Education and Outreach Specialist

Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO) is seeking an Education & Outreach Specialist (EOS) to join our team. This opening is due to company growth and is a key member of the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) team.

PCO is a growing non-profit organization that works with farmers and food producers across the US. PCO provides organic certification services to more than 1600 operations, employs approximately 40 staff, and sub-contracts with around 50 inspectors. Our staff are dedicated to our vision: A world where agriculture systems prioritize health, ecological balance, fairness and care. and we are committed to a work culture of purpose, caring, and results.

The EOS will oversee, under the supervision of the TOPP Director, all aspects of the TOPP education and outreach in Central and Western Pennsylvania, including collaborating with partner organizations, recruiting farmers to the TOPP mentorship program, organizing and hosting trainings on how to transition to organic, and holding office hours to answer questions about the NOP organic guidelines and providing Organic System Plan (OSP) support. The EOS works with the TOPP Team within the organization to develop and implement strategies and program delivery that align with the goals of the TOPP Program in Pennsylvania. 

Team Statement

The EOS is part of the TOPP Team, which has the following areas of responsibility:

1. Recruiting farmers to the TOPP program (outreach)   

2. Educating farmers on the transition to organic process and providing Organic System Plan support (education)     

3. Collaborating with and supporting partner organizations    

The work of the EOS focuses primarily on areas 1 and 2.

This position is fully remote with regular travel in the Western PA Region. The salary for this position will be $59,000 - $64,000. For more information on our benefits, click here.

This position will remain open until filled

PCO is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. We do not discriminate with regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, ancestry, political beliefs, union membership, disability (in accordance with the American With Disabilities Act and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act), veteran status, gender or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or familial status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by law. We value and encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; members of the LGBTQ+ community; veterans; people with disabilities; and people who have been formerly incarcerated. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for opportunities when they don’t feel fully qualified. We are most interested in finding the best candidate, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to submit your interest.

Qualifications

Education and Outreach Specialist (EOS)

The Education and Outreach Specialist will oversee, under the supervision of the TOPP Director, all aspects of the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) education and outreach in Central and Western Pennsylvania, including collaborating with partner organizations, recruiting farmers to the TOPP mentorship program, organizing and hosting trainings on how to transition to organic, and holding office hours to answer questions about the NOP organic guidelines and providing Organic System Plan (OSP) support. The EOS works with the TOPP Team within the organization to develop and implement strategies and program delivery that align with the goals of the TOPP Program in Pennsylvania. This position is funded through 2027 with no guarantee for refunding.

Team Statement

The EOS is part of the TOPP Team, which has the following areas of responsibility:

1. Recruiting farmers to the TOPP program (outreach)   

2. Educating farmers on the transition to organic process and providing Organic System Plan support (education)     

3. Collaborating with and supporting partner organizations    

The work of the EOS focuses primarily on areas 1 and 2.

Organic Education and Outreach - 65%

• Provide technical assistance to TOPP mentees and prospective organic farmers through on-farm field days, online office hours, one-on-one meetings, and workshops throughout the year.  
• Recruit farmers in Pennsylvania and surrounding states to participate in TOPP by attending events, writing articles, visiting farms and conducting outreach to share information about the TOPP program.
• Coordinate and present at in-person events in Central and Western PA to promote TOPP and educate farmers on organic production practices.  
• Host webinars to share educational information on transition to organic topics, including but not limited to organic production practices, demystifying organic, and Organic System Plan (OSP) support.
• Hold weekly open “office hours” where transitioning and organic producers can call in to ask questions about production, certification and OSPs.
• Collaborate with the TOPP Mentorship Coordinator on communication about training opportunities with Mentors and Mentees in TOPP.
• Maintain knowledge of the organic industry in general and in the target localities and make recommendations to the TOPP Director and TOPP Team based on trends and opportunities identified.
• Collaborate with TOPP team to develop opportunities for education and outreach, then helps to gather, analyze, interpret and present information on the TOPP program and transition to organic.     
• Provide Technical Assistance support to TOPP mentees in PA, DE, MD, VA and other Northeast states as needed to increase their skills and competencies required for transition.
• Coordinate with PA Dept of Ag on providing support for organic in PA.

Office environment and administrative support - 20%

• Report all TOPP-related activity in the TOPP AirTable database system in a timely manner.
• Keep detailed records of all event and outreach related expenses.
• Collect “success stories” from transitioning farmers each quarter and share those with the TOPP team.
• Attend biweekly TOPP Partner zoom meetings and other TOPP committee meetings as assigned
• Any other task relevant to these duties or the mission of the organization as assigned by the TOPP Director or Executive Director.

Collaboration with Partner Organizations - 15%

• Participate in partner organization events and activities, as assigned by the TOPP Director.
• Provide coordination and coaching to transitioning operations, ensuring they are trained and able to successfully apply for a Transitioning Producer Plan or an Organic System Plan.
• Coordinate with TOPP partners to identify training needs for transitioning farmers and develop training modules to fill targeted gaps.
• Partner with the Executive Director and TOPP Director to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in PCO’s culture and programs.

Job Requirements:

Position

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Agroecology, Soil Science or other related field, or equivalent training and experience.
• Minimum 3 years experience in the organic sector, preferably in an organic inspection and/or certification role.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the NOP Organic Guidelines, including production requirements and how to write an OSP.
• Intermediate knowledge of databases, Salesforce systems, Google Office platforms, document repositories, Apple operating systems, and performing internet research.
• Ability to communicate professionally and build relationships with diverse stakeholders is crucial for project success.
• Excellent organization skills and attention to detail.
• Candidate must be located within close driving distance of Western Pennsylvania and able to travel.

General

• Analytical skills, with the ability to use data and metrics to evaluate needs and recommend changes.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously - orientated on results and within deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to conduct presentations to all audience levels effectively. 
• Able to work with minimal supervision while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with others. Must be able to develop a work plan and perform in a team environment.
• Knowledge of computer programs necessary for creating and sharing presentations: PowerPoint, word processing, spreadsheets, internet research, databases. 
• Dedicated to TOPP’s goals and PCO’s mission.
• Must have a vehicle, a valid driver’s license and applicable insurance.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

The bullet points below are representative of the physical demands and working environment that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. 

• Standard / Remote office setting; proximity to office equipment that includes electronic devices.
• Must remain at a workstation for at least 50% of the time; will need to use equipment that includes electronic devices.
• Perceive and interact with text, media, and people.
• Communicate and accurately exchange information with text, media, and people.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Moderate travel required, around 12 trips per year. This role requires travel by car, air, or other transportation and the employee should be able to withstand the demands of frequent travel. 
• May be required to ambulate long distances at event venues, conference and training locations, and/or other relevant sites.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by an employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to perform other related duties as assigned, to ensure workload coverage. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as organizational needs and requirements of the job change.