FARM SCHOOL COORDINATOR

Date: Feb 11, 2025

Req ID: 47156

Location:

Little Rock, AR, US, 72205

Category: DEPT OF AGRICULTURE

Anticipated Starting Salary: $56,039

Position Number: 22177347
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: Open Until Filled
Anticipated Starting Salary: $56,039
Marketing & Communications

Hiring Authority:

#1 Natural Resources Drive

Little Rock, AR 72205

Phone: 501/219-6362

Email: alex.johnston@agriculture.arkansas.gov

As the largest industry in Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The Department is organized into five Divisions: Forestry Division, Livestock and Poultry Division, Natural Resources Division, Plant Industries Division, and Shared Services Division.

Position Information

Class Code: B144C

Grade: GS10

FLSA Status: NON-EXEMPT

Salary Range: $56,039.00 - $89,383.00

Summary

The Farm to School and Early Childhood Program Coordinator is responsible for developing and coordinating the statewide Farm to School program and for providing technical expertise and assistance to local school food authorities, local farmers, and other institutions and Farm to School stakeholders. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency policy.

Functions

The Farm to School Coordinator will coordinate statewide goals and strategic planning for a state Farm to School and Early Childhood program; conduct general outreach and awareness activities regarding farm to school and early childhood in Arkansas; perform duties supporting the procurement of locally grown products for Arkansas farm to school and early childhood programming including facilitating relationships between stakeholders, identification and dissemination of resources, and development of new technical assistance and training materials; act as a main contact for farm to school stakeholders including producers and institutional food service professionals for technical assistance and to help comply with federal, state, and local procurement regulations; develop training materials aiding farm to school stakeholders including producers and institutional food service professionals in the procurement process. The coordinator may supervise administrative staff or interns and will need to travel extensively in state and attend meetings and collaborate closely with the Arkansas Department of Education, other state agencies and support service organizations and practitioners of Arkansas farm to school. Performs other duties as assigned.

Dimensions

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the administration and management of school nutrition programs and the federal and state guidelines governing them. Knowledge of supervisory practices and procedures. Ability to research, collect, organize, and manage data. Ability to supervise a small to medium sized staff. Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of existing program initatives. Ability to plan, prepare, and conduct training and educational programs or events. Ability to interpret and apply federal or state laws and agency policies. Ability to apply problem-solving techniques to determine improvements and outcomes. Ability to communicate effectively through written and oral communcation.

Minimum Qualifications

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in education, business administration, public policy, or a field directly related to the assigned program area; plus three years of experience in the field, including two years in a supervisory capacity.

Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATION REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Licenses

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working in schools, early childhood education facilities, or alternative learning environments.
Experience with grants, contracts, cost principles, and special funding programs.
Experience in grant writing, implementation, monitoring, and fiscal control practices.
Experience with state budgetary and accounting practices and procedures.
Experience preparing, presenting, and reviewing oral and written technical information and reports.
Experience developing and managing a school or community garden.
Experience managing projects and programs.
Experience educating adults and/or children.
Experience planning events and trainings.
Spanish or Marshallese language skills.
Knowledge of USDA Child Nutrition Programs, including procurement regulations.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Experience working directly with farmers, food producers, and distributors to support local food systems.
Familiarity with GAP certification, food safety requirements, and agricultural marketing strategies for institutional sales.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.