The Department of Plants, Soils, and Climate at Utah State University seeks a full-time Organic Outreach Coordinator to oversee the development and implementation of a new Organic Farming Extension and Education program in Utah. This is a full-time (40 hr/week), non-faculty, 12-month position, with an excellent benefits package. The position is fully funded for four years with the possibility of renewal.

The goal of the new Organic Farming Extension and Education program is to promote organic farming and help farmers convert to USDA Certified Organic status. This will be done via an organic grower mentor program, interactions with community partners, and extensive training and outreach.  The Organic Outreach Coordinator will fully manage the program through clear communication and leadership. The Coordinator will assist with the development of organics training materials such as factsheets, website and social media content, and will conduct surveys on the needs of the organic industry.  Opportunities to interface with the USU Student Organic Farm and assist in the development and teaching of a new course in organic gardening will also be available.

• Recruit, train, communicate with, and manage organic grower mentors and mentees
• Assist with the development of organic grower community partnerships
• Create, deliver, and analyze needs and evaluation surveys
• Develop written (fact sheets, web content, flyers, social media) and oral (presentations) outreach materials
• Organize and deliver organic farming workshops within Utah
• Participate in development of new course certificate programs within USU
• Travel to organic farms, industry trade shows, and events.
• Organize regular meetings with the USU organic outreach team to discuss goals and monitor progress.
• Communicate with USDA partners and deliver progress reports.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in horticulture, agronomy, plant science, soil science or other agricultural related science; OR four years of related experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Interest in organic farming.
• The applicant must be in possession of a US driver’s license at the time of hiring. A vehicle will be provided by the employer.
• A flexible work schedule is needed due to in-state travel requirements.
• Interest and ability to assist with the day-to-day training of undergraduate students.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Master’ degree in agriculture or agricultural communications.
• Experience in outreach and education.
• Experience in organic and or sustainable agriculture including experience with the National Organic Program and organic certification requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Experience using basic computer programs to facilitate work.
• Ability to be self-motivated and reliable.

• Interest and experience in working with organic farmers and knowledge of agriculture in general.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
2. Cover Letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application 

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

The Plants Soils and Climate Department within the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences is a vibrant and diverse department specializing in research, teaching and Extension in a wide range of disciplines related to agriculture and the land, plant, climate continuum. Utah State University is located in Logan, an attractive college town nestled in the mountains of Northern Utah.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant and space-grant university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion. USU serves approximately 27,500 students throughout the state at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online has served students from all 50 states and 55 countries for over 25 years, and USU Extension provides outreach and service to all counties in Utah.  

As a land-grant university, USU engages communities and empowers people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. As an R1 research institution, USU provides a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price. Washington Monthly has consistently ranked USU in the top 10 among public universities for contribution to social mobility, research, and public service.  

Utah State is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where different perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation. 

*updated 7/2023

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov