Stewardship Specialist

Job Summary:

This position will serve as a key resource connecting Blue Diamond grower-members to resources to advance sustainable agriculture on farms. In particular, the successful candidate will work collaboratively with the Member Relations team, Sustainability team, and Blue Diamond Grower-Members to communicate, provide resources, and knowledge about how growers can participate and receive cost share resources from the USDA-funded Blue Diamond Climate Smart Initiative. The position will work with internal and external partners to establish standard operating procedures, communicate to the grower-members, and execute activities supporting the Climate Smart Initiative and Blue Diamond's Orchard Stewardship Incentive Program (OSIP) to drive adoption. The Specialist is expected to become a subject matter expert on the implementation of the USDA Climate Smart Initiative, the OSIP, and related public and private funding programs, which will support grower members in their adoption of practices that align with the sustainability goals of Blue Diamond Growers.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Supports and executes activities toward implementing the Climate Smart Initiative goals and plans
• Educates grower owners on the content of the Climate Smart Initiative
• Advises grower members on implementing Climate Smart Initiative activities
• Coordinates with external partners to ensure the successful execution of the Climate Smart Initiative
• Researches related funding mechanisms that grower members might utilize in the adoption practices aligned with Blue Diamond sustainability goals
• Works with the VP of Membership and Directors of Membership to ensure internal and external stakeholders receive the appropriate support level to drive a successful partnership
• Trains and develops Member Relations staff ensuring that growers have the knowledge and resources to participate in and support the Climate Smart Initiative
• Works directly with grower-owners to ensure successful participation in the Climate Smart Initiative via in-person meetings, emails, and webinars
• Works with Sustainability Team to assemble and update key collateral and data sets related to Climate Smart activities
• Assists Member Relations and Sustainability teams to collectively reach Climate Smart Initiative project objectives
• Provides excellent customer service to internal and external customers
• Works to accommodate requests for things such as training, projects, and other topics that arise.
• This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's Degree in agriculture, environmental sciences, or a related field
• 2 years of field-level experience in agriculture and program management
• Coursework or other training experiences in agricultural-related degrees, agricultural economics, sustainability, environmental science, strategic planning, project management, or related fields
• Ability to effectively communicate with team members and growers
• Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills
• Investigative and analytical skills required
• Experience and ability to identify strengths and opportunities in current and future company sustainability and Climate Smart Initiative activities
• Experience working on cross-functional teams
• Good organization, communication, analytical, and project management skills.
• Flexible work schedule
• Travel within the Central Valley of California (up to 25% time)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES

• Strong software skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.)
• Detail oriented.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Disciplined work ethic.
• Excellent communication skills (email, phone, person-to-person).
• Ability to multi-task/work with multiple managers.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be able to physically move throughout the facility, including climbing multiple flights of stairs, ladders, elevated catwalks, and tight access areas. Able to sit/work at a desk for extended periods of time doing things such as analytical work or reports, which requires focus while utilizing a computer. Also must travel through the Central Valley for various grower engagement events. Must have a valid Driver's License.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Most work is performed in an office setting. Must be able to travel to various company sites and to meet directly with Grower Members, including periodic overnight travel. Work may require moving through manufacturing sites with exposure to dust, high noise levels, and other conditions typical of industrial settings. Typical conditions may include prolonged sitting, standing, and walking. Must be able to work flexible hours as required.

Education:

Bachelors (Required)

Other Job Details:

Work Shift:

Day

Pay Type:

Salary

Hourly Rate (if applicable):

N/A

Exempt Salary Range (if applicable):

$65,800.00 - $85,600.00

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Blue Diamond Growers (BDG) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. BDG provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, or genetic information. BDG also complies with all provisions of the U.S. Government's Executive Order 11246 dated September 24, 1965 and the rules, regulations and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.