Agricultural Outreach Associate

Position Overview:

TVC’s Agricultural Outreach Associate will be a key member of the TVC Conservation and Stewardship team. This position is an ideal way to support agricultural and environmental values, open space, and the viticultural heritage of the Tri-Valley. In addition, the Associate is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with farmers and non-operating farmland owners as well as local and state agencies, agricultural service providers, and others to promote and implement strategies that engage farmers in adopting sound practices to achieve environmental and farm viability. The ideal candidate will be committed to TVC’s mission, excited about building their skills, and eager to support TVC’s growth and evolution. This is a hybrid position with a requirement to work in Livermore, CA at least 3 days per week.

Responsibilities May Include:

• Promote agricultural viability in the Tri-Valley.
  • Support efforts to identify and preserve agricultural and open space lands.
  • Create and support programs to support the economic viability of farms, ranches, and vineyards/wineries in the region.
  • Promote agritourism.
• Support stewardship activities on existing agricultural conservation easements.
  • Conduct outreach to landowners, identify their needs, and help problem solve issues such as conservation easement violations and proposed land use changes on agricultural easements.
  • Connect landowners with additional resources as needed.
• Build relationships with new landowners, including ranchers and vineyard owners.
  • Create outreach materials.
  • Conduct outreach through phone, email, and farm visits to assess resource concerns and recommend conservation strategies that align with landowner goals.
• Identify opportunities for habitat enhancement or restoration on agricultural lands.
  • Work with landowners to support efforts to maintain habitat areas within conservation easements.
  • Identify potential agricultural lands for habitat protection.
  • Support fundraising activities to support this work.
• Represent TVC at public events, field days, and educational programs.
• Contribute to project implementation, goal setting, reporting, and funding proposals as part of a collaborative team.
• Other tasks in support of TVC’s strategic plan.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Self-starter and capable problem solver with a demonstrated commitment to meeting high expectations.
• Highly motivated with strong interpersonal skills.
  • A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in agriculture, land stewardship, or land management.
  • College degree in a related field such as agriculture, environmental management, or natural resource planning.
  • A valid US driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
  • A strong working knowledge of California agriculture or conservation.
  • Independent and reliable worker; willingness to conduct field-based work in all weather conditions and work effectively.
  • A track record of developing and maintaining strong working relationships with and among a diverse group of stakeholders, both internal and external.
  • An intellectual curiosity, understanding, and enthusiasm for TVC’s mission.
  • Experience with public outreach, community engagement, and communications.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite – additional experience with GIS mapping software is preferred.

Travel:

• • Frequent travel within the Tri-Valley is required. Travel will be with personal vehicle with mileage reimbursement.

Direct reports:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

TVC offers excellent benefits including medical and dental coverage (employer pays full premium for most plans), 403b plan and employer match, generous vacation and PTO, observance of all federal holidays, office closure from Christmas through NYD.

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