Pennsylvania Agriculture Projects Manager

https://www.allianceforthebay.org/job/pennsylvania-agriculture-projects-manager/

The Pennsylvania Agriculture Projects Manager is a fast-paced full-time position that will work directly with farmers and a broad set of project partners on agriculture conservation, water quality improvement, and climate smart practices. The Manager will engage directly with farmers, collaborate with riparian and upland reforestation efforts with the Alliance’s Forests staff, and regularly engage with other professional partners. The Manager will also provide strategic support for the Alliance’s broader Agriculture Program efforts. 

Substantial fieldwork is necessary, and, thus, field-savviness is integral to this position. This position is a predominantly remote-based position based in Central Pennsylvania. The position will also supervise a new Pennsylvania Agriculture Projects Associate position, to be hired during the first half of 2025. That position will provide direct support to the specific duties defined below.

Specific Duties of the Position:

• Coordinate the planning and implementation of agriculture BMPs on farms in central Pennsylvania (Centre, Clinton, Union, Snyder, Mifflin, Juniata, Blair, Huntingdon, Lycoming, Northumberland):
  • Conduct farmer outreach within Alliance-corporate partnership frameworks across Central PA.
  • Be the primary point of contact for a rolling portfolio of 25-30 concurrently running farm projects.
  • Provide direct on-site farm support as needed, variable from week to week.
  • Build and maintain relationships with farmers, partner organizations, technical service providers, contractors, and federal and state agencies. Facilitate meetings and communication as appropriate.
  • Oversees components of grant budgets and reporting, including payments, invoices, procurement and contracting, reimbursements, reporting on associated projects, and other similar tasks.
• Support the Alliance’s overall Agriculture Program strategic efforts:
  • Supervision of other Alliance Agriculture team members, as assigned.
  • Pursue funding that enables the Alliance to meet its Strategic Goals through the Agriculture Program. Includes leading and collaborating in multiple, varied, successful grant proposals.
  • Participate in Alliance strategic planning efforts, internal committee, and problem-solving oriented teams as assigned.
  • Contribute to the Alliance’s various Agriculture Program team efforts.
  • Support external facing communications efforts to engage the Alliance’s diverse audiences.
• Provide event support, meeting coordination, and other administrative assistance as appropriate.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in agricultural science, natural resources management, biology, environmental science, or other relevant field. A Master’s degree may be substituted for 1 year of experience. Candidates with alternative education, but with extensive relevant professional experience, will also be considered.
• 4+ years relevant professional experience (which may include internships) related to the tasks of this position.
• Experience providing direct oversight or supervision in the professional setting.
• Experience successfully working with farmers or landowners in agricultural conservation.
• Working technical knowledge of agricultural BMPs and climate smart practices .
• Excellent communications skills, internally as part of a team and also with external audiences. 
• Great time management skills, including the ability to effectively prioritize tasks and manage 25 – 30 farm projects concurrently.
• Independent problem-solver, objective decision maker. Comfortable working remotely.