Soil Health + Farm Conservation Consultant

Contract Description

Title: Soil Health and Farm Conservation Consultant

Compensation: $35.00/hour

Estimated Effort: Approximately 25 hours per week, averaged over the contract term

Engagement Type: Independent Contractor

Anticipated Term: May 16, 2026 - September 15, 2026

About Us

Global Growers Network (GGN) is a nonprofit based in Decatur, GA that partners with people from diverse cultures to grow fresh food for their families and for local marketplaces. We work with 200 growers representing over 20 cultures and languages. We operate a network of community gardens in Decatur and Clarkston, a market farm located at the Indian Creek MARTA station in Stone Mountain, and a 23-acre organic co-farm in Conyers. The Rockdale Organic Co-Farm is home to 13 farmers (9 agribusinesses) who lease land from GGN and share tools, equipment, and infrastructure.

Contract Summary and Vision

The Soil Health and Farm Conservation Consultant will provide technical expertise and systems support to solidify soil health practices and land management plans across all GGN sites. The ideal contractor has the ability to produce formal documents that capture protocols and practices related to conservation efforts, and on-the-ground experience that informs resource development and application.

Contract Deliverables

Farm Conservation Management

• Conduct an audit of existing templates or samples of farm conservation management plans; prepare a version for GGN that supports the existing Conservation Easement at Rockdale Organic Co-Farm and meets legal requirements
• Develop a site template for land management and conservation practices and, in coordination with the Land Stewardship team, complete for each GGN farm/garden site
• Prepare an internal operations document for the Rockdale Organic Co-Farm that guides daily decision-making processes in regards to conservation easement and farm management

Soil Health

• Establish a soil health manual that defines practices and protocols for land management, including soil testing and key metrics for yearly monitoring, and addresses how/why these practices are in alignment with GGN programming
• Produce a data dashboard that tracks soil health across all GGN sites; review and collate existing records from previous years to incorporate into dashboard as baseline data
• Coordinate with GGN staff and growers to align programming and land management with soil health practices outlined in manual including establishing annual calendars for testing, amending, and/or reporting

Communicating Conservation Practices

• Refer to the soil health manual and consult with GGN staff to develop a series of conservation-based communication pillars for use in signage, modules, tours, and related initiatives that:
• Highlight our network of farm/garden sites and the conservation practices we adhere to and advocate for
• Support farmers with soil health practices, analysis, and applications
• Can be used to train staff or volunteers for tour programs

Requirements

• At least 3 years of experience in environmental science, agriculture, and/or similar field, with expertise in soil health, conservation practices, and land management/planning
• Experience navigating farm management, organic certification, and/or conservation easements
• Demonstrated ability to produce written communications and resources about environmental and agricultural-related topics
• Proven ability to collect, input, and analyze data including establishing systems for data management
• Experience with adjusting communication styles to fit the needs of a wide range of cultures, people, and organizations
• Proven ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Preferences

• Teaching and/or facilitation (for workshop support)
• Organic, commercial fruit and vegetable farming experience, ideally in the SE United States
• Knowledge of resources and programs that support new and beginning farmers

Location, On-Site Services, and Meetings

Certain services under this contract require a regular on-site presence at the Rockdale Organic Co-Farm in Conyers, GA and/or GGN community garden sites around Metro Atlanta. On-site services must be delivered on a schedule that aligns with staff availability and program needs, which may include some Saturdays as well as weekday hours.

The contractor will participate in approximately 2–4 meetings per month related to this scope of work. Meetings may take place at the Rockdale Organic Co-Farm and/or other GGN locations, including the Decatur office. Work not requiring on-site presence or meetings may be performed remotely or at a location of the contractor’s choosing.

Compensation

Compensation will be paid at an hourly rate of $35 per hour, based on invoices submitted by the contractor in accordance with the terms of the contract.

Independent Contractor Relationship

This engagement is intended to create an independent contractor relationship. The contractor will determine the methods and means of performing the services described above and is responsible for all applicable taxes, insurance, and required licenses. The contractor is not eligible for employee benefits.

How to Apply

Apply at this link: bit.ly/ggn-hiring. Please include your resume and cover letter in PDF format. The cover letter should explain why you are interested in this contract opportunity, and address the following:

• Why are you interested in this contract opportunity
• Why do you feel connected to the work and mission of Global Growers Network?
• How will you use your past work, volunteer, academic, and/or other life experiences to complete this contract’s deliverables (as detailed above)?

Finalists will be asked to submit professional references who we may contact.

GGN welcomes proposals/applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex,

sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or other protected status.

Independent Contractor Relationship

This engagement is intended to create an independent contractor relationship. The contractor will determine the methods and means of performing the services described above and is responsible for all applicable taxes, insurance, and required licenses. The contractor is not eligible for employee benefits.

Fluency in written and spoken English