Call for Applications

Scope of Services

Facilitate a cohort of 10 to 30 participants of the Organic Field Crop Course.

Activities (total 72 hours):

• Schedule and host individual onboarding & goal setting meetings with students (max 30 minutes per student)

• Prep for 6 live zoom sessions; secure guest speakers

• Prepare and execute 6 two-hour live sessions on zoom over a period of 6 to 8 months from the start date of the course; live session dates to be selected in coordination with cohort members

• Monitor student progress through the course

• Review student quiz performance and adapt live

• sessions accordingly

• Communicate regularly with students about course objectives, activities, progress, and share additional resources in response to student requests

• Review and provide individualized feedback on exercises/assignments

• Track student attendance and progress toward course completion

• Review and approve in-person event requirements for each student

• Onboarding for first-time facilitator: LMS training, facilitator handbook review, course material review, etc.

• Attend project check-in meetings, quarterly

Timeline

Standard cohorts begin on a quarterly schedule (February, May, August, November). Special cohorts (e.g. specific groups like extension, or staff of an organization) begin as they are organized.

Each cohort runs for 12 months:

• Month 1

• Onboard participants

• Hold 15-30 minute individual phone calls with each student to assess personal objectives and goals for the course

• Host zoom session 1

• Months 2 through 8 - host zoom sessions 2 through 6. Due to agricultural seasons, some months for some cohorts will not hold a live session.

• Months 7 through 12 - monitor participant progress toward completion requirements including approving student selections of a live event to attend in their locality.

Qualifications

Required

• Demonstrated commitment to advancing organic agriculture

• Expertise in science-based organic grain crop production systems (emphasis on corn, soybean, wheat, oats, rye, and barley)

• Thorough knowledge of NOP Regulations

• Ability to communicate complex information in an engaging way

• Ability to work independently

• Proficiency with the following technical platforms: Zoom, Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, Google Suite including Docs, Sheet, Gmail, and Calendar

Preferred

• Experience leading workshops/webinars/field days for agriculture-based education

• Experience facilitating distance-learning agriculture-based education such as webinars

• Experience with educational program implementation

• Relationships with content area experts and industry members within OATS service region

• Hold Certified Crop Advisor qualification

Specifications

• 12-month contract with most work completed in the first 6-8 months

• Estimated time commitment 72 hours total

• Compensation paid on monthly or quarterly schedule depending on facilitator preference

• Contractor to provide own office space, computer, phone, internet, and office supplies

• Legal status to work in the U.S.