Project Specialist - California Farm Bureau : Job Details

INTRODUCTION:

The California Bountiful Foundation (Foundation) is the 501(c)(3) science and research non-profit organization of the California Farm Bureau. Reorganized in April 2002, the Foundation's goal is to provide science and research services to the farmers, ranchers, and timber producers in California by obtaining scientific data and facts to inform policy decisions. To implement this goal, the Foundation works to collect data, fund research studies at academic institutions, obtain grant funding, and distribute the research widely to relevant stakeholders and communities. Areas of interest to the Foundation include climate-smart agriculture, agricultural technologies to solve on-farm and environmental issues, water and food security, information and knowledge transfer, and environmental and agricultural sustainability through research and education.

SUMMARY:

The Project Specialist for the Foundation will lead several initiatives and programs at the California Bountiful Foundation. The primary programs the Project Specialist will be involved with include the Beginning Farmer Mentoring Program. This program is a novel program within the Foundation that ensures food security, climate resiliency, and the practical application of science and research at the farm level.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

The Project Specialist will utilize a range of administrative and research skills to accomplish the following job functions:

• Implement Foundation grants such as the Beginning Farmer Mentoring Program to support equity, education, and agricultural sustainability in California.
• Support the Foundation's climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts and integrate the efforts into different projects.
• Work closely with California Farm Bureau farmers, ranchers, and timber producers.
• Collaborate with other agricultural institutions and organizations in California and the nation.
• Work closely with State and Federal agencies and their staff.
• Work closely with other divisions within the California Farm Bureau, including the Marketing and Legal divisions.
• Provide technical presentations to audiences on Foundation projects.
• Ideate to create new programs and services for California Farm Bureau members.
• Develop reports and review grant information in implementing the Foundation's existing and new projects.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• BA degree plus 2+ years experience working in a grant management role and experience working in the agricultural community.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Excellent presentation skills to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to write technical reports and publications.
• Ability to review and edit technical documentation.
• Engage in constructive criticism.
• Ability to multitask.
• Ability to manage work functions and programmatic budgets in a timely and fiduciary manner.
• Knowledge and ability to use computer technologies, including using Microsoft suite, databases, and graphing software.
• Ability to think creatively.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.

California Bountiful Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer