Job Title:            Farm to School and Programs Coordinator - P00041
Division:            Agriculture Business Development
Headquarters: Guthrie Center, Charleston, WV
FLSA Status:     Non-exempt

This position is contingent on grant funding; it is expected, but not assured, that funding will continue. In the event of funding loss, this position may be terminated.

Nature of Work:
Under the general direction of the Assistant Director of Programs/Events, WVDA Business Development Division, the Farm to School and Programs Coordinator primarily will work with producers, buyers and consumers to implement programs that support schools in providing fresh, locally sourced foods in school meal programs while also facilitating projects and activities that enable students to learn about local agriculture and healthy eating. This position will also assist in other project management to include several other WVDA grants and reporting.

Examples of Work:

• Work closely with the WV Department of Education, the WVU Extension Service, the WV Farm Bureau, WV 4-H and FFA, the WV Food and Farm Coalition, and other similar organizations, in completing objectives and activities outlined in the program scope of work.
• Work with regional food nutrition directors to implement and overcome barriers in their Farm to School programs.
• Provide support to school districts to source and promote local food in their cafeterias.
• Coordinate and provide technical assistance to producers & food service directors in the state.
• Develop and provide appropriate training for Farm to School Standard Operating Procedures.
• Plan and implement marketing outreach and events to highlight farmer-buyer relationships.
• Provide education and outreach to increase the public’s awareness and understanding of the Farm to School program and assist with project implementation.
• Responsible for all aspects of project grant management.
• Provide support and technical assistance for other WVDA grants.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Condition:   Sitting, standing, walking and/or driving for extended periods, working extended hours that may include overnight travel or weekends as needed. Capable of lifting 40 lbs. or more.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of computers and software including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint) to retrieve and utilize information and resources from multiple sources.
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, producers, buyers, consumers and the general public, including public speaking.
• Advanced ability to work collaboratively to plan, schedule, and organize local activities independently or with partners using remote technologies (i.e. cloud services, CRM, etc.).
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail to maintain records of resources, client/producer files, and project records according to prescribed format.
• Seasoned ability to take direction and work independently.
• Excellent skills in developing and maintaining courteous, professional relationships with internal team members, superiors, subordinates and external clients, including small business owners, regardless of profession, and the general public.
• Proficient in grant/project application, development, management, and reporting.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a four (4) year degree in agriculture, agri-business, nutrition, or a related field.
Experience: Two years’ experience in project management working with farmers and/or school food services. –OR –some combination of education and experience comparable in depth to the above to demonstrate thorough preparation to perform required duties. Previous experience in organizing/managing grant-funded programs is highly desirable as is experience in public speaking and public relations.
Substitution: A combination of education and experience comparable in depth to the above education and experience requirements that demonstrates a seasoned business background sufficient to perform required duties. Previous experience in organizing/managing grant-funded programs is highly desirable as is experience in public speaking and public relations.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.

                              This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Commissioner and designees.
                                                         West Virginia Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer.