The Organic Consultant will assist farmers across Pennsylvania and surrounding regions with the transition from conventional to organic agricultural practices and help them comply with organic certification regulations. The OC will report to the Director of Consulting and work indirectly with the Research, Education, Communications, and Development Departments at Rodale Institute. Organic Consultants provide primarily agronomic and regulatory support to farmers to ensure that they are supported throughout their transition to organic production. OCs are also expected to have the ability to interpret and translate soil test results, review and retain knowledge of crop production systems and research, and provide practical advice to farmers regarding equipment and weed control.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Travel extensively (primarily in Pennsylvania) to consult with farmers that require assistance in their transition to organic production.
  • Provide scientifically sound agronomic recommendations to farmers regarding crop rotation, soil health, fertility, pests, weeds, and disease, management practices, tillage, labor, seed sourcing, and more.
  • Help farmers maintain eligibility for organic certification by keeping in contact with farmer clients throughout the transition period (up to 3 years) and ensuring that practices are in line with organic certification requirements.
  • Assist farmers with developing and submitting an Organic System Plan and associated documentation.
  • Respond to farmer questions regarding the certification process, organic crop production, and the organic industry in general.
  • Assist farmers in preparing for organic and inspections.
  • Provide accurate, crop specific production strategies to farmers.
  • Guide new or beginning farmers in establishing and managing their organic farms.
  • Assist and train farmers on using research and experimentation on their farm to improve crop yields.
  • Stay up-to-date on information concerning certification to ensure our organic standards and policies comply with the USDA National Organic Program (NOP).
  • Perform other duties as assigned by management.
  • Be able to work remotely in a responsible manner.

Qualifications:

  • Experience working on an organic farm
  • Strong agronomic background
  • Knowledge of crops grown in the Pennsylvania/Northeast U.S. region
  • Strong customer service and interpersonal skills
  • Written and verbal communications skills
  • Strong organization and planning skills
  • Hold a valid driver’s license

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in the field of Agriculture, Agronomy, Soil Science, or related field (preferred)

Travel:

  • Extensive traveling across Pennsylvania to visit farmers
  • Some out-of-state travel to meetings and conferences

Other Expectations:

  • Trustful and respectful to all staff and visitors

Additional Information:

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to Rebecca Kahle, Director of HR, at rebecca.kahle@rodaleinstitute.org

About Rodale Institute: Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to pioneering organic farming through research and outreach. For seventy years, the Institute has been researching the best practices of organic agriculture and sharing findings with farmers and scientists throughout the world, advocating for policies that support farmers, and educating consumers about how going organic is the healthiest option for people and the planet.

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