Local Food Supply Chain Program Lead

University of Arkansas
United States, Arkansas, Little Rock
2801 South University Avenue (Show on map)
Dec 20, 2024
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Closing Date: Type of Position:Research Workstudy Position: No Job Type:Fixed Duration of Project/Grant (Fixed Term) Work Shift: Sponsorship Available: No Institution Name: Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees. The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture. The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration. As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button. If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact the Division's Office of Inclusion, Access, and Compliance at compliance@uada.edu. For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-671-2219 or 479-502-9820. Department:Horticulture * Associate Professor Department's Website: Summary of Job Duties:The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture (UADA) Cooperative Extension Service's Department of Horticulture is partnering with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture to support the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program. This program will provide technical assistance on food safety, food systems, infrastructure development and management, and supply-chain coordination activities for local food farm and food business entities including those awarded RFSI equipment and infrastructure awards. The Program Lead of Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure and Local Food Supply Chain Coordination will serve as the program manager and lead extension educator to support the local food supply-chain activities to assist farm and food business entities as they utilize RFSI funds to install equipment, secure transportation, construct farm facilities, and plan for aggregation and distribution into local and regional supply chains. This position will also work with existing farms, food businesses, agencies, and non-profits to support local and regional supply chain support. This position will be in the Department of Horticulture working with the Local, Regional, and Safe Food's Team under direction of Dr. Amanda Philyaw Perez, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, the Heartland and Delta Regional Food Business Centers, and other key stakeholders and organizations. Project Development Conduct site visits for farms and food business to determine outreach, technical assistance, and resource needs. Develop new educational and technical assistance resources in support of externally funded projects and/or in response to local needs, not limited to, but including supporting RFSI funded projects. Provide education and high-level technical assistance to county educators in new program implementation and stakeholder engagement. Project Management Coordinate site visits, technical assistance requests (phone, email, or in-person), and training meetings for internal and external stakeholders. Communicate with funders and stakeholders; provide support to farm and food business entities in planning and implementing RFSI activities or local food supply chain coordination. Manage project budgets, including monitoring expenditures, maintaining accurate financial records, and preparing financial and programmatic reports for submission to funders, including collecting impact data of activities and outcomes. Project Coordination Communicate with funded RFSI entities on scheduled activities and resource needs. Provide regular updates to stakeholders on local implementation opportunities and issues. Collaborate with local organizations, groups, and farm and food business industry providers to organize and implement programs, direct entities to resources, and support successful project implementation. Project Evaluation Coordinate data collection with project team, funded entities, Arkansas Department of Agriculture and USDA. Monitoring of performance targets and outputs within project timeframe. Evaluation follow-up to ensure adherence to timeline and data collection protocols. Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications ABachelor's degree in agricultural economics, horticulture, food science, food safety, produce industry, supply-chain coordination, produce shed management, or other related field plus 3 years of experience OR a related Master's degree is required. Preferred Qualifications Experience with facilities management, construction management, food safety audits or inspections, or other related areas is preferred. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, data management, and email programs. A high level of technical competence in responsibility. Ability to develop and deliver quality presentations. Ability to exercise initiative, make sound judgments, and work without close supervision. Ability to relate and respond to the needs of supervisors, subordinates, and clientele. Location and Travel Position will be located in Ferndale, AR at the 1 4-H Way. A truck and travel budget will be available for farm or other site visits. Frequent travel to support supply chain connections with farms, food businesses, retailers, and support agencies, typically 20% - 40%. Position Details This position is a provisional position supported by grant funding through May 2027. Continuation of this position will be contingent on performance, securing additional funding, and programmatic need. Salary commensurate with education and experience, range $43,888 to $70,000. Anticipated closing of applications Jan. 13. Interviews anticipated Jan. 23 - Jan. 27. Start date planned Feb. 3 or 17. Additional Information: For technical assistance with the application, email humanresources@uada.edu Anticipated closing of applications Jan. 17. Interviews anticipated Jan. 20 - Jan. 27. Start date planned Feb. 3 - 17. Salary Information: Commensurate with education and experience Required Documents to Apply: Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume, Unofficial/Official Transcript(s) Optional Documents: Special Instructions to Applicants: Recruitment Contact Information: Amanda Philyaw Perez, Associate Professor, 5016712228 All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Sitehttps://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS Please do not send to listed recruitment contact. Pre-employment Screening Requirements:Motor Vehicle Reports Check The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment. The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law. The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity). Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Constant Physical Activity:Driving, Grasping, Hearing, Standing, Talking, Walking Frequent Physical Activity:N/A Occasional Physical Activity:N/A Benefits Eligible:Yes