POSITION

The Farmer Programs Outreach Coordinator (FPOC) works closely with staff to support general outreach needs for the Conservation District with a focus on farmer educational events and programs, especially within the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB). Additionally, the FPOC organizes and facilitates a large WCCD event.

RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to: Community Forester

Supervises: N/A

Works with: All WCCD staff

External Stakeholders: Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office, MDARD, NRCS, Farmer Led Group, Farm Bureau, MACD, etc.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Farmer Programs Outreach, Program and Events (65%)

· Understand all farmer programs & assist with connecting farmers to their best-fit.

· Promote farmer programs and services at partner events.

· Connect directly with farmers in-person at events and at local markets.

· Participate in weekly Farmer Programs Meetings, monthly Farmer Led Group (FLG) Meetings, and other applicable meetings as they arise.

· Develop additional content for farmer programs, including ads, mailings, flyers, and website/online postings.

· Coordinate with Farmer Program Staff to disseminate promotional and outreach content created by grant partners.

· Coordinate and execute Field Day, which is an annual grant requirement event that educates approximately 100 farmers on a local farm.

· Assist or take lead as requested on other farmer educational events.

· Coordinate with the Residential Programs Outreach Coordinator (RPOC) on management of overall outreach calendar and promotional efforts.

· Communicate with RPOC on how outreach process could be improved for FP Staff.

· Suggest new communication tools and explore creative pathways to connect with farmers.

2. Coordinate One Large WCCD Event TBD (25%)

· Review previous plans, adapt as needed, and plan for the execution of the event, with assistance from WCCD staff.

· Potentially secure financial sponsors and manage current commitments.

· Communicate with vendors, partners, and Advisory Group, if applicable.

· Work with WCCD staff to promote and publicize the event.

· Manage an exciting and engaging atmosphere during the event.

· Develop a system and metrics for tracking engagement and outcomes with input from WCCD staff.

3. Training (5%)

· Learn about farmer programs and services offered and review the history and lessons-learned from past events.

· Attend webinars, field days, and other in-person trainings that provide overview/background information on the issues related to agriculture, especially in the WLEB.

· Learn and integrate software for project management and tracking (Toggl/Asana).

4. General WCCD (5%)

· Submit monthly board report to Supervisor, occasionally attend monthly board meetings as requested.

· Attend WCCD staff meetings, including in-person and virtual.

· Assist with WCCD annual and long-term planning.

· Meet with Supervisor for quarterly check in and as needed.

· Complete an annual review.

QUALIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES:

· Organized, self-starter with ability to manage competing priorities and workload.

· Proficient written and verbal communication skills, including a willingness to engage in 1:1 conversation in-person and via phone as well as occasional group presentations.

· Excellent computer skills are required, especially MS Office Suite. Experience with any of the following programs is helpful: ArcGIS, Zoom, Canva, Toggl, Asana, Weebly, Drupal, Adobe Premiere Pro (video editing software), Shopify, myturn.com

· Ability to learn quickly, problem solve creatively, ask questions, and seek clarification.

· Comfortable working both independently, as well as cooperatively with District staff, other agencies, and partners.

· Ability to work in-person at the office to assist with answering calls and walk-ins from the public as well as capacity to work remotely (strong internet connection, quiet workspace, self-discipline, etc.).

· Excellent social media and marketing skills with a minimum of one year of required experience in event coordination, market coordinator or related experience.

· Preferred candidates have knowledge of native plants and native ecosystems of Washtenaw County and a personal interest in conservation and/or agriculture.

· Able to work outdoors in varying conditions and rough terrain; able to lift 30 pounds.

· Must maintain a valid driver’s license.

· Must be able to pass a background security check.

SALARY, BENEFITS, WORK HOURS, LOCATION

This position will be based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Work time will generally be split between the main WCCD office, remote (home) work, and field work. The Washtenaw County Conservation District office is located at the Washtenaw County Service Building at 705 N. Zeeb Rd, #201, Ann Arbor 48103.

This is a full time, FLSA exempt, salary position through December 31, 2025. Annual starting range between $41,600 - $44,133, commensurate with experience. As a full-time, exempt employee, the Outreach Coordinator is entitled to the Washtenaw County Conservation District’s benefits package, which includes full medical insurance (includes dental, vision, other ancillary benefits) or ability to waive this benefit and take as a taxable cash payment, 13 paid vacation days, 13 paid sick days, 11 paid federal holidays, and 2.5 hours of flextime per week. Other benefits as described in the Employee Handbook.

Typical work hours will be Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm. However, evening and weekend work will be necessary to meet farmers in-person, including at events, meetings, and farmers markets to share and network with the farming community.

ABOUT THE WCCD

The Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD) is a local government agency and has played a significant role in assisting residents and landowners with access to trees, plants, and conservation tools in Washtenaw County since 1948. Our mission is to assist residents with the conservation, management, and wise use of natural resources in Washtenaw County. Since 1951 the WCCD has distributed over 7.1 million trees, shrubs, and native plants for various conservation purposes. To obtain further information about the Washtenaw County Conservation District visit our website at www.washtenawcd.org.

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and two professional references by email to Community Forester, Summer Roberts (summer@washtenawcd.org), by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 22nd. Please combine all application materials into one PDF file for review and state “Application – WCCD Outreach Coordinator” in the email subject line. Contact us at the above email address with

questions related to the position.

• The Washtenaw County Conservation District does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, military service, disability or other non-merit factor.

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