specialist

Overview

Cascade Ag and Natural Resources Conservation Specialist

Part Time Position

About Pie Ranch:

Pie Ranch is a unique food system education center located on a diversified regenerative farm on the San Mateo Coast, about 55 miles south of San Francisco. Our home near Pescadero, CA, is in the ancestral homeland of the Quiroste Tribe, now stewarded by the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band with whom Pie Ranch partners in a variety of ways. The home site of Pie Ranch includes two parcels, 27-acres in total. These neighboring pieces of land are each shaped like a slice of pie, and also grow the ingredients to make pie. In 2018 we began leasing 418-acres to the north at Cascade Ranch where we are building up a regenerator program for new farmers and land-based businesses. Pie Ranch’s vision is to support a multiracial community of growers and eaters with access to land, education, and resources necessary to bring abundance and reciprocity into our relationships with each other and the earth. Each day we work toward our mission of cultivating a healthy and just food system from seed to table through food systems education, farmer pathways, and regional partnerships.

Our ongoing partnership with Be Present Inc grounds us in our daily work of centering justice and equity in our programs, policies, structures, and communication with each other.

For more information on the organization, see http://www.pieranch.org

About the Position:

The Cascade Ag and Natural Resources Conservation Specialist (CANCS) will typically perform a variety of duties, which may include but not be limited to soil, water, field and biodiversity monitoring, and private, state or federal conservation grants management. The CANCS position is based at Cascade Ranch, a 416-acre property where we are demonstrating climate smart, regenerative practices by hosting next gen farmers, ranchers, and land stewardship projects.

This position requires excellent organization and communication skills; practical knowledge of agroecology and biological conservation practices; land stewardship; soil analysis and maintenance; agricultural skills and farm management; experience working at a rural farm setting; interest in learning more about the Pie Ranch Regenerator Program, and a deep commitment to food justice and social change.

This position reports directly to Leonard Diggs, Director of Farmer and Rancher Opportunities.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Implementation of Ag and Natural Resources Conservation Practices (80%):

Support the Director of Farmer and Rancher Opportunities on all aspects of the implementation of Ag and Natural Resources conservation practices including::

• Soil, water and biodiversity monitoring.
• Carbon and water budget monitoring and technical implementation via comet software.
• Creating and managing conservation monitoring protocols.
• Collect data and input for private, state and federally funded conservation grants
• Support the creation of regenerator workshops and training.
• Making sure all conservation and technical documents are saved and organized in the drive

Farm Infrastructure and Operations Support (15%):

• Engage in farm operations and infrastructure on a needed basis with the current equipment and infrastructure.

Other Responsibilities (5%):

• Attend operations and staff meetings, subcommittee meetings; participate in monthly solidarity meetings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

A successful CANCS candidate will have:

• A BS degree in Environmental Sciences, Agroecology or similar fields of study.
• A minimum of 5 years on a technical assistance on environmental conservation, ideally in regenerative or organic agriculture
• Understanding of the skills and concepts of sustainable/regenerative agriculture and integrated crop and animal production.
• Working knowledge of farm infrastructure.
• Great organization and follow up skills. Good at maintaining good records of records, data, invoices and similar.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize efficiently and work in a timely manner.
• Enjoy working with people; be self-motivated, and have an interest in and a commitment to Pie Ranch’s mission.
• Experience with grant writing and grant reporting.
• Ability to work independently as well as with a group, and possess creativity, flexibility and the ability to problem-solve and take initiative.
• Experience working collaboratively in a team environment with successful outcomes.
• Knowledge & experience with soil fertility management, weed management, pest & disease control.
• Experience with and interest in livestock management and pasture maintenance.
• Experience and interest in working with diverse populations – different ages and various economic, social and political backgrounds.
• Possess qualities of self-motivation, time management, flexibility and cooperation.
• Strong communication skills; ability to work with team and community members respectfully and with patience.
• Understanding and acceptance of Pie Ranch’s vision, mission, values, community agreements, communication agreements, organizational structure, decision making process, and other policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Understanding of the Be Present model of communication and willingness to integrate the model into all forms of communication at Pie Ranch.
• Commitment to Anti-Racism, Food & Social Justice, personal health and interest in cooking and nutrition.
• Be a team player and able to work well with the leadership and management team and other members of staff.
• Proficiency with Google Apps (docs, sheets, slides) and other office software applications.
• Access to a computer for communications.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds repeatedly, wake up early, and do physical labor 40+hrs/wk.
• Preferred, but not required: Bilingual in Spanish.

Additional Expectations:

• Work takes place in the field, around facilities, greenhouse, and office settings.
• This position may work some weekends and evenings.
• Ability to perform hard and repetitive physical work.
• Friendliness, approachability, and enthusiasm for working with other people.
• Understanding that work is within the rustic reality of a farm.
• Understanding the realities of working at a non-profit with ongoing funding needs and infrastructure.
• Possession of a current valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Compensation and Hours:

• This position is a PT position (60% FTE) with an estimated amount of 24 hours per week
• Starting hourly rate of $24.
• Temporary position depending on grant funding. Due to the temporary nature of this position, it does not qualify for additional benefits.

Application:

Interested and qualified candidates should provide:

• Cover letter describing your interest and qualifications for this position.
• Resume with references
• Email: jobs@pieranch.org with title: Ag Conservation Specialist.
• Deadline: Open until filled

Applicants only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.

Pie Ranch is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.