Local Foods Coordinator

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Closing Date:

Type of Position:

ResearchersNo

Job Type:

RegularNo

Institution Name:

Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus with faculty based on University campuses at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES) and is home to more than 1400 employees. The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture. The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration. As an employer the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance.

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Department:

Horticulture * Associate Professor

Summary of Job Duties:

The Local Foods Program Associate will support the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program by strengthening connections among local food producers aggregators distributors and buyers to enhance the regional food supply chain. This position will focus on developing partnerships and coordinating sourcing efforts to supply local food into regional food hubs and institutional markets.

The Program Associate will work within the Department of Horticulture as part of the Local Regional and Safe Foods (LRSF) Team under the direction of Dr. Amanda Philyaw Perez in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and other key partners and organizations supporting the Arkansas food system.

Program Development and Coordination
Coordinate efforts among farmers food businesses food hubs and institutional buyers to strengthen local and regional supply chains.
Support farmers and food businesses in utilizing RFSI funds for equipment transportation or infrastructure that enhances aggregation and distribution capacity.
Work with LRSF and partner organizations to identify sourcing opportunities for food hubs and other local food access points.
Assist in developing educational and technical assistance resources focused on business development supply chain management and local food aggregation.
Provide training collaboration and support to county extension agents and community partners involved in local food system development.
Coordinate site visits technical assistance requests and stakeholder meetings (in-person and virtual).
Track and evaluate program activities data collection and reporting requirements in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and USDA.

Local Food Outreach and Education
Develop and implement outreach and education strategies to increase awareness of local food systems regional food hubs and the benefits of sourcing locally.
Create and distribute educational materials digital content and promotional media highlighting Arkansas-grown products and producers.
Support and organize community events workshops and farm tours to engage diverse audiences including farmers buyers educators and consumers.
Collaborate with partners to deliver training on local food sourcing food safety value chain coordination and market readiness for growers.
Represent the program at conferences meetings and community events to strengthen relationships and share success stories from the field.
Support garden-based educational program development.

Travel and Work Environment
Travel to farms aggregation facilities meetings and conferences within and outside Arkansas (approximately 20% travel).
Work in office field and facility settings under varying weather conditions.
Must be a self-starter capable of independent work and effective collaboration within a multidisciplinary team.


Hiring Supervisor: Dr. Amanda Philyaw Perez Associate Professor University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service
Email:

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelors degree in agricultural education horticulture food systems public health food science urban planning or related field plus 3 years of related experience OR a related Masters degree is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in local food systems supply chain coordination produce safety or agricultural business development.

• Understanding of specialty crop production food aggregation and distribution logistics and food safety practices.

• Strong communication skills (written and oral) including experience in outreach curriculum development or public presentations.

• Familiarity with marketing buyer engagement or supply chain software and data tracking tools.

• Experience in on-farm or food hub operations is a plus.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office data management tools and digital communications platforms.

  • Ability to develop and deliver engaging presentations and outreach materials.

  • Strong initiative organizational skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.

  • Commitment to fostering resilient local food systems.

Additional Information:

Commensurate with education and experienceCover Letter/Letter of Application List of three Professional References (name email business title) Resume Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Amanda Philyaw Perez Associate Professor

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Motor Vehicle Reports Check

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment. The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a consistent non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law including age race color national origin disability religion protected veteran status military service genetic information sex sexual orientation or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex may be sent to the Universitys Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

Driving Hearing Manipulate items with fingers including keyboarding Pulling Pushing Reaching Standing Stooping Talking Walking

Frequent Physical Activity:

Driving Hearing Manipulate items with fingers including keyboarding Sitting Standing Talking Walking

Occasional Physical Activity:

Driving Hearing Manipulate items with fingers including keyboarding Sitting Standing Talking Walking

Benefits Eligible:

Yes