Michigan Climate Smart Farm Project Specialist

Job Overview

POSITION OBJECTIVE:

The MCSFP Specialist is responsible for the management of the Michigan Climate Smart Farm Project (MCSFP). The Specialist will be responsible for managing the overall project team, including two Climate Smart Farm Technicians, project partners and committees and delivering program goals.  The MCSFP is a new 5-year program funded through the nationally competitive USDA Partnership for Climate Smart Commodities.

About the Michigan Climate Smart Farm Project

MCSFP will develop and launch a Climate Smart Farm Verification (CSFV) system, based on the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). The CSFV pilot program is a designed to assist small/diversified farms in Washtenaw, Monroe, Wayne and Lenawee Counties with verification of GHG reduction benefits and the marketing of commodities produced using climate smart and regenerative agricultural practices. Farmers interested in participating in the CSFV program will be eligible for cost-share payments for climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices implemented with a goal of attaining CSFV. Verified farms will be able to utilize the newly developed CSF branding package and logo to market their commodities as Climate Smart Farm Verified. The long-term goal of MCSFP is to develop a scalable statewide program that can be utilized in verifying a diversity of commodities.

RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to:                            Executive Director

Supervises:                           Two climate smart farm technicians

Works with:                           All WCCD staff

External Stakeholders:       Grant project partners, Grant committees

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Project Management (60%)

• Manage the overall project timeline, objectives, tasks and ensure that program goals are met.
• Coordinate and support all core team meetings, project meetings and advisory committee meetings.
• Assist other project sub-awardees with event planning, outreach, reporting and general support.
• Manage the WCCD subaward budget, purchases, and match.
• Prepare and submit quarterly reports to Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD). Assist MACD with MCSFP quarterly reports for USDA.
• Provide support for management of cost-share application and payment process.
• Manage MCSFP webpage to include news & updates.
• Provide timely updates and performance reports to partners and committee members.
• Maintain relationships with project partners.

Development (15%)

• Work with partners to finalize committee structure, processes, and eligibility.
• Assist Executive Director with the process of hiring and onboarding Climate Smart Farm Technicians.
• Recruit and onboard candidates to serve on project committees.
• Collaborate with state and national partners to gain input on program refinement and connect to other regional efforts.

Outreach (15%)

• Assist grant partners with development of MCSFP outreach materials for farmers and consumers.
• Ensure farmer outreach targets are met.
• Prepare and present information on MCSFP at partner events by request.
• Serve as main media contact for MCSFP.
• Promote MCSFP at in-person meetings and events reaching target audiences.
• Coordinate with staff to manage all outreach efforts for the program (direct e-mail, social media postings, articles, tabling events, presentations, press releases, etc.).
• Follow up on participant leads provided by webpage, Technicians and partners.

Training (5%)

• Attend bi-annual Partnership Network meetings with the USDA.
• Commit to ongoing professional development through the Employee Development Plan (EDP).
• Participate in WCCD quarterly staff meetings/trainings.

General WCCD (5%)

• Prepare a monthly report for and/or occasionally participate in monthly board meetings.
• Participate in annual meetings and other WCCD related meetings and events.

Minimum Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Educational background in environmental sciences, economics, business. Master’s degree preferred.
• Three years of demonstrated experience in professional project management.
• Track record of managing complex projects, budgets, detailed tracking and reporting.
• Possesses an understanding of current climate adaptation techniques and/or carbon storage/sequestration practices and approaches.
• Has experience or background knowledge of agriculture and climate smart agricultural practices.
• Proven ability to identify, network, and strategically engage with diverse groups.
• Experience with or familiarity of the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Program (MAEAP) a plus.
• Experience with meeting facilitation and public speaking.

ABILITIES:

• Strong social and interpersonal skills.
• Very strong communication skills- both written and verbal.
• Collaborative and reliable.
• Self-motivated and goal oriented.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Comfortable with hybrid remote working environment.
• Excellent computer skills are required. Computer workstation will be provided, including a standard PC, on a shared network with Windows-based software.
• Ability to learn and integrate use of project and time management software (ASANA and Toggl).
• Able to work cooperatively with district personnel and other agencies.
• Able to work efficiently outdoors in varying conditions and rough terrain; able to lift 20 pounds.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Willingness to travel regularly for regional partner events, meetings, farm site visits.
• Willingness to travel to Partnership Network meetings twice per year (either Kansas City, MO and/or Washington, DC).
• Must be able to pass a security background check.

SALARY, BENEFITS, WORK HOURS, LOCATION

This position will be based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Work time will be generally split between the main WCCD office, remote (home) office and field work. The

Washtenaw County Conservation District office is located at the Washtenaw County Service Building at 705 N. Zeeb Rd, #201, Ann Arbor 48103.

This is a full time, FLSA exempt, grant-funded salary position with a set salary starting at $56,160. As a full-time, exempt employee, the MCSFP Specialist is entitled to the Washtenaw County Conservation District’s benefits package, which includes full medical insurance (includes dental, vision, other ancillary benefits) or ability to waive this benefit and take as a taxable cash payment, 13 paid vacation days, 13 paid sick days, 11 paid federal holidays, and 2.5 hours of flextime per week. Other benefits as described in the Employee Handbook.

Typical work hours will be Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm. Some evening and weekend work will be required