Research Director - Pacific Northwest Organic Center at Cascadian Farm
Rodale Institute
- Rockport, WA
- $88,000-95,000 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
Research
- Develop and execute a research program and conduct on-farm trials at the Center related to Rodale Institute’s Mission and address relevant, current, cutting-edge research topics and questions that will have practical applications for regional farmers, researchers, extension agents and the greater scientific community.
- Build professional relationships to advise, define, and foster the expansion of research priorities in the Pacific Northwest.
- Review scientific literature and publications of peers continually to keep current on research.
- Evaluate trial protocols and indicators in terms of their potential to facilitate the transition of farms and farmers to organic.
- Collect, process and analyze data in a professional manner. Interpret and report results.
- Recruit, train and supervise Regional Resource Center staff to ensure timiely execution and completion of project goals, to include exemplary research planning, execution of experiments, reporting and assessment and publication of project results.
- Work with related department staff members in program monitoring/development creation of publications, and education and outreach activities, and in linking the farmer networks.
- Ensure adequate resources and sufficient technical guidance to achieve project success in keeping with Rodale Institute goals and objectives.
- Facilitate outside collaboration when possible in all aspects of the research.
- Foster a professional, creative, and enjoyable working environment that is sensible and enhances the synergies of the multicultural and diverse staff of the Institute.
- Establish and maintain excellent working relationships with representatives from diverse organizations.
- Communicate regularly with departmental staff at Rodale Institute’s home office.
- Assist in interpreting/disseminating information about our research project work to varied audiences including scientists, farmers, extension, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and the general public.
- Present scientific results from research trials at organic/sustainable agriculture industry conferences, workshops and trade shows.
- Provide informational tours about our research programs to interested visitors as requested.
- Prepare and give invited oral presentations to the scientific community, governmental decision-makers, private environmental groups and farmers on soil health management and assessment and other research topics as requested.
- Develop and assist with the publication of research papers, invited book chapters and interpretive publications to promote the Institute’s Mission.
- Provide farmers, extension agents and compost producers with guidelines in print, web, video, webinar and field day/conference formats.
- Maintain currency with scientific publications on soil health, regenerative and organic agriculture.
- Make our research accessible to farmers and the general public.
- Research, develop and write grant proposals to support projects and to obtain funds for existing and future projects within the existing framework of the department’s mandate in partnership with Rodale Institute grant office.
- Ensure that our commitments to partnerships are completed according to our contracts and agreements.
- Plan, monitor, and oversee specific project budgets and grants expenses.
- Formulate a budget that represents current projects and future objectives. Meet with the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer quarterly to review status of programs and proposals.
- Prepare monthly/quarterly/annual grant reports as required by funding partners.
- Ph.D. in crop science, soil science, agronomy, weed science, horticulture, systems ecology, or other closely related fields.
- 5 years demonstrated success in developing applicable research programs.
- Demonstrated success working in groups and with multi-disciplinary partnerships
- 2+ years’ management experience
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proven strong leadership skills.
- Commitment to organic and regenerative farming practices
- Willingness and ability to travel regionally and nationally.
- Demonstrated success in writing grant proposals for related programs and projects.
- Excellent presentation and interpersonal communication skills, with all audiences.
This position will require periodic travel.OTHER RODALE INSTITUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Be honest, respectful and take ownership of our work and mission.COMPENSATION:
Salary range is $88K - $95K commensurate with experience.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity or handicap.Powered by JazzHR