BRF Markets & Grower Outreach Specialist

Position Information

Job Title: Big River Farms Markets & Grower Outreach Specialist

Program/Dept: Big River Farms

Location: Big River Farms, Marine on St. Croix, MN

Manager: Big River Farms Program Manager

This is a full-time exempt position, Mon-Fri, 40 hours per week, with a competitive benefits package. Weekend and evening availability required for this role. The annual salary range is $50,000-$55,000.

Job Summary

The Markets & Grower Outreach Specialist will manage all market relationships, partnership development with other emerging farmers, wholesale markets, and development of new market opportunities. The Markets & Grower Outreach Specialist also oversees the operations of Big River Farms program’s aggregated markets and The Food Group’s internal markets that purchase from local farmers. The Markets & Grower Outreach Specialist will work closely with other staff on bookkeeping and invoicing for farmer payments as well as farmer support and follow-up.

The Big River Farms Markets & Grower Outreach Specialist exists to connect farmers in the Big River Farms’ Grower Training Program with market support and technical assistance. The Specialist provides quality education, mentorship, and technical assistance to farmers in postharvest handling, quality control, food safety and selling to market.

This position reports to the Big River Farms Program Manager.

Core Job Functions

Farmer Education, Mentorship, and Technical Assistance- Approx. 50% of time

• Work 1:1 with farmers in the Farmer Education Program to assist them in developing sustainable market plans to meet their annual sales goals.
• Support farmers in implementing their market plans and accessing various market channels (CSA, farmers markets, wholesale, and alternative markets)
• Work with Farmer Education Program staff to provide technical assistance and education to farmers on post-harvest handling, quality control, packing standards, marketing & branding and account management
• Collaborate with BRF programs team on developing annual class schedule, workshops, and other education opportunities as related to marketing
• Ensure all farm teams are adequately trained and adhere to the BRF food safety plan, including pack shed maintenance.
• Assist new farmers in accessing markets, such as farmers market and wholesale accounts such as The Food Group’s markets
• Work with Farmer Education Program staff to provide on-going support and education to farmers on record keeping to establish good business practices, meet food safety and organic certification requirements
• Collaborate with farmers and the farm team to develop new markets, such as an aggregated farmers market stand, a collective CSA or Farm to School contracts

Market logistics and support – Approx. 40% of time

• Oversee logistics and operations of all aggregated markets developed by The Food Group
• Oversee purchasing and contracts with farmers, farmer communications, marketing, and customer service for internal aggregated markets that are established by the Food Group
• Implement food safety plan in all operations to ensure success in FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) inspection
• Work with farmers to maintain thorough harvest and sales records for Big River Farms organic certification
• Work with BRF Admin coordinator to ensure proper bookkeeping and invoicing for farmers receiving purchase orders, aggregated farmers market income and sales
• Identify and develop external market supports for farmers; communicating opportunities to farmers as needed and as relevant to their individual business plans

Other Administrative & Planning Duties – Approx. 10% of time

• Develop relationships and collaborate with other food hubs, markets, emerging farmers and partners
• Help develop strategic direction and new opportunities for Big River Farms’ aggregated markets
• Assist in updating BRF webpages and promotional materials as needed and as assigned by supervisor
• Assist in the planning and development of Annual Emerging Farmers Conference
• Collect relevant metrics and evaluations for grant reporting
• Attend team meetings, communicate in a timely manner, and support the team in achieving shared goals
• Assist in event planning, program support and other duties as assigned by supervisor

Position Requirements

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Must be able to work effectively with farmers and educational partners who are significantly diverse with respect to age, race, ethnicity, gender orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, and religion
• Must be able to work effectively in an organization that has recognized its own issues related to equity, and is seeking to be more representative of the community
• Be able to discuss with farmers how they like to learn, and provide mentoring and teaching in a way that is best suited to diverse learning styles, backgrounds, and demographics.
• Strong interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication across various cultures.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize responsibilities.
• Basic project management skills preferred
• Basic numeracy & computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google and Excel

Minimum Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent; two-year degree in agriculture or related field preferred
• At least 3 years of work experience in sustainable vegetable production, with experience connecting and selling to markets.
• Experience in QuickBooks preferred
• Understanding of the local food landscape in the Twin Cities.
• Experience learning with and sharing knowledge with colleagues and student farmers.

Working Conditions and Environment

This position is located in a dog-friendly office setting. The building is accessible and smoke-free. Work schedules change daily based on schedules sale sites and other TFG program distribution times. Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds if needed.

Successful candidates must have the ability to drive commercial trucks during all types of weather conditions. Candidates must also be able to work effectively in a mission-driven environment where clients and staff exhibit significant diversity with respect to race, ethnicity, gender orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, and religion.

Organization Overview

The Food Group (TFG) is a local nonprofit focused on advancing healthy food access. Established in 1976, we provide nutritious food and support services to over 240 hunger relief partners and food distribution locations, in addition to training immigrant farmers, farmers of color, and other historically underrepresented farmers in sustainable farming practices.

Our culture and environment can be described as high-trust, cooperative, collaborative, open, and fun. We are a workplace that is full of people who genuinely appreciate each other and work best when tackling big ideas as a team. We value individuals who bring their life experiences to their work, knowing that the ways that they have experienced racial, economic, or gender injustice drive their passion to create change. We are a team of passionate, dedicated people who work alongside each other.

Equity is fundamental to our mission to fight hunger and nourish our community. Where we live, how much money we make, or the color of our skin currently influences access to healthy and culturally-appropriate foods. We must address the roots of these inequities so everyone in our community has the opportunity to live their best life. We believe in working with our community and organizations to improve food access and make systemic changes in hunger relief. To do so, equity is a part of all aspects of our work. We invite individuals from different abilities, ethnicities, genders, races, religions, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds to take part in and shape the work in the community.

People of Color and LGBTQ people are strongly encouraged to apply. The Food Group is an equal opportunity employer.