What are the responsibilities and job description for the BRF Education Specialist position at The Food Group?
This is an exempt, salaried position with a competitive benefits package. The salary range for this position is $47,000 - $53,400.
Job Summary
The Farm Education Specialist is a full time, salaried position based at our farm in Marine on St. Croix. This position is responsible for the oversight and project management of Big River Farms’ Farmer Education Program including workshops, classes, field days, farm tours and collaborative works with agricultural partners. They are also responsible for scheduling appropriate training and orientation for farmers both in the Agrisolar site, Big River Farms, and Micro Farm. This position also supports the planning Emerging Farmer’s Conference by assisting with the content, programming, and outreach. This position works closely with the Program and Farm Operations Teams.
Core Job Functions
- Farmer Education Program – Approx. 70% of time
- Develop 1:1 individual farm plan for each farm team
- Provide organic certification assistance, records checks, and accountability on goals
- Assists in strategic direction for Farmer Education Program
- Travel to various Big River Farm and The Food Group sites to assist in land and resource stewardship with farmers and staff
- Manage communication with government/partners, and attend required conferences and workshops relevant to the work
- Organize, implement, and track all aspects of the curriculum based on program and farmer goals
- Facilitate and host classes, workshops, field days, events with organizational partners
- Design program evaluation metrics to both highlight successes and identify areas for improvement
- Work closely with staff to communicate with farmers to ensure they have access to tools, supplies, and infrastructure
- Identify opportunities to build farmer leadership and stakeholder input in farmer education program and organization as a whole
- Provide technical assistance and mentorship to farmers
- Work closely with farm team to meet program goals and priorities
- Identify education resources for farmers
- Ensure appropriate and timely trainings are scheduled for farmers at Agrisolar, Microfarm, BRF and Food Group sourcing
Events & Community Education – Appx. 20% of time
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Participate in Emerging Farmers Conference planning committee
- Assist in project deliverables, timelines, and budget
- Assist in event logistics
- Assist in evaluation and reporting
- With help from team, oversee off-farm events and coordination such as farm visits and tours
- Assist in the building and support of content, program, and outreach for the Emerging Farmers Conference
Management & Admin – Appx. 10% of time- Represent the Food Group in the community and develop working relationships with key partners
- Attend team meetings, respond to email, and support team in achieving shared goals
- Complete job duties as assigned by supervisor
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
- Must be coachable, opened and receptive to feedback
- Must be able to work effectively with partners who are significantly diverse with respect to age, race, ethnicity, gender orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, and religion
- Must be able to work effectively in an organization that has recognized its own issues related to equity, and is seeking to be more representative of the community
- Demonstrated commitment to food systems change focused on health, nutrition, and equity
- Basic understanding of growing food (be willing to learn more)
- Basic knowledge of pests and disease management
- Basic understanding of soil health
- Strong interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication across various cultures
- Strong organizational, planning, and administrative skills, with great attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and prioritize many competing demands and responsibilities
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
- Ability to manage a project within a budget
- Basic computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google and Excel on PCs, and emails
- Coaching abilities strongly desired
Minimum Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree or at least 4 years of professional experience required
- Experience managing programs, projects or events
- Experience with adult education and Curriculum development
- Experience in organizational skills
- Farming experiences
- Food systems exposure
- Knowledge of or experience in sustainable agriculture
- Experience with budgets and/or federal grants is an advantage
- Fluency in a language other than English (especially Hmong, Somali, Spanish, Karen) is a plus
Licenses and/or Certifications
- Valid MN driver’s license and have a clean driving record
Working Conditions and Environment
This position will primarily work from Big River Farms in Marine on St. Croix, MN, with occasional meetings at The Food Group in New Hope, MN, occasional traveling to other farm sites/visits. Both locations are accessible and smoke free. This position works primarily during normal business hours but includes regular evening and weekend hours to accommodate farmer availability/event schedules. Winter classes may be subjected to being scheduled on Saturday and/or Sunday, at least 2x/month, these classes will be held in person with room for flexibility for online classes. These winter classes will be held at a community center.
All employees must be able to work effectively in a mission-driven agency whose clients and staff exhibit significant diversity with respect to race, ethnicity, gender orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, and religion.
People of Color and LGBTQ people are strongly encouraged to apply. The Food Group is an equal opportunity employer.
Organization Overview
The Food Group (TFG) is a local food equity nonprofit. For more than 45 years we have worked to provide nutritious food to those who need it most in our community. We work at the intersection of food access, equity, and nutrition issues related to food and hunger in Minnesota. We work across the food system and our programs include anti-hunger initiatives, affordable grocery, advocacy, and sustainable farming.
Our culture and environment can be described as high-trust, cooperative, collaborative, open, and fun. We are team of approximately 60 people with three locations in New Hope, St. Paul, and Marine on St. Croix.
We are a workplace that is full of people who genuinely appreciate each other and work best when tackling big ideas as a team. We value individuals who bring their life experiences to their work, knowing that the ways that they have experienced racial, economic, or gender injustice drive their passion to create change. We are a team of passionate, dedicated people who work alongside each other.
Equity is fundamental to our mission to fight hunger and nourish our community. Where we live, how much money we make, or the color of our skin currently influences access to healthy and culturally connected foods. We must address the roots of these inequities so everyone in our community has the opportunity to live their best life. We believe in working with our community and organizations to improve food access and make systemic changes. To do so, equity is a part of all aspects of our work. We invite individuals from different abilities, ethnicities, genders, races, religions, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds to take part in and shape the work in the community.
How to apply
Interested parties should send a cover letter and current resume via the organization’s website at Job Opportunities - The Food Group (thefoodgroupmn.org).
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until May 15, 2025.
Salary : $47,000 - $53,400
