Senior Project Specialist

REPORTABILITY:  Director of Science and Research, California Bountiful Foundation

SALARY RANGE:      $80,000 to $100,000 per year

INTRODUCTION: The California Bountiful Foundation (Foundation) is the 501(c)(3) science and research non-profit organization of the California Farm Bureau. Reorganized in April 2002, the Foundation’s goal is to provide science and research services to the farmers, ranchers, and timber producers in California by obtaining scientific data and facts to inform policy decisions. To implement this goal, the Foundation works to collect data, fund research studies at academic institutions, obtain grant funding, and distribute the research widely to relevant stakeholders and communities. Areas of interest to the Foundation include climate-smart agriculture, agricultural technologies to solve on-farm and environmental issues, water and food security, information and knowledge transfer, and environmental and agricultural sustainability through research and education.

SUMMARY: The Senior Project Specialist for the Foundation will lead several initiatives and programs at the California Bountiful Foundation. The primary programs the Senior Project Specialist will be involved with include the Beginning Farmer Mentoring Program and the TREEs (Terrestrial Reserve for Emissions and Exchange) Program. These programs are novel programs within the Foundation that ensure food security, climate resiliency, and the practical application of science and research at the farm level.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: The Senior Project Specialist will utilize a range of science, administrative, and research skills to accomplish the following job functions:

• Implement Foundation projects such as the Beginning Farmer Mentoring Program to support equity, education, and agricultural sustainability in California.
• Act as the administrative lead for Foundation projects.
• Provide technical and scientific assistance for Foundation Projects.
• Support the Foundation's climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts and integrate the efforts into different projects.
• Work closely with California Farm Bureau farmers, ranchers, and timber producers.
• Collaborate with other agricultural institutions and organizations in California and the nation.
• Coordinate with academic institutions and scientists on technical science and research efforts.
• Work closely with State and Federal agencies and their staff.
• Work closely with other divisions within the California Farm Bureau, including the Marketing and Legal divisions.
• Provide technical presentations to scientific and non-scientific audiences on Foundation projects.
• Ideate to create new programs and services for California Farm Bureau members.
• Assist in the development of policy recommendations based on scientific findings.
• Synthesis of research data to inform the general public, including policy members.
• Develop reports and review grant information in implementing the Foundation’s existing and new projects.
• Provide assistance with other science and research activities such as the TREEs Program.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Higher degree (MSc and PhD) educational knowledge in environmental and/or agricultural sciences or similar fields.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Excellent presentation skills to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to write technical reports and publications.
• Ability to review and edit technical documentation.
• Engage in constructive and scientific criticism.
• Ability to multitask.
• Ability to manage work functions and programmatic budgets in a timely and fiduciary manner.
• Knowledge and ability to use computer technologies, including using Microsoft suite, databases, and graphing software.
• Perform field visits to farms and ranches in California.
• Ability to think creatively.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.

California Bountiful Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer